title: The biomolecular and ultrastructural basis of epidermolysis bullosa.
abstract: Transmission electron microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy, immunofluorescence and antigenic mapping have improved our understanding of the dermo-epidermal junction. We have reviewed some ultrastructural and biomolecular aspects related to the dermo-epidermal junction. In part, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of a group of hereditary disorders characterized by skin fragility, collectively known as epidermolysis bullosa (EB). These disorders could benefit in the near future from a gene therapy approach but at present genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and conservative treatment measures offer little real benefit to patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dermatology Department, Nicoara Moise 6, 300314 Timisoara, Romania.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Solovan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciolan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Olariu
mesh_terms: D004820:Epidermolysis Bullosa / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology