Building Models for Keratin Disorders

Palmoplantar keratoderma is a hallmark of pachyonychia congenita (PC) and focal non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (FNEPPK). By generating keratin 16 (Krt16)–deficient mice, Lessard and Coulombe, as described in this issue, have generated a mouse model to replicate these palmoplantar lesions. Studies using this model may provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation of palmoplantar lesions in PC and FNEPPK patients