BG06 Beyond keratin: when simplex is not so simple
Authors: Salimi Maryam , Al-Kutubi Huda , Harper Natasha , Bardhan Ajoy , Heagerty Adrian 
Published: June 2023

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a heterogeneous, congenital, mucocutaneous fragility syndrome, characterized ultrastructurally by cleavage within the basal keratinocyte. Seventy-five per cent of cases are attributable to mutations in KRT5 and KRT14, the vast majority of which are dominant negative mutations, resulting in impaired keratin intermediate filament dynamics within the basal layer of the epidermis. The presenting phenotype, including extracutaneous manifestations and overall severity, is often closely linked to the underlying genetic mutation; however, genotype–­phenotype correlation is poorly resolved in a minority of cases, and there is an approximately additional 15% of patients in whom genetic abnormalities are not identified. However, recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have expanded the mutational database. We describe two cases of EBS with rare underlying mutations and distinct clinical phenotypes. A 46-year-old man presented with widespread blistering primarily affecting his hands, feet, elbows and knees since childhood. He had unaffected, consanguineous parents and one of his three siblings was affected. Other presenting features included dystrophic nails, focal plantar keratoderma, truncal mottled pigmentation and large areas of hypopigmentation on the back. We considered a diagnosis of ‘EBS with mottled pigmentation’, but the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and dystrophic nails were atypical. DNA whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bidirectional Sanger sequencing revealed a novel homozygous PLEC mutation [c.94dupG p.(Ala32GlyfsTer3)]. Pathogenic PLEC variants are known to cause autosomal dominant EBS, the Ogna type (MIM131950), autosomal recessive EBS with muscular dystrophy (MIM226670) and autosomal recessive EBS with pyloric atresia (MIM612138). To date, our patient has not manifested any signs of progressive muscle weakness, but the presenting age can vary. The second patient was a 30-year-old woman who presented with blistering on her flexures, feet, hands and friction sites since the age of 4 months. She had unaffected, consanguineous parents and eight unaffected siblings. WES and confirmatory bidirectional Sanger sequencing identified a homozygous nonsense mutation in DST [c.3370C&gt;T p.(Gln1124Ter)]. DST encodes the epithelial isoform of bullous pemphigoid antigen-1, present in the skin, muscle and neuronal tissues. Only 11 patients with DST mutation-induced EBS have been reported to date. The cutaneous phenotype is reported to be blisters, postinflammatory dyspigmentation, scarring, nail dystrophy, keratoderma and hyperhidrosis. If the affected exon is present in neuronal isoforms and neuronal tissue, neurological symptoms are expected. Unlike the patient reported elsewhere who harbours exactly the same mutation, our patient has reported no neurological issues to date. These cases highlight the importance of unravelling genotype–phenotype correlation in rare autosomal recessive forms of EBS, with possible implications for future prognosis and management.