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Lacroix G, Bhat S, Shafia Z, Blunck R. KCNG4 Genetic Variant Linked to Migraine Prevents Expression of KCNB1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8960. [PMID: 39201645 PMCID: PMC11354983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraines are a common type of headache affecting around 15% of the population. The signalling pathways leading to migraines have not been fully understood, but neuronal voltage-gated ion channels, such as KCNG4, have been linked to this pathology. KCNG4 (Kv6.4) is a silent member of the superfamily of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, which expresses in heterotetramers with members of the KCNB (Kv2) family. The genetic variant Kv6.4-L360P has previously been linked to migraines, but their mode of action remains unknown. Here, we characterized the molecular characteristics of Kv6.4-L360P when co-expressed with Kv2.1. We found that Kv6.4-L360P almost completely abolishes Kv2 currents, and we propose that this mechanism in the trigeminal system, linked to the initiation of migraine, leads to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Lacroix
- Department of Physics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Shreyas Bhat
- Department of Physics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Zerghona Shafia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Rikard Blunck
- Department of Physics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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Bryson M, Kloefkorn H, Idlett-Ali S, Carrasco DI, Noble DJ, Martin K, Sawchuk MA, Au Yong N, Garraway SM, Hochman S. Emergent epileptiform activity in spinal sensory circuits drives ectopic bursting in afferent axons and sensory dysfunction after cord injury. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00676. [PMID: 39106457 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Spinal cord injury leads to hyperexcitability and dysfunction in spinal sensory processing. As hyperexcitable circuits can become epileptiform, we explored whether such activity emerges in a thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) contusion model of neuropathic pain. Recordings from spinal sensory axons in multiple below-lesion segmental dorsal roots demonstrated that SCI facilitated the emergence of spontaneous ectopic burst spiking in afferent axons, which were correlated across multiple adjacent dorsal roots. Burst frequency correlated with behavioral mechanosensitivity. The same bursting events were recruited by afferent stimulation, and timing interactions with ongoing spontaneous bursts revealed that recruitment was limited by a prolonged post-burst refractory period. Ectopic bursting in afferent axons was driven by GABAA receptor activation, presumably by conversion of subthreshold GABAergic interneuronal presynaptic axoaxonic inhibitory actions to suprathreshold spiking. Collectively, the emergence of stereotyped bursting circuitry with hypersynchrony, sensory input activation, post-burst refractory period, and reorganization of connectivity represent defining features of an epileptiform network. Indeed, these same features were reproduced in naive animals with the convulsant 4-aminopyridine (fampridine). We conclude that spinal cord injury promotes the emergence of epileptiform activity in spinal sensory networks that promote profound corruption of sensory signaling. This includes hyperexcitability and bursting by ectopic spiking in afferent axons that propagate bidirectionally by reentrant central and peripheral projections as well as sensory circuit hypoexcitability during the burst refractory period. More broadly, the work links circuit hyperexcitability to epileptiform circuit emergence, further strengthening it as a conceptual basis to understand features of sensory dysfunction and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bryson
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Heidi Kloefkorn
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | | | - Dario I Carrasco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Donald James Noble
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Karmarcha Martin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael A Sawchuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicholas Au Yong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sandra M Garraway
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shawn Hochman
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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3
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Li K, Savitska D, Garaschuk O. K+ channel-mediated retarded maturation of interneurons and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1403-1404. [PMID: 38051868 PMCID: PMC10883523 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhen Li
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daria Savitska
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olga Garaschuk
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Kalm T, Schob C, Völler H, Gardeitchik T, Gilissen C, Pfundt R, Klöckner C, Platzer K, Klabunde-Cherwon A, Ries M, Syrbe S, Beccaria F, Madia F, Scala M, Zara F, Hofstede F, Simon MEH, van Jaarsveld RH, Oegema R, van Gassen KLI, Holwerda SJB, Barakat TS, Bouman A, van Slegtenhorst M, Álvarez S, Fernández-Jaén A, Porta J, Accogli A, Mancardi MM, Striano P, Iacomino M, Chae JH, Jang S, Kim SY, Chitayat D, Mercimek-Andrews S, Depienne C, Kampmeier A, Kuechler A, Surowy H, Bertini ES, Radio FC, Mancini C, Pizzi S, Tartaglia M, Gauthier L, Genevieve D, Tharreau M, Azoulay N, Zaks-Hoffer G, Gilad NK, Orenstein N, Bernard G, Thiffault I, Denecke J, Herget T, Kortüm F, Kubisch C, Bähring R, Kindler S. Etiological involvement of KCND1 variants in an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with variable expressivity. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:1206-1221. [PMID: 38772379 PMCID: PMC11179411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Utilizing trio whole-exome sequencing and a gene matching approach, we identified a cohort of 18 male individuals from 17 families with hemizygous variants in KCND1, including two de novo missense variants, three maternally inherited protein-truncating variants, and 12 maternally inherited missense variants. Affected subjects present with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by diverse neurological abnormalities, mostly delays in different developmental domains, but also distinct neuropsychiatric signs and epilepsy. Heterozygous carrier mothers are clinically unaffected. KCND1 encodes the α-subunit of Kv4.1 voltage-gated potassium channels. All variant-associated amino acid substitutions affect either the cytoplasmic N- or C-terminus of the channel protein except for two occurring in transmembrane segments 1 and 4. Kv4.1 channels were functionally characterized in the absence and presence of auxiliary β subunits. Variant-specific alterations of biophysical channel properties were diverse and varied in magnitude. Genetic data analysis in combination with our functional assessment shows that Kv4.1 channel dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder frequently associated with a variable neuropsychiatric clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassja Kalm
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schob
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Völler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thatjana Gardeitchik
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Gilissen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Chiara Klöckner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Konrad Platzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annick Klabunde-Cherwon
