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Which disease is an inherited blistering disease that can occur in patients with genetic alterations in any one of a number of hemidesmosomal proteins, including the a6 or b4 subunit, collagen VII or laminin5?

User Joe Sloan
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Final answer:

Epidermolysis Bullosa is the inherited blistering disease caused by genetic alterations in hemidesmosomal proteins, including the a6 or b4 subunit, collagen VII, or laminin5, and is characterized by fragile skin that blisters and tears easily.

Step-by-step explanation:

The inherited blistering disease mentioned in the question, which is associated with genetic alterations in hemidesmosomal proteins such as the a6 or b4 subunit, collagen VII, or laminin5, is known as Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is a group of genetic conditions that result in fragile skin and mucous membranes that blister and tear from minor friction or trauma.

Epidermolysis Bullosa is not to be confused with other collagen-related genetic diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which involves a deficiency in type-III collagen, or Osteogenesis Imperfecta, characterized by brittle bones due to faulty collagen production. Nor is it the same as the autoimmune disorder called systemic lupus erythematosus, which involves a chronic and systemic inflammatory response.

User Jing Zhao
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