This invention discloses a method of inducing expression of full-length collagen 7 in cells that contain nonsense mutations in the gene by treating the cell with an aminoglycoside such as G418, gentamicin, and paromomycin. Also provided is a method of treating DEB due to nonsense mutation in the gene by administering a composition containing an effective amount of an aminoglycoside. Also provided is a novel composition useful to treating conditions due to nonsense mutation in the gene, containing an aminoglycoside, a C7, a min-C7 or both； and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
