Researchers led by George Sen, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, have identified the master regulator controlling the expression of genes regulating how the epidermis attaches to the underlying dermis to form skin. Their paper, published Sept. 20 in PLOS Biology, could represent a first step toward curing the debilitating skin disease epidermolysis bullosa, which is characterized by large and severe blistering.