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Beccaria
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Territorial Social-Health Agency, 46100 Mantova, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Scala
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Floris Hofstede
- Department of General Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen E H Simon
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, the Netherlands
| | - Richard H van Jaarsveld
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, the Netherlands
| | - Renske Oegema
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, the Netherlands
| | - Koen L I van Gassen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd J B Holwerda
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 EA, the Netherlands
| | - Tahsin Stefan Barakat
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; Discovery Unit, Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Bouman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon van Slegtenhorst
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Álvarez
- Genomics and Medicine, NIMGenetics, 28108 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Fernández-Jaén
- Pediatric Neurology Department, Quironsalud University Hospital Madrid, School of Medicine, European University of Madrid, 28224 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Porta
- Genomics, Genologica Medica, 29016 Málaga, Spain
| | - Andrea Accogli
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Specialized Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, QC H4A 3J1 Montreal, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, QC H4A 3J1 Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Jong-Hee Chae
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Republic of Korea; Department of Genomic Medicine, Rare Disease Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - SeSong Jang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Y Kim
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Rare Disease Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - David Chitayat
- The Prenatal Diagnosis and Medical Genetics Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto ON M5G 1E2 Toronto, Canada; Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for SickKids, University of Toronto, M5G 1X8 Toronto, Canada
| | - Saadet Mercimek-Andrews
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for SickKids, University of Toronto, M5G 1X8 Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, AB T6G 2H7 Edmonton, Canada
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Antje Kampmeier
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Alma Kuechler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Harald Surowy
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Cecilia Mancini
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pizzi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucas Gauthier
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cytogenomics, Rare and Autoinflammatory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - David Genevieve
- Montpellier University, Inserm U1183, Montpellier, France; Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Mylène Tharreau
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cytogenomics, Rare and Autoinflammatory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Noy Azoulay
- The Genetic Institute of Maccabi Health Services, Rehovot 7610000, Israel; Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Gal Zaks-Hoffer
- Raphael Recanati Genetics Institute, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nesia K Gilad
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Pediatric Genetics Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikvah 4920235, Israel
| | - Naama Orenstein
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Pediatric Genetics Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikvah 4920235, Israel
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Specialized Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, QC H4A 3J1 Montreal, Canada; Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Genomic Medicine Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; UKMC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jonas Denecke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theresia Herget
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fanny Kortüm
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Kubisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Bähring
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Kindler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Zainal Abidin SA, Liew AKY, Othman I, Shaikh F. Animal Venoms as Potential Source of Anticonvulsants. F1000Res 2024; 13:225. [PMID: 38919947 PMCID: PMC11196940 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.147027.1] [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] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, and there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective therapeutic agents. Animal venoms contain diverse bioactive compounds like proteins, peptides, and small molecules, which may possess medicinal properties against epilepsy. In recent years, research has shown that venoms from various organisms such as spiders, ants, bees, wasps, and conus snails have anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects by targeting specific receptors and ion channels. This review underscores the significance of purified proteins and toxins from these sources as potential therapeutic agents for epilepsy. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the valuable role of animal venoms as a natural resource for further exploration in epilepsy treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
- Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Anthony Kin Yip Liew
- Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Farooq Shaikh
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
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Ferns M, van der List D, Vierra NC, Lacey T, Murray K, Kirmiz M, Stewart RG, Sack JT, Trimmer JS. Electrically silent KvS subunits associate with native Kv2 channels in brain and impact diverse properties of channel function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.577135. [PMID: 38328147 PMCID: PMC10849721 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.577135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Voltage-gated K+ channels of the Kv2 family are highly expressed in brain and play dual roles in regulating neuronal excitability and in organizing endoplasmic reticulum - plasma membrane (ER-PM) junctions. Studies in heterologous cells suggest that the two pore-forming alpha subunits Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 assemble with "electrically silent" KvS subunits to form heterotetrameric channels with distinct biophysical properties. Here, using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we identified five KvS subunits as components of native Kv2.1 channels immunopurified from mouse brain, the most abundant being Kv5.1. We found that Kv5.1 co-immunoprecipitates with Kv2.1 and to a lesser extent with Kv2.2 from brain lysates, and that Kv5.1 protein levels are decreased by 70% in Kv2.1 knockout mice and 95% in Kv2.1/2.2 double knockout mice. Multiplex immunofluorescent labelling of rodent brain sections revealed that in neocortex Kv5.1 immunolabeling is apparent in a large percentage of Kv2.1 and Kv2.2-positive layer 2/3 neurons, and in a smaller percentage of layer 5 and 6 neurons. At the subcellular level, Kv5.1 is co-clustered with Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 at ER-PM junctions in cortical neurons, although clustering of Kv5.1-containing channels is reduced relative to homomeric Kv2 channels. We also found that in heterologous cells coexpression with Kv5.1 reduces the clustering and alters the pharmacological properties of Kv2.1 channels. Together, these findings demonstrate that the Kv5.1 electrically silent subunit is a component of a substantial fraction of native brain Kv2 channels, and that its incorporation into heteromeric channels can impact diverse aspects of Kv2 channel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ferns
- Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Deborah van der List
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nicholas C. Vierra
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Taylor Lacey
- Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karl Murray
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Michael Kirmiz
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Robert G. Stewart
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jon T. Sack
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - James S. Trimmer
- Dept. of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Elhadi K, Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Modeling methamphetamine use disorder and relapse in animals: short- and long-term epigenetic, transcriptional., and biochemical consequences in the rat brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105440. [PMID: 38707245 PMCID: PMC11068368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by binge drug taking episodes, intervals of abstinence, and relapses to drug use even during treatment. MUD has been modeled in rodents and investigators are attempting to identify its molecular bases. Preclinical experiments have shown that different schedules of methamphetamine self-administration can cause diverse transcriptional changes in the dorsal striatum of Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present review, we present data on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the rat striatum following methamphetamine intake. These include genes involved in transcription regulation, potassium channel function, and neuroinflammation. We then use the striatal data to discuss the potential significance of the molecular changes induced by methamphetamine by reviewing concordant or discordant data from the literature. This review identified potential molecular targets for pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, there is a need for more research on methamphetamine-induced transcriptional consequences in various brain regions. These data should provide a more detailed neuroanatomical map of methamphetamine-induced changes and should better inform therapeutic interventions against MUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Elhadi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Atul P. Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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9
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Varghese N, Moscoso B, Chavez A, Springer K, Ortiz E, Soh H, Santaniello S, Maheshwari A, Tzingounis AV. KCNQ2/3 Gain-of-Function Variants and Cell Excitability: Differential Effects in CA1 versus L2/3 Pyramidal Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6479-6494. [PMID: 37607817 PMCID: PMC10513074 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0980-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function (GOF) pathogenic variants in the potassium channels KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 lead to hyperexcitability disorders such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of how these variants impair forebrain function are unclear. Here, we show that the R201C variant in KCNQ2 has opposite effects on the excitability of two types of mouse pyramidal neurons of either sex, causing hyperexcitability in layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons and hypoexcitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Similarly, the homologous R231C variant in KCNQ3 leads to hyperexcitability in L2/3 pyramidal neurons and hypoexcitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons. However, the effects of KCNQ3 gain-of-function on excitability are specific to superficial CA1 pyramidal neurons. These findings reveal a new level of complexity in the function of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels in the forebrain and provide a framework for understanding the effects of gain-of-function variants and potassium channels in the brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT KCNQ2/3 gain-of-function (GOF) variants lead to severe forms of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the mechanisms by which these channels affect neuronal activity are poorly understood. In this study, using a series of transgenic mice we demonstrate that the same KCNQ2/3 GOF variants can lead to either hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability in different types of pyramidal neurons [CA1 vs layer (L)2/3]. Additionally, we show that expression of the recurrent KCNQ2 GOF variant R201C in forebrain pyramidal neurons could lead to seizures and SUDEP. Our data suggest that the effects of KCNQ2/3 GOF variants depend on specific cell types and brain regions, possibly accounting for the diverse range of phenotypes observed in individuals with KCNQ2/3 GOF variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nissi Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Bruno Moscoso
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ana Chavez
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kristen Springer
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Erika Ortiz
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Heun Soh
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Sabato Santaniello
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
| | - Atul Maheshwari
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anastasios V Tzingounis
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
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10
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Stewart R, Gadoud C, Krawczyk J, McInerney V, O'Brien T, Shen S, Allen NM. Generation of three induced pluripotent stem cell lines from a patient with KCNQ2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy as a result of the pathogenic variant c.881C > T; p.Ala294Val (NUIGi059-A, NUIGi059-B, NUIGi059-C) and 3 healthy controls (NUIGi060-A, NUIGi060-B, NUIGi060-C). Stem Cell Res 2023; 71:103191. [PMID: 37659345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2023.103191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of severe, early-onset epilepsies which are often caused by genetic mutations in ion channels. Mutations in KCNQ2, which encodes the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv7.2, is known to cause DEE. Here, we generated three iPSC lines from dermal fibroblasts of a 5 year-old male patient with the KCNQ2 c.881C > T (p.Ala294Val) pathogenic heterozygous variant and three iPSC lines from a healthy sibling control. These iPSC lines have been validated by SNP karyotyping, STR analysis, expression of pluripotent genes, the capacity to differentiate into three germ layers and confirmation of the mutation in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stewart
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland; Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - Cloe Gadoud
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Janusz Krawczyk
- Department of Haematology, Galway University Hospital, Ireland
| | | | - Timothy O'Brien
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland; Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland; FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02, Ireland; Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - Nicholas M Allen
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland.
