Disease model: heritable skin blistering

Hereditary skin blistering disorders comprise a group of genodermatoses who se common primary feature is the formation of blisters following minor trau ma. Examples of such conditions include epidermolysis bullosa and several b ullous forms of ichthyosis. Distinct mutations in various genes encoding in tra- and extra-cellular structural components of the skin reflect the clini cal heterogeneity of these disorders. Several animal models are currently u sed to study the role of these molecules in the disease process. Some of th ese models will find their place in evaluating new therapeutic strategies f or this devastating group of diseases.