These differences suggest that unlike the Krt12 null mouse, our KRT12 Leu132Pro mouse appears to represent a highly relevant model in which to study the pathogenesis of epithelial corneal dystrophy caused by mutations in KRT12. However, despite the similarities in phenotype observed in heterozygous MECD patients and homozygous Krt12hL132P/hL132P mice, some differences should be noted. This evidence concerns the gene KRT12 and Meesmann corneal dystrophy.