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11
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Rousseau J, Tene Tadoum SB, Lavertu Jolin M, Nguyen TTM, Ajeawung NF, Flenniken AM, Nutter LMJ, Vukobradovic I, Rossignol E, Campeau PM. The ATP6V1B2 DDOD/DOORS-Associated p.Arg506* Variant Causes Hyperactivity and Seizures in Mice. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1538. [PMID: 37628590 PMCID: PMC10454733 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The vacuolar H+-ATPase is a multisubunit enzyme which plays an essential role in the acidification and functions of lysosomes, endosomes, and synaptic vesicles. Many genes encoding subunits of V-ATPases, namely ATP6V0C, ATP6V1A, ATP6V0A1, and ATP6V1B2, have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. The autosomal dominant ATP6V1B2 p.Arg506* variant can cause both congenital deafness with onychodystrophy, autosomal dominant (DDOD) and deafness, onychodystrophy, osteodystrophy, mental retardation, and seizures syndromes (DOORS). Some but not all individuals with this truncating variant have intellectual disability and/or epilepsy, suggesting incomplete penetrance and/or variable expressivity. To further explore the impact of the p.Arg506* variant in neurodevelopment and epilepsy, we generated Atp6v1b2emR506* mutant mice and performed standardized phenotyping using the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) pipeline. In addition, we assessed the EEG profile and seizure susceptibility of Atp6v1b2emR506* mice. Behavioral tests revealed that the mice present locomotor hyperactivity and show less anxiety-associated behaviors. Moreover, EEG analyses indicate that Atp6v1b2emR506* mutant mice have interictal epileptic activity and that both heterozygous (like patients) and homozygous mice have reduced seizure thresholds to pentylenetetrazol. Our results confirm that variants in ATP6V1B2 can cause seizures and that the Atp6v1b2emR506* heterozygous mouse model is a valuable tool to further explore the pathophysiology and potential treatments for vacuolar ATPases-associated epilepsy and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Rousseau
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Samuel Boris Tene Tadoum
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Marisol Lavertu Jolin
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Thi Tuyet Mai Nguyen
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Norbert Fonya Ajeawung
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Ann M. Flenniken
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Lauryl M. J. Nutter
- The Hospital for Sick Children, The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Igor Vukobradovic
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Elsa Rossignol
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Philippe M. Campeau
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada (N.F.A.); (E.R.)
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12
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Bryson M, Kloefkorn H, Idlett-Ali S, Martin K, Garraway SM, Hochman S. Emergent epileptiform activity drives spinal sensory circuits to generate ectopic bursting in intraspinal afferent axons after cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.03.547522. [PMID: 37461440 PMCID: PMC10349934 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.03.547522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury ( SCI ) leads to hyperexcitability and dysfunction in spinal sensory processing. As hyperexcitable circuits can become epileptiform elsewhere, we explored whether such activity emerges in spinal sensory circuits in a thoracic SCI contusion model of neuropathic pain. Recordings from spinal sensory axons in multiple below-lesion segmental dorsal roots ( DRs ) demonstrated that SCI facilitated the emergence of spontaneous ectopic burst spiking in afferent axons, which synchronized across multiple adjacent DRs. Burst frequency correlated with behavioral mechanosensitivity. The same bursting events were recruited by afferent stimulation, and timing interactions with ongoing spontaneous bursts revealed that recruitment was limited by a prolonged post-burst refractory period. Ectopic bursting in afferent axons was driven by GABA A receptor activation, presumably via shifting subthreshold GABAergic interneuronal presynaptic axoaxonic inhibitory actions to suprathreshold spiking. Collectively, the emergence of stereotyped bursting circuitry with hypersynchrony, sensory input activation, post-burst refractory period, and reorganization of connectivity represent defining features of epileptiform networks. Indeed, these same features were reproduced in naïve animals with the convulsant 4-aminopyridine ( 4-AP ). We conclude that SCI promotes the emergence of epileptiform activity in spinal sensory networks that promotes profound corruption of sensory signaling. This corruption includes downstream actions driven by ectopic afferent bursts that propagate via reentrant central and peripheral projections and GABAergic presynaptic circuit hypoexcitability during the refractory period.
