Thus, it was extremely interesting to note that in spite of the fact that Inv-Cldn6-CΔ196 mice achieve a normal-appearing epidermis by one-month of age (by morphology and biochemical markers), with aging they have a high propensity for epidermal injury and a diminished ability to repair lesions, leading eventually to severe dermatitis with associated changes in skin barrier function. The gene discussed is CLDN6; the disease is skin disorder.