Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is a major form of epidermolysis bullosa, a group of genetic conditions that cause the skin to be very fragile and to blister easily. Blisters and areas of skin loss (erosions) form in response to minor injury or friction, such as rubbing or scratching. Researchers classify junctional epidermolysis bullosa into two main types: JEB generalized severe (formerly known as Herlitz JEB) and JEB generalized intermediate (formerly known as non-Herlitz JEB). Although the types differ in severity, their features overlap significantly, and they can be caused by mutations in the same genes.

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa most commonly results from mutations in the LAMA3, LAMB3, LAMC2, and COL17A1 genes. Mutations in each of these genes can cause JEB generalized severe or JEB generalized intermediate. LAMB3 gene mutations are the most common, causing about 70 percent of all cases of junctional epidermolysis bullosa.

Both types of junctional epidermolysis bullosa are rare, together affecting approximately 3 per million people per year in the United States.

Both types of junctional epidermolysis bullosa are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. Rarely, people with one mutated copy of the COL17A1, LAMA3, or LAMB3 gene have irregular tooth enamel.

Published Date: April 01, 2020
Published By: National Institutes of Health