MicroRNA‐145‐5p regulates fibrotic features of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa skin fibroblasts

Abstract

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, a cutaneous basement membrane component essential for epidermal–dermal adhesion. Hallmarks of the disease are unremitting blistering and chronic wounds with severe inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression also implicated in fibrotic processes. However, the role of miRNAs in RDEB fibrosis is almost unexplored.