Ba. Dale et E. Kam, HARLEQUIN ICHTHYOSIS - VARIABILITY IN EXPRESSION AND HYPOTHESIS FOR DISEASE MECHANISM, Archives of dermatology, 129(11), 1993, pp. 1471-1477
Background: Harlequin ichthyosis is an inherited skin disorder that us
ually results in death shortly after birth. Although the clinical feat
ures of this disorder are well described, the underlying molecular bas
is is not understood. in this article, we discuss the results of the l
atest histologic, immunochemical, and Western immunoblotting studies d
one in our laboratory and propose a hypothesis for molecular basis of
this disorder. Observations: Previous experiments done in our laborato
ry show suggestive evidence for defective lipid synthesis and protein
dephosphorylation in harlequin ichthyosis. Our latest study shows that
the catalytic subunit of one of the most prevalent protein phosphatas
e, type 2A protein phosphatase, appears to be altered in some cases of
type 2 harlequin ichthyosis. Conclusions: Based on these observations
and the known functions of protein phosphatase in keratinocytes, we h
ypothesize that the underlying molecular basis of harlequin ichthyosis
may be related to mutations affecting protein dephosphorylation. We f
urther describe approaches by which this hypothesis can be tested.