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13
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Hou B, Santaniello S, Tzingounis AV. KCNQ2 channels regulate the population activity of neonatal GABAergic neurons ex vivo. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1207539. [PMID: 37409016 PMCID: PMC10318362 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1207539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade KCNQ2 channels have arisen as fundamental and indispensable regulators of neonatal brain excitability, with KCNQ2 loss-of-function pathogenic variants being increasingly identified in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. However, the mechanisms by which KCNQ2 loss-of-function variants lead to network dysfunction are not fully known. An important remaining knowledge gap is whether loss of KCNQ2 function alters GABAergic interneuron activity early in development. To address this question, we applied mesoscale calcium imaging ex vivo in postnatal day 4-7 mice lacking KCNQ2 channels in interneurons (Vgat-ires-cre;Kcnq2f/f;GCamp5). In the presence of elevated extracellular potassium concentrations, ablation of KCNQ2 channels from GABAergic cells increased the interneuron population activity in the hippocampal formation and regions of the neocortex. We found that this increased population activity depends on fast synaptic transmission, with excitatory transmission promoting the activity and GABAergic transmission curtailing it. Together, our data show that loss of function of KCNQ2 channels from interneurons increases the network excitability of the immature GABAergic circuits, revealing a new function of KCNQ2 channels in interneuron physiology in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Hou
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Sabato Santaniello
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and CT Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Anastasios V. Tzingounis
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and CT Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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14
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Kanyo R, Lamothe SM, Urrutia A, Goodchild SJ, Allison WT, Dean R, Kurata HT. Site and Mechanism of ML252 Inhibition of Kv7 Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. FUNCTION 2023; 4:zqad021. [PMID: 37342413 PMCID: PMC10278987 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-gated potassium channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and are candidate targets for development of antiseizure medications. Drug discovery efforts have identified small molecules that modulate channel function and reveal mechanistic insights into Kv7 channel physiological roles. While Kv7 channel activators have therapeutic benefits, inhibitors are useful for understanding channel function and mechanistic validation of candidate drugs. In this study, we reveal the mechanism of a Kv7.2/Kv7.3 inhibitor, ML252. We used docking and electrophysiology to identify critical residues involved in ML252 sensitivity. Most notably, Kv7.2[W236F] or Kv7.3[W265F] mutations strongly attenuate ML252 sensitivity. This tryptophan residue in the pore is also required for sensitivity to certain activators, including retigabine and ML213. We used automated planar patch clamp electrophysiology to assess competitive interactions between ML252 and different Kv7 activator subtypes. A pore-targeted activator (ML213) weakens the inhibitory effects of ML252, whereas a distinct activator subtype (ICA-069673) that targets the voltage sensor does not prevent ML252 inhibition. Using transgenic zebrafish larvae expressing an optical reporter (CaMPARI) to measure neural activity in-vivo, we demonstrate that Kv7 inhibition by ML252 increases neuronal excitability. Consistent with in-vitro data, ML213 suppresses ML252 induced neuronal activity, while the voltage-sensor targeted activator ICA-069673 does not prevent ML252 actions. In summary, this study establishes a binding site and mechanism of action of ML252, classifying this poorly understood drug as a pore-targeted Kv7 channel inhibitor that binds to the same tryptophan residue as commonly used pore-targeted Kv7 activators. ML213 and ML252 likely have overlapping sites of interaction in the pore Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels, resulting in competitive interactions. In contrast, the VSD-targeted activator ICA-069673 does not prevent channel inhibition by ML252.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kanyo
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, 9-70 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Shawn M Lamothe
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, 9-70 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Arturo Urrutia
- Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
| | - Samuel J Goodchild
- Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
| | - W Ted Allison
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Richard Dean
- Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
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15
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Stewart R, Gadoud C, Krawczyk J, McInerney V, O'Brien T, Shen S, Allen NM. Generation of three induced pluripotent stem cell lines from a patient with KCNQ2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy as a result of the pathogenic variant c.638C > T; p.Arg213Gln (NUIGi063-A, NUIGi063-B, NUIGi063-C) and 3 healthy controls (NUIGi064-A, NUIGi064-B, NUIGi064-C). Stem Cell Res 2023; 69:103093. [PMID: 37071954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2023.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
KCNQ2 encodes the potassium-gated voltage channel Kv7.2, responsible for the M-current, which contributes to neuronal resting membrane potential. Pathogenic variants in KCNQ2 cause early onset epilepsies, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. In this study, we generated three iPSC lines from dermal fibroblasts of a 5 year-old female patient with the KCNQ2 c.638C > T (p.Arg213Gln) pathogenic heterozygous variant and three iPSC lines from a healthy sibling control. These iPSC lines were validated by confirming the targeted mutation, SNP karyotyping, STR analysis, pluripotent gene expression, differentiation capacity into three germ layers, and were free of transgene integration and Mycoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stewart
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Cloe Gadoud
