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Zhao T, Wang L, Chen F. Potassium channel-related epilepsy: Pathogenesis and clinical features. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:891-905. [PMID: 38560778 PMCID: PMC11145612 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Variants in potassium channel-related genes are one of the most important mechanisms underlying abnormal neuronal excitation and disturbances in the cellular resting membrane potential. These variants can cause different forms of epilepsy, which can seriously affect the physical and mental health of patients, especially those with refractory epilepsy or status epilepticus, which are common among pediatric patients and are potentially life-threatening. Variants in potassium ion channel-related genes have been reported in few studies; however, to our knowledge, no systematic review has been published. This study aimed to summarize the epilepsy phenotypes, functional studies, and pharmacological advances associated with different potassium channel gene variants to assist clinical practitioners and drug development teams to develop evidence-based medicine and guide research strategies. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature on potassium channel-related epilepsy reported in the past 5-10 years. Various common potassium ion channel gene variants can lead to heterogeneous epilepsy phenotypes, and functional effects can result from gene deletions and compound effects. Administration of select anti-seizure medications is the primary treatment for this type of epilepsy. Most patients are refractory to anti-seizure medications, and some novel anti-seizure medications have been found to improve seizures. Use of targeted drugs to correct aberrant channel function based on the type of potassium channel gene variant can be used as an evidence-based pathway to achieve precise and individualized treatment for children with epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: In this article, the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of epilepsy caused by different types of potassium channel gene variants are reviewed in the light of the latest research literature at home and abroad, with the expectation of providing a certain theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of children with this type of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhao
- Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Le Wang
- Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Fang Chen
- Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiChina
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Cui F, Wulan T, Zhang Q, Zhang VW, Jiang Y. Identification of a novel KCNT2 variant in a family with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: a case report and literature review. Front Genet 2024; 15:1371282. [PMID: 38510274 PMCID: PMC10951377 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1371282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases characterized mainly by developmental delay/intellectual disability and early-onset epilepsy. Researchers have identified variations in the KCNT2 gene (OMIM* 610044) as the cause of DEE type 57 (MIM# 617771). Case presentation: We report in this study a 46-year-old woman who presented with early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, hypertrichosis, coarse facial features, and short stature. Besides, there were four other affected individuals in her family history, including two elder brothers, a younger brother, and their mother. We collected blood samples from the proband, her two affected brothers, and her clinically normal daughter for genetic analysis. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant in the KCNT2 gene (NM_198503: c.188G>A, p.Arg63His) in the proband and her two affected brothers, while her daughter did not carry this variant. Furthermore, we reviewed all 25 patients identified in the literature with KCNT2 variants and compared their phenotypes. Conclusion: Epilepsy and intellectual disability/developmental delay occur in almost all patients with KCNT2 variants. KCNT2-relevant DEEs partially overlap with the clinical phenotypes of KATP channel diseases, particularly in hypertrichosis and distinctive coarse facial features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengji Cui
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Tuoya Wulan
- Department of Reproduction, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | | | | | - Yuhua Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Chifeng Maternity Hospital, Chifeng, China
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Khan R, Chaturvedi P, Sahu P, Ludhiadch A, Singh P, Singh G, Munshi A. Role of Potassium Ion Channels in Epilepsy: Focus on Current Therapeutic Strategies. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:67-87. [PMID: 36578258 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666221227112621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is one of the prevalent neurological disorders characterized by disrupted synchronization between inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Disturbed membrane potential due to abnormal regulation of neurotransmitters and ion transport across the neural cell membrane significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Potassium ion channels (KCN) regulate the resting membrane potential and are involved in neuronal excitability. Genetic alterations in the potassium ion channels (KCN) have been reported to result in the enhancement of the release of neurotransmitters, the excitability of neurons, and abnormal rapid firing rate, which lead to epileptic phenotypes, making these ion channels a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy. The aim of this study is to explore the variations reported in different classes of potassium ion channels (KCN) in epilepsy patients, their functional evaluation, and therapeutic strategies to treat epilepsy targeting KCN. METHODOLOGY A review of all the relevant literature was carried out to compile this article. RESULTS A large number of variations have been reported in different genes encoding various classes of KCN. These genetic alterations in KCN have been shown to be responsible for disrupted firing properties of neurons. