p63 in corneal and epidermal differentiation.

The transcription factor p63, belonging to the p53 family, is considered the master regulator of epidermal differentiation, skin, and in general of the differentiation of ectodermal tissues. Mutations in TP63 gene cause several rare ectodermal dysplasia disorders that refers to epidermal structural abnormalities and ocular surface disease, such as Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia Clefting (EEC) syndrome. In this review, we discuss the key roles of p63 in keratinocytes and corneal epithelial differentiation, highlighting the function of the ΔNp63α isoform in driving limbal stem cell and epithelial stem cells commitment. We have summarized the specific ocular phenotypes observed in the TP63-mutation derived EEC syndrome, discussing the current and novel therapeutic strategies for the management of the ocular manifestations in EEC syndrome.

Methods for the Administration of EDAR Pathway Modulators in Mice.

Genetic deficiency of ectodysplasin A (EDA) causes X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a congenital condition characterized by the absence or abnormal formation of sweat glands, teeth, and several skin appendages. Stimulation of the EDA receptor (EDAR) with agonists in the form of recombinant EDA or anti-EDAR antibodies can compensate for the absence of Eda in a mouse model of Eda deficiency, provided that agonists are administered in a timely manner during fetal development. Here we provide detailed protocols for the administration of EDAR agonists or antagonists, or other proteins, by the intravenous, intraperitoneal, and intra-amniotic routes as well as protocols to collect blood, to visualize sweat gland function, and to prepare skulls in mice.

Topical ropivacaine for analgesia of aplasia cutis congenita in newborns with hereditary epidermolysis bullosa.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) in patients with hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is often associated with major pain. We report our experience with using topical ropivacaine during dressing in newborns with ACC. Eight full-term newborns with EB and ACC were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit for severe pain during dressing despite the use of paracetamol, opioids (n = 8) or ketamine (n = 7). Topical xylocaine was poorly tolerated and not effective. Ropivacaine 2 mg/ml was used directly in contact with the ACC, with a maximum 1 mg/kg/day, which enabled care without the child crying. No immediate or late systemic toxicity was observed. Topical ropivacaine 0.2% appears to be an interesting topical analgesic, with good clinical tolerance and rapid action, in newborns with ACC and EB. These data need to be confirmed in a prospective study including pharmacokinetics evaluations.

A potent antagonist antibody targeting connexin hemichannels alleviates Clouston syndrome symptoms in mutant mice.

BACKGROUND: Numerous currently incurable human diseases have been causally linked to mutations in connexin (Cx) genes. In several instances, pathological mutations generate abnormally active Cx hemichannels, referred to also as "leaky" hemichannels. The goal of this study was to assay the in vivo efficacy of a potent antagonist antibody targeting Cx hemichannels. METHODS: We employed the antibody to treat Cx30A88V/A88V adult mutant mice, the only available animal model of Clouston syndrome, a rare orphan disease caused by Cx30 p.A88V leaky hemichannels. To gain mechanistic insight into antibody action, we also performed patch clamp recordings, Ca2+ imaging and ATP release assay in vitro. FINDINGS: Two weeks of antibody treatment sufficed to repress cell hyperproliferation in skin and reduce hypertrophic sebaceous glands (SGs) to wild type (wt) levels. These effects were obtained whether mutant mice were treated topically, by application of an antibody cream formulation, or systemically, by intraperitoneal antibody injection. Experiments with mouse primary keratinocytes and HaCaT cells revealed the antibody blocked Ca2+ influx and diminished ATP release through leaky Cx30 p.A88V hemichannels. INTERPRETATION: Our results show anti-Cx antibody treatment was effective in vivo and sufficient to counteract the effects of pathological connexin expression in Cx30A88V/A88V mice. In vitro experiments suggest antibodies gained control over leaky hemichannels and contributed to restoring epidermal homeostasis. Therefore, regulating cell physiology by antibodies targeting the extracellular domain of Cxs may enforce an entirely new therapeutic strategy. These findings support the further development of antibodies as drugs to address unmet medical needs for Cx-related diseases. FUND: Fondazione Telethon, GGP19148; University of Padova, SID/BIRD187130; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, DSB.AD008.370.003\TERABIO-IBCN; National Science Foundation of China, 31770776; Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, 16DZ1910200.