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Janusz Krawczyk
- Department of Haematology, Galway University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Veronica McInerney
- HRB Clinical Research Facility, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02, Ireland; Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Nicholas M Allen
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
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16
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Henton A, Zhao Y, Tzounopoulos T. A Role for KCNQ Channels on Cell Type-Specific Plasticity in Mouse Auditory Cortex after Peripheral Damage. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2277-2290. [PMID: 36813573 PMCID: PMC10072297 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1070-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to sensory organs triggers compensatory plasticity mechanisms in sensory cortices. These plasticity mechanisms result in restored cortical responses, despite reduced peripheral input, and contribute to the remarkable recovery of perceptual detection thresholds to sensory stimuli. Overall, peripheral damage is associated with a reduction of cortical GABAergic inhibition; however, less is known about changes in intrinsic properties and the underlying biophysical mechanisms. To study these mechanisms, we used a model of noise-induced peripheral damage in male and female mice. We uncovered a rapid, cell type-specific reduction in the intrinsic excitability of parvalbumin-expressing neurons (PVs) in layer (L) 2/3 of auditory cortex. No changes in the intrinsic excitability of either L2/3 somatostatin-expressing or L2/3 principal neurons (PNs) were observed. The decrease in L2/3 PV excitability was observed 1, but not 7, d after noise exposure, and was evidenced by a hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential, depolarization of the action potential threshold, and reduction in firing frequency in response to depolarizing current. To uncover the underlying biophysical mechanisms, we recorded potassium currents. We found an increase in KCNQ potassium channel activity in L2/3 PVs of auditory cortex 1 d after noise exposure, associated with a hyperpolarizing shift in the minimal voltage activation of KCNQ channels. This increase contributes to the decreased intrinsic excitability of PVs. Our results highlight cell-type- and channel-specific mechanisms of plasticity after noise-induced hearing loss and will aid in understanding the pathologic processes involved in hearing loss and hearing loss-related disorders, such as tinnitus and hyperacusis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Noise-induced damage to the peripheral auditory system triggers central plasticity that compensates for the reduced peripheral input. The mechanisms of this plasticity are not fully understood. In the auditory cortex, this plasticity likely contributes to the recovery of sound-evoked responses and perceptual hearing thresholds. Importantly, other functional aspects of hearing do not recover, and peripheral damage may also lead to maladaptive plasticity-related disorders, such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. Here, after noise-induced peripheral damage, we highlight a rapid, transient, and cell type-specific reduction in the excitability of layer 2/3 parvalbumin-expressing neurons, which is due, at least in part, to increased KCNQ potassium channel activity. These studies may highlight novel strategies for enhancing perceptual recovery after hearing loss and mitigating hyperacusis and tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Henton
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center and Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Yanjun Zhao
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center and Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Thanos Tzounopoulos
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center and Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
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17
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Domain and cell type-specific immunolocalisation of voltage-gated potassium channels in the mouse striatum. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 128:102233. [PMID: 36640913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Diverse classes of voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) are integral to the variety of electrical activity patterns that distinguish different classes of neurons in the brain. A feature of their heterogenous expression patterns is the highly precise manner in which specific cell types target their location within functionally specialised sub-cellular domains. Although Kv expression profiles in cortical brain regions are widely reported, their immunolocalisation in sub-cortical areas such as the striatum, and in associated diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), remain less well described. Therefore, the broad aims of this study were to provide a high resolution immunolocalisation analysis of various Kv subtypes within the mouse striatum and assess their potential plasticity in a model of PD. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy revealed that immunoreactivity for Kv1.1, 1.2 and 1.4 overlapped to varying degrees with excitatory and inhibitory axonal marker proteins suggesting these Kv subtypes are targeted to axons innervating striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Immunoreactivity for Kv1.3 strongly overlapped with signal for mitochondrial marker proteins in MSN somata and dendrites. Kv1.5 immunoreactivity was expressed in parvalbumin-immunopositive neurons whereas Kv1.6 was located in cells immunopositive for microglia. Signal for Kv2.1 was concentrated on the somatic and proximal dendritic plasma membrane of MSNs, whilst immunoreactivity for Kv4.2 was targeted to their distal dendritic regions. Finally, striatal Kv2.1 expression, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was decreased in alpha-synuclein overexpressing mice, yet increased in alpha-synuclein knockout mice, compared to wild-type counterparts. The data indicate a variety of Kv expression patterns that are distinctive to the striatum and susceptible to pathology that mirrors PD. Furthermore, these findings advance our understanding of the molecular diversity of various striatal cell types, and potentially have implications for the homeostatic changes of MSN excitability during associated medical conditions such as PD.