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the main therapeutic strategy to treat epilepsy. Some patients do not respond favorably to the AEDs treatment, resulting in pharmacoresistant epilepsy. CONCLUSION Further to address the challenges faced in treating epilepsy, recent approaches like optogenetics, chemogenetics, and genome editing, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are emerging as target-specific therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Khan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Pragya Chaturvedi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Prachi Sahu
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Abhilash Ludhiadch
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Paramdeep Singh
- Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, 151001 India
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
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Borowicz-Reutt K, Czernia J, Krawczyk M. Genetic Background of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16280. [PMID: 38003469 PMCID: PMC10671416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced identification of the gene mutations causing epilepsy syndromes is expected to translate into faster diagnosis and more effective treatment of these conditions. Over the last 5 years, approximately 40 clinical trials on the treatment of genetic epilepsies have been conducted. As a result, some medications that are not regular antiseizure drugs (e.g., soticlestat, fenfluramine, or ganaxolone) have been introduced to the treatment of drug-resistant seizures in Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut, maternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13.1 duplication (Dup 15q) syndromes, and protocadherin 19 (PCDH 19)-clusterig epilepsy. And although the effects of soticlestat, fenfluramine, and ganaxolone are described as promising, they do not significantly affect the course of the mentioned epilepsy syndromes. Importantly, each of these syndromes is related to mutations in several genes. On the other hand, several mutations can occur within one gene, and different gene variants may be manifested in different disease phenotypes. This complex pattern of inheritance contributes to rather poor genotype-phenotype correlations. Hence, the detection of a specific mutation is not synonymous with a precise diagnosis of a specific syndrome. Bearing in mind that seizures develop as a consequence of the predominance of excitatory over inhibitory processes, it seems reasonable that mutations in genes encoding sodium and potassium channels, as well as glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptors, play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. In some cases, different pathogenic variants of the same gene can result in opposite functional effects, determining the effectiveness of therapy with certain medications. For instance, seizures related to gain-of-function (GoF) mutations in genes encoding sodium channels can be successfully treated with sodium channel blockers. On the contrary, the same drugs may aggravate seizures related to loss-of-function (LoF) variants of the same genes. Hence, knowledge of gene mutation-treatment response relationships facilitates more favorable selection of drugs for anticonvulsant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Borowicz-Reutt
- Independent Unit of Experimental Neuropathophysiology, Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (J.C.); (M.K.)
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Assi J, Chyta M, Mavridis I. Lhermitte-Duclos disease with concomitant KCNT2 gene mutation: report of an extremely rare combination. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:3295-3299. [PMID: 37368068 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD) refers to cerebellar dysplastic gangliocytoma, a slow-growing tumor. Pathogenic variants of voltage-gated potassium channels have been associated with epilepsy of variable severity. These include the sodium-activated potassium channel subfamily T member 2 (KCNT2) gene, which encodes for pore-forming alpha subunits. KCNT2 gene mutations have been recently described to cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). The purpose of the present article is to describe an extremely rare case of a young child who has both LDD and KCNT2 mutation. Our patient is an 11-year-old boy who presented with an absence episode, and his investigations revealed electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities, LDD, and a heterozygous KCNT2 mutation. Regarding LDD patients, epileptic seizures have been reported in very few cases. Reports of patients with mutated KCNT2 variants are also extremely rare. It is for sure that LDD and KCNT2 mutation is an extremely rare combination. Although further follow-up is mandatory in order to draw safe conclusions for our case, the available data support that our patient is either the first reported case of a subclinical KCNT2 mutation or the first case of its clinical expression in late childhood so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeries Assi
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Marianna Chyta
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mavridis