Improvement of epidermal covering on AEC patients with severe skin erosions by PRIMA-1MET/APR-246.

P63 is a major transcription factor regulating skin development and homeostasis. It controls many genes involved in cell proliferation, adhesion, and early differentiation. P63 is mutated in several rare syndromes called p63-related ectodermal dysplasia syndromes (ED). The main forms are EEC and AEC syndromes due to p63 missense mutations on the DBD and SAM domains, respectively. ED patients display many developmental defects, including ectrodactyly, clef/lip palate, and ectodermal dysplasia, while AEC patients suffer from severe skin erosions that not always heal. We have previously showed that ED-derived iPSC display altered epidermal commitment. P63 belongs to the p53 gene family sharing similar structural domains. We found that ED-iPSC epidermal commitment can be rescued by a p53-reactivating compounds called PRIMA-1MET, also named APR-246 and currently used in anticancer clinical trials. Here, we established primary epidermal culture from two AEC children (S.F. and Y.M.) suffering from persistent skin erosions at age of 9 and 15, respectively. These patients carry missense mutations on the SAM domain (I576T and I537T). We found that primary keratinocytes (KCs) isolated from these AEC patients underwent altered epidermal differentiation that was rescued by PRIMA-1MET treatment. It prompted us to formulate the compound onto a cream that was topically applied on the right hand of one patient and on the scalp of the second patient. In both cases, the daily treatment allowed re-epithelialization of the eroded skin and a drastic loss of pain after few weeks, improving quality of life. Normally, mutant p63 exerts a dominant-negative effect, mainly through the formation of aggregate with WT p63 and p73. PRIMA-1MET did not reduce protein aggregation while enhancing cell differentiation, suggesting that PRIMA-1MET targets cell differentiation and not p63 activity directly. In conclusion, we propose that repurposing of the antitumoral PRIMA-1MET compound could become a general treatment of AEC skin erosions.

Displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica autosómica dominante asociada a hipoparatiroidismo / Autosomal dominant hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia associated to hypoparathyroidism

RESUMEN Las displasias ectodérmicas constituyen alteraciones de los derivados embriológicos del ectodermo. Paciente adulta, con hipoparatiroidismo, llamó la atención por su fenotipo y fue remitida de la consulta de Neurología a la consulta Genética. Se diagnosticó una displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica, de origen genético con herencia autosómica dominante, poco común para esta entidad. Se presenta este caso con el objetivo de describir las manifestaciones clínicas de esta alteración genética, las cuales nunca fueron objeto de interés médico resultando inadvertidas para su estudio y diagnóstico. Esta alteración se asocia a una condición patológica como el hipoparatiroidismo, en la literatura revisada no se encontraron reportes de la misma. La evaluación clínica de la paciente permitió hacer el diagnóstico y explicar muchos de los problemas para los cuales no existían respuestas, así como ofrecer un asesoramiento genético adecuado para ella y para sus familiares con riesgo de padecer una condición genética similar (AU).

ABSTRACT Ectodermic dysplasias are alterations of the ectoderm embryologic derivatives. This is a case of an adult female patient with hypoparathyroidism, drawing attention due to her phenotype; she was remitted by the consultation of Neurology to the Genetic one. She was diagnosed a hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, of genetic origin with autosomal dominant inheritance, what is very rare for this entity. The case is presented with the aim of describing the clinical manifestation of this genetic alteration that never drew medical interest and nobody diagnosed or studied. It is associated to a pathologic condition like hypothyroidism and was not reported in medical literature before. The clinical evaluation of the patient allowed arriving to the diagnostic and explaining many problems that were unexplained, and also offering the adequate genetic advice to her and her relatives likewise at risk of suffering a similar genetic condition (AU).

Displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica autosómica dominante asociada a hipoparatiroidismo / Autosomal dominant hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia associated to hypoparathyroidism

RESUMEN Las displasias ectodérmicas constituyen alteraciones de los derivados embriológicos del ectodermo. Paciente adulta, con hipoparatiroidismo, llamó la atención por su fenotipo y fue remitida de la consulta de Neurología a la consulta Genética. Se diagnosticó una displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica, de origen genético con herencia autosómica dominante, poco común para esta entidad. Se presenta este caso con el objetivo de describir las manifestaciones clínicas de esta alteración genética, las cuales nunca fueron objeto de interés médico resultando inadvertidas para su estudio y diagnóstico. Esta alteración se asocia a una condición patológica como el hipoparatiroidismo, en la literatura revisada no se encontraron reportes de la misma. La evaluación clínica de la paciente permitió hacer el diagnóstico y explicar muchos de los problemas para los cuales no existían respuestas, así como ofrecer un asesoramiento genético adecuado para ella y para sus familiares con riesgo de padecer una condición genética similar.

ABSTRACT Ectodermic dysplasias are alterations of the ectoderm embryologic derivatives. This is a case of an adult female patient with hypoparathyroidism, drawing attention due to her phenotype; she was remitted by the consultation of Neurology to the Genetic one. She was diagnosed a hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, of genetic origin with autosomal dominant inheritance, what is very rare for this entity. The case is presented with the aim of describing the clinical manifestation of this genetic alteration that never drew medical interest and nobody diagnosed or studied. It is associated to a pathologic condition like hypothyroidism and was not reported in medical literature before. The clinical evaluation of the patient allowed arriving to the diagnostic and explaining many problems that were unexplained, and also offering the adequate genetic advice to her and her relatives likewise at risk of suffering a similar genetic condition.

Topical Leptospermum Honey in the Management of Aplasia Cutis Congenita in Neonates: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is an uncommon, heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by focal or widespread absence of skin from certain parts of the body. Complications range from 20% to 50%; they are potentially life-threatening. There is no consensus on best treatment of ACC. We report on successful closure of aplasia cutis lesions using topical active Leptospermum honey (ALH). CASES: This article describes a case of a full-term neonate with a large ACC lesion. A conservative approach was taken in the care of this lesion, in accordance with appropriate wound care principles and the care of this medically fragile neonate. This included applying topical ALH twice a day and covering defects with a secure dressing. All lesions progressed to complete closure. Time to closure was either similar or shorter than published data. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with these cases suggests that topical ALH may be an effective natural treatment option for neonates with ACC. This conservative management led to wound closure without topical or systemic antibiotics or prolonged hospital stay.

Endocrine abnormalities in cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome: a case of precocious puberty, hyperprolactinemia and diabetes insipidus.

A 7-year-8-month-old boy with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome caused by the D638E mutation of the B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) presented with new-onset seizures. He was incidentally found to have advanced Tanner staging on physical examination. Hormonal testing revealed pubertal levels of gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones. On brain imaging, a lack of visualisation of the posterior pituitary bright spot was observed, in addition to mild thinning of the corpus callosum and the lateral gyri of the cerebellar hemispheres. A diagnosis of idiopathic central precocious puberty was made and the patient was started on leuprolide depot treatment. Pituitary hormone testing revealed hyperprolactinemia for which the patient did not receive treatment as he was asymptomatic. During a subsequent hospital admission for seizures, the patient was diagnosed with transient central diabetes insipidus for which he required treatment with a desmopressin infusion.

Dermatological manifestations in cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome: a prospective multicentric study of 45 mutation-positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Data on dermatological manifestations of cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFCS) remain heterogeneous and almost without expert dermatological classification. OBJECTIVES: To describe the dermatological manifestations of CFCS; to compare them with the literature findings; to assess those discriminating CFCS from other RASopathies, including Noonan syndrome (NS) and Costello syndrome (CS); and to test for dermatological phenotype-genotype correlations. METHODS: We performed a 4-year, large, prospective, multicentric, collaborative dermatological and genetic study. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were enrolled. Hair abnormalities were ubiquitous, including scarcity or absence of eyebrows and wavy or curly hair in 73% and 69% of patients, respectively. Keratosis pilaris (KP), ulerythema ophryogenes (UO), palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (PPHK) and multiple melanocytic naevi (MMN; over 50 naevi) were noted in 82%, 44%, 27% and 29% of patients, respectively. Scarcity or absence of eyebrows, association of UO and PPHK, diffuse KP and MMN best differentiated CFCS from NS and CS. Oral acitretin may be highly beneficial for therapeutic management of PPHK, whereas treatment of UO by topical sirolimus 1% failed. No significant dermatological phenotype-genotype correlation was determined. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough knowledge of CFCS skin manifestations would help in making a positive diagnosis and differentiating CFCS from CS and NS.