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18
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Salpietro V, Galassi Deforie V, Efthymiou S, O'Connor E, Marcé‐Grau A, Maroofian R, Striano P, Zara F, Morrow MM, Reich A, Blevins A, Sala‐Coromina J, Accogli A, Fortuna S, Alesandrini M, Au PYB, Singhal NS, Cogne B, Isidor B, Hanna MG, Macaya A, Kullmann DM, Houlden H, Männikkö R. De novo KCNA6 variants with attenuated K V 1.6 channel deactivation in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:443-455. [PMID: 36318112 PMCID: PMC10108282 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in the genes encoding neuronal ion channels are a common cause of Mendelian neurological diseases. We sought to identify novel de novo sequence variants in cases with early infantile epileptic phenotypes and neurodevelopmental anomalies. METHODS Following clinical diagnosis, we performed whole exome sequencing of the index cases and their parents. Identified channel variants were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and their functional properties assessed using two-electrode voltage clamp. RESULTS We identified novel de novo variants in KCNA6 in four unrelated individuals variably affected with neurodevelopmental disorders and seizures with onset in the first year of life. Three of the four identified mutations affect the pore-lining S6 α-helix of KV 1.6. A prominent finding of functional characterization in Xenopus oocytes was that the channel variants showed only minor effects on channel activation but slowed channel closure and shifted the voltage dependence of deactivation in a hyperpolarizing direction. Channels with a mutation affecting the S6 helix display dominant effects on channel deactivation when co-expressed with wild-type KV 1.6 or KV 1.1 subunits. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report of de novo nonsynonymous variants in KCNA6 associated with neurological or any clinical features. Channel variants showed a consistent effect on channel deactivation, slowing the rate of channel closure following normal activation. This specific gain-of-function feature is likely to underlie the neurological phenotype in our patients. Our data highlight KCNA6 as a novel channelopathy gene associated with early infantile epileptic phenotypes and neurodevelopmental anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB)University of L'AquilaL'AquilaItaly
| | | | - Stephanie Efthymiou
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Emer O'Connor
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Anna Marcé‐Grau
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Vall d'HebronUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI)University of Genoa16124 GenoaItaly
- Unit of Pediatric NeurologyIRCCS, Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”Genoa 16123Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI)University of Genoa16124 GenoaItaly
- Medical Genetics UnitIRCCS, Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”Genoa 16123Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Júlia Sala‐Coromina
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Vall d'HebronUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Andrea Accogli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI)University of Genoa16124 GenoaItaly
- Medical Genetics UnitIRCCS, Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”Genoa 16123Italy
| | | | - Marie Alesandrini
- Neuropediatrics UnitCentre Hospitalier Universitaire NantesNantesFrance
| | - P. Y. Billie Au
- Department of Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryAlbertaCalgaryCanada
| | - Nilika Shah Singhal
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's HospitalUniversity of CaliforniaCaliforniaSan FranciscoUSA
| | - Benjamin Cogne
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire NantesService de Génétique MédicaleNantesFrance
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERML'Institut du ThoraxNantesFrance
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire NantesService de Génétique MédicaleNantesFrance
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERML'Institut du ThoraxNantesFrance
| | - Michael G. Hanna
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular DiseasesNational Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryLondonUK
| | - Alfons Macaya
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Vall d'HebronUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Dimitri M. Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Roope Männikkö
- Department of Neuromuscular DiseaseUCL Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUK
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19
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Nishiguchi R, Tanaka T, Hayashida J, Nakagita T, Zhou W, Takeda H. Evaluation of Cell-Free Synthesized Human Channel Proteins for In Vitro Channel Research. MEMBRANES 2022; 13:48. [PMID: 36676855 PMCID: PMC9861611 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite channel proteins being important drug targets, studies on channel proteins remain limited, as the proteins are difficult to express and require correct complex formation within membranes. Although several in vitro synthesized recombinant channels have been reported, considering the vast diversity of the structures and functions of channel proteins, it remains unclear which classes of channels cell-free synthesis can be applied to. In this study, we synthesized 250 clones of human channels, including ion channel pore-forming subunits, gap junction proteins, porins, and regulatory subunits, using a wheat cell-free membrane protein production system, and evaluated their synthetic efficiency and function. Western blotting confirmed that 95% of the channels were successfully synthesized, including very large channels with molecular weights of over 200 kDa. A subset of 47 voltage-gated potassium ion channels was further analyzed using a planar lipid bilayer assay, out of which 80% displayed a voltage-dependent opening in the assay. We co-synthesized KCNB1 and KCNS3, a known heteromeric complex pair, and demonstrated that these channels interact on a liposome. These results indicate that cell-free protein synthesis provides a promising solution for channel studies to overcome the bottleneck of in vitro protein production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Nishiguchi
