Biomechanical Properties of the Skin in Cutis Laxa

Cutis laxa (CL) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by loose, redundant, inelastic or prematurely wrinkled skin (Berk et al., 2012; Uitto et al., 2013). Several inherited forms of CL have been identified (Urban and Davis, 2013), with 9 causative genes known to date (ALDH18A1, ATP6V0A2, ATP7A, EFEMP2/FBLN4, ELN, FBLN5, LTBP4, PYCR1, RIN2). A shared feature of all types of inherited CL is a reduced or abnormal deposition of elastic fibers in the skin and other tissues (Berk et al., 2012). The consequences of this disorder for the biomechanics of the skin has received little attention (Grahame and Beighton, 1971). Such studies are essential for a fundamental understanding of the contribution of elastic fibers to the mechanical properties of the skin, and for an improved, objective diagnosis of cutis laxa.