Topical sucralfate cream treatment for aplasia cutis congenita with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a case study.

Bart syndrome consists of aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) and dominant or recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), associated with skin fragility and nail dysplasia. ACC in DEB is thought to be caused by trauma, the most cited cause being in utero formation of bullae consequent to friction of the limbs. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) refers to a hereditary mechanobullous disease following trauma, characterised by formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. There are four categories of the disease, including epidermolysis bullosa simplex, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and Kindler syndrome. Infection, sepsis and death may occur as a consequence of generalised blistering with complication. We present the case of a newborn diagnosed with DEB and whose lesions became almost fully epithelialised after treatment with 10% topical sucralfate.

Bart's syndrome in a family affected three consecutive generations with mutation c.6007G>A in COL7A1.

Bart's syndrome (BS), characterized by aplasia cutis congenita (ACC, also called congenital localized absence of skin) and epidermolysis bullosa (EB), is diagnosed clinically based on the disorder's unique signs and symptoms. We report the case of a family, three members of which presented with ACC at birth and one had blisters on the mucous membranes. The patient was treated conservatively with topical antibacterial ointment and wet gauze dressing. Periodic follow up showed complete healing with minimal scarring. Whole-exome sequencing confirmed a heterozygous mutation (rs121912832, c.6007G>A, p.G2003R) within exon 73 of COL7A1, which was confirmed by the only two genetic studies available, is suggested to be the molecular basis for the family's disorder. As a consequence, we suggest that c.6007G>A within exon 73 of COL7A1 could be a specific mutation for BS in antenatal screening. It is of great value to extend the genetic test among affected families and uncover the mechanism behind this unique syndrome.

Conservative Treatment of Large Aplasia Cutis Congenita of the Scalp With Bone Defect With Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Application.

The object of this report is to share our experience of conservative management of giant aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) of the scalp with the topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Complete epithelialization of the 9 × 8 cm sized defect was achieved in 33 weeks. Careful conservative management could eliminate the requirement of surgery for giant ACC defects of the scalp with bone defects and should be tried if surgery is thought to be risky or has consecutive morbidity. Topical bFGF application seems to accelerate healing, also providing a better epithelium for later reconstructive treatments and its usage could be standardized in the future.

Topical cetirizine and oral vitamin D: a valid treatment for hypotrichosis caused by ectodermal dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Ectodermal dysplasia is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by abnormal development of two or more of the following ectodermal-derived structures: hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands. The hair is the most frequently affected structure. Hair shaft abnormalities are of great concern to these patients, but no effective treatments are available. METHODS: We describe three girls with congenital hypotrichosis (9, 5 and 6 years old) caused by ectodermal dysplasia treated with topical cetirizine solution (2 mL. once daily) and oral vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU daily). RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment, the density of hair on the scalp increased in all patients. The vellus hair was replaced by terminal hair. Hair regrowth was evaluated both from the clinical and trichoscopic point of view. CONCLUSION: We propose a combination of topical cetirizine and oral vitamin D as a rational treatment of choice in congenital hypotrichosis caused by ectodermal dysplasia.