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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Cioclu MC, Mosca I, Ambrosino P, Puzo D, Bayat A, Wortmann SB, Koch J, Strehlow V, Shirai K, Matsumoto N, Sanders SJ, Michaud V, Legendre M, Riva A, Striano P, Muhle H, Pendziwiat M, Lesca G, Mangano GD, Nardello R, Lemke JR, Møller RS, Soldovieri MV, Rubboli G, Taglialatela M. KCNT2-Related Disorders: Phenotypes, Functional, and Pharmacological Properties. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:332-349. [PMID: 37062836 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pathogenic variants in KCNT2 are rare causes of developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). We herein describe the phenotypic and genetic features of patients with KCNT2-related DEE, and the in vitro functional and pharmacological properties of KCNT2 channels carrying 14 novel or previously untested variants. METHODS Twenty-five patients harboring KCNT2 variants were investigated: 12 were identified through an international collaborative network, 13 were retrieved from the literature. Clinical data were collected and included in a standardized phenotyping sheet. Novel variants were detected using exome sequencing and classified using ACMG criteria. Functional and pharmacological studies were performed by whole-cell electrophysiology in HEK-293 and SH-SY5Y cells. RESULTS The phenotypic spectrum encompassed: (a) intellectual disability/developmental delay (21/22 individuals with available information), ranging from mild to severe/profound; (b) epilepsy (15/25); (c) neurological impairment, with altered muscle tone (14/22); (d) dysmorphisms (13/20). Nineteen pathogenic KCNT2 variants were found (9 new, 10 reported previously): 16 missense, 1 in-frame deletion of a single amino acid, 1 nonsense, and 1 frameshift. Among tested variants, 8 showed gain-of-function (GoF), and 6 loss-of-function (LoF) features when expressed heterologously in vitro. Quinidine and fluoxetine blocked all GoF variants, whereas loxapine and riluzole activated some LoF variants while blocking others. INTERPRETATION We expanded the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of KCNT2-related disorders, highlighting novel genotype-phenotype associations. Pathogenic KCNT2 variants cause GoF or LoF in vitro phenotypes, and each shows a unique pharmacological profile, suggesting the need for in vitro functional and pharmacological investigation to enable targeted therapies based on the molecular phenotype. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:332-349.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Cioclu
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine (member of ERN EpiCARE), Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mosca
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Paolo Ambrosino
- Dept. of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Deborah Puzo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Allan Bayat
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine (member of ERN EpiCARE), Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Saskia B Wortmann
- University Children's Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Koch
- University Children's Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vincent Strehlow
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kentaro Shirai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital, Tsuchiura, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Stephan J Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Michaud
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndrome Malformatifs, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Maladies rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), INSERM U1211, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marine Legendre
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndrome Malformatifs, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonella Riva
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hiltrud Muhle
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Manuela Pendziwiat
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gaetan Lesca
- Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle (PNMG), UCBL, CNRS UMR5261-INSERM U1315, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Lyon and Claude Bernard Lyon I University, Lyon, France
| | - Giuseppe Donato Mangano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Nardello
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Johannes R Lemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine (member of ERN EpiCARE), Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Virginia Soldovieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Guido Rubboli
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine (member of ERN EpiCARE), Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Gong P, Jiao X, Yu D, Yang Z. Case Report: Causative De novo Variants of KCNT2 for Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. Front Genet 2021; 12:649556. [PMID: 34276763 PMCID: PMC8277933 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.649556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective:KCNT2 gene mutations had been described to cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). In this study, we presented the detailed clinical features and genetic analysis of two unrelated patients carrying two de novo variants in KCNT2 and reviewed eight different cases available in publications. Methods: Likely pathogenic variants were identified by whole exome sequencing; clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: Our two unrelated patients were diagnosed with Ohtahara syndrome followed by infantile spasms (IS) and possibly the epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), respectively. They