Aplasia cutis congénita: tratamiento con apósitos de quitosano / Aplasia cutis congenita: treatment with dressings chitosan

La aplasia cutis congénita es una patología poco común y localizada, que se caracteriza por la ausencia total o parcial de las capas cutáneas y en la mayoría de los casos se cura espontáneamente. Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido a término, de sexo masculino que al momento de nacimiento presenta una lesión erosiva que abarca rodilla, pierna, tobillo y dorso de pie izquierdos. La superficie de la lesión es roja, brillante y está cubierta por una fina membrana traslúcida, que permite la visualización de estructuras vasculares. Por los antecedentes y la clínica se llega al diagnóstico de aplasia cutis congénita. Se decide realizar tratamiento utilizando apósitos oclusivos con Quitosano (Biopiel ®). A la semana de iniciadas las curaciones, es evidente el avance de la cicatrización, la cual alcanza a ser completa al mes y medio de vida. Actualmente el paciente tiene 6 años de vida y no presenta nuevas lesiones, solo muestra secuelas pigmentarias con tendencia a la resolución. La aplasia cutis congénita suele presentarse sola o como parte de un grupo heterogéneo de síndromes. Su incidencia es de 1 a 3 por 10.000 nacimientos. La mayoría de los casos son esporádicos y la etiología aun es desconocida. El 85% de los casos se presentan en el cuero cabelludo, a nivel del vértex, sin embargo, se puede localizar en tronco o extremidades. El diagnóstico de aplasia cutis congénita es fundamentalmente clínico, ya que la histopatología es poco específica. El tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos es conservador. La importancia de presentar este caso clínico es para destacar que un correcto diagnóstico de Aplasia cutis congénita, permite realizar un tratamiento conservador, que en este caso tuvo un resultado muy favorable, tanto en la funcionalidad como en la apariencia estética del miembro afectado, evitando someter al neonato a riesgos mayores.

Aplasia Cutis Congénita is an uncommon and localized disorder, whose main future is the partial o complete absence of the cutaneous layer and on most cases heals spontaneously. We report a case of a male newborn, that presents at birth an erosive lesion that involves left knee, leg, ankle an back of the left foot. The surface of the erosive lesion is red, shiny and covered by a thin translucent membrane, which allows visualization of vascular structures. The clinical diagnosis was aplasia cutis congenita. Treatment with Chitosan ( Biopiel ®) oclusive dressings is started.The progress of the healing process is evident in the first week of treatment and is complete to month and a half of life. Currently the patient is 6 years old and he presents only hypopigmentation an hyperpigmentation but absence of new erosive injuries. Aplasia cutis congenita is an anomaly that can be present isolated or as a part of a syndromic condition. Most cases are sporadic and the etiology remains unknown. The incidenece is about 1:3 / 100.000. 85% of the cases are localizated on the scalp nevertheless ACC can be present on the trunk or extremities. The diagnosis of ACC is basically clinical, since the histopathological findings are non-especific. The management is mainly conservative. The purpose of presenting these case is for highlighting the importance to make a correct diagnosis for achive a favorable result both aesthetic and funcional through a conservative treatment.

Interferon-gamma reduces the proliferation of M. tuberculosis within macrophages from a patient with a novel hypomorphic NEMO mutation.

X-linked ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (XL-EDA-ID) is caused by mutations in the nuclear factor-kappa B essential modulator (NEMO) gene. Here, we report the clinical and genetic features of a XL-EDA-ID patient who developed bacillus Calmette-Guérin infection. Patient lymphocytes failed to degrade IκB-α, and sequencing of NEMO identified the novel mutation c.1238A>C/p.H413P. Furthermore, patient monocyte-derived macrophages ingested Mycobacterium tuberculosis normally, but failed to control the intracellular proliferation of bacilli, a defect which was improved in the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This work expands the genetic spectrum of XL-EDA-ID and demonstrates improvement in macrophage function in a NEMO-deficient patient by IFN-γ.

High-Potency Topical Steroids: An Effective Therapy for Chronic Scalp Inflammation in Rapp-Hodgkin Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Chronic erosive pustular dermatitis with a predilection for the scalp is a hallmark of ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) caused by mutations in TP63, including Rapp-Hodgkin and Hay-Wells EDs. It is among the most troublesome and symptomatic complications and is typically refractory to classic wound care approaches. We report two cases of Rapp-Hodgkin ED with refractory scalp erosions that markedly improved with the use of potent topical steroids. We also note marked similarities between this scalp inflammation and "erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp," a condition more typically found in elderly individuals with severe scalp sun damage, and speculate about possible shared pathogenetic mechanisms.