both manifested dysmorphic features with hirsute arms, thick hair, prominent eyebrows, long and thick eyelashes, a broad nasal tip, and short and smooth philtrum. In the eight patients reported previously, two was diagnosed with IS carrying a ‘change-of-function' mutation and a gain-of-function mutation, respectively, two with EIMFS-like carrying a gain-of-function mutation and a loss-of-function mutation, respectively, one with EIMFS carrying a loss-of-function mutation, three with DEE without functional analysis. Among them, two patients with gain-of-function mutations both exhibited dysmorphic features and presented epilepsy phenotype, which was similar to our patients. Conclusion: Overall, the most common phenotypes associated with KCNT2 mutation were IS and EIMFS. Epilepsy phenotype associated with gain- and loss-of-function mutations could overlap. Additional KCNT2 cases will help to make genotype-phenotype correlations clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xianru Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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8
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Jackson A, Banka S, Stewart H, Robinson H, Lovell S, Clayton-Smith J. Recurrent KCNT2 missense variants affecting p.Arg190 result in a recognizable phenotype. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:3083-3091. [PMID: 34061450 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
KCNT2 variants resulting in substitutions affecting the Arg190 residue have been shown to cause epileptic encephalopathy and a recognizable facial gestalt. We report two additional individuals with intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, hypertrichosis, macrocephaly and the same de novo KCNT2 missense variants affecting the Arg190 residue as previously described. Notably, neither patient has epilepsy. Homology modeling of these missense variants revealed that they are likely to disrupt the stabilization of a closed channel conformation of KCNT2 resulting in a constitutively open state. This is the first report of pathogenic variants in KCNT2 causing a developmental phenotype without epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jackson
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Stewart
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital, Oxford, UK
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- Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Hannah Robinson
- Department of Peninsula Clinical Genetics, Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Simon Lovell
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Sun H, Shen XR, Fang ZB, Jiang ZZ, Wei XJ, Wang ZY, Yu XF. Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies and Neurogenetic Diseases. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11040361. [PMID: 33921670 PMCID: PMC8072598 DOI: 10.3390/life11040361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has led to great advances in understanding the causes of Mendelian and complex neurological diseases. Owing to the complexity of genetic diseases, the genetic factors contributing to many rare and common neurological diseases remain poorly understood. Selecting the correct genetic test based on cost-effectiveness, coverage area, and sequencing range can improve diagnosis, treatments, and prevention. Whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing are suitable methods for finding new mutations, and gene panels are suitable for exploring the roles of specific genes in neurogenetic diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the classifications, applications, advantages, and limitations of NGS in research on neurological diseases. We further provide examples of NGS-based explorations and insights of the genetic causes of neurogenetic diseases, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, we focus on issues related to NGS-based analyses, including interpretations of variants of uncertain significance, de novo mutations, congenital genetic diseases with complex phenotypes, and single-molecule real-time approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xue-Fan Yu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-157-5430-1836
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10
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Nikitin ES, Vinogradova LV. Potassium channels as prominent targets and tools for the treatment of epilepsy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:223-235. [PMID: 33754930 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1908263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION K+ channels are of great interest to epilepsy research as mutations in their genes are found in humans with inherited epilepsy. At the level of cellular physiology, K+ channels control neuronal intrinsic excitability and are the main contributors to membrane repolarization of active neurons. Recently, a genetically modified voltage-dependent K+ channel has been patented as a remedy for epileptic seizures. AREAS COVERED We review the role of potassium channels in excitability, clinical and experimental evidence for the association of potassium channelopathies with epilepsy, the targeting of K+ channels by drugs, and perspectives of gene therapy in epilepsy with the expression of extra K+ channels in the brain. EXPERT OPINION Control over K+ conductance is of great potential benefit for the treatment of epilepsy. Nowadays, gene therapy affecting K+ channels is one of the most promising approaches to treat pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Nikitin
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - L V Vinogradova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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