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toyohisa Tanaka
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jun Hayashida
- Nissan Chemical Corporation, Shiraoka 1470, Shiraoka 349-0294, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakagita
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Wei Zhou
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takeda
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
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20
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Mukherjee S, Cassini TA, Hu N, Yang T, Li B, Shen W, Moth CW, Rinker DC, Sheehan JH, Cogan JD, Newman JH, Hamid R, Macdonald RL, Roden DM, Meiler J, Kuenze G, Phillips JA, Capra JA. Personalized structural biology reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying heterogeneous epileptic phenotypes caused by de novo KCNC2 variants. HGG ADVANCES 2022; 3:100131. [PMID: 36035247 PMCID: PMC9399384 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-exome sequencing (WES) in the clinic has identified several rare monogenic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) caused by ion channel variants. However, WES often fails to provide actionable insight for rare diseases, such as DEEs, due to the challenges of interpreting variants of unknown significance (VUS). Here, we describe a "personalized structural biology" (PSB) approach that leverages recent innovations in the analysis of protein 3D structures to address this challenge. We illustrate this approach in an Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) individual with DEE symptoms and a de novo VUS in KCNC2 (p.V469L), the Kv3.2 voltage-gated potassium channel. A nearby KCNC2 variant (p.V471L) was recently suggested to cause DEE-like phenotypes. Computational structural modeling suggests that both affect protein function. However, despite their proximity, the p.V469L variant is likely to sterically block the channel pore, while the p.V471L variant is likely to stabilize the open state. Biochemical and electrophysiological analyses demonstrate heterogeneous loss-of-function and gain-of-function effects, as well as differential response to 4-aminopyridine treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations illustrate that the pore of the p.V469L variant is more constricted, increasing the energetic barrier for K+ permeation, whereas the p.V471L variant stabilizes the open conformation. Our results implicate variants in KCNC2 as causative for DEE and guide the interpretation of a UDN individual. They further delineate the molecular basis for the heterogeneous clinical phenotypes resulting from two proximal pathogenic variants. This demonstrates how the PSB approach can provide an analytical framework for individualized hypothesis-driven interpretation of protein-coding VUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhrid Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Thomas A. Cassini
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Ningning Hu
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Bian Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Christopher W. Moth
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - David C. Rinker
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jonathan H. Sheehan
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- John T. Milliken Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joy D. Cogan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Undiagnosed Diseases Network
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Pulmonary Hypertension Center, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- John T. Milliken Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, SAC 04103, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, SAC 04109, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, SAC 04109, Germany
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John H. Newman
- Pulmonary Hypertension Center, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rizwan Hamid
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Robert L. Macdonald
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Dan M. Roden
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, SAC 04103, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, SAC 04109, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, SAC 04109, Germany
| | - Georg Kuenze
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, SAC 04103, Germany
| | - John A. Phillips
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John A. Capra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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21
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Gao K, Lin Z, Wen S, Jiang Y. Potassium channels and epilepsy. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:699-707. [PMID: 36225112 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
With the development and application of next-generation sequencing technology, the aetiological diagnosis of genetic epilepsy is rapidly becoming easier and less expensive. Additionally, there is a growing body of research into precision therapy based on genetic diagnosis. The numerous genes in the potassium ion channel family constitute the largest family of ion channels: this family is divided into different subtypes. Potassium ion channels play a crucial role in the electrical activity of neurons and are directly involved in the mechanism of epileptic seizures. In China, scientific research on genetic diagnosis and studies of precision therapy for genetic epilepsy are progressing rapidly. Many cases of epilepsy caused by mutation of potassium channel genes have been identified, and several potassium channel gene targets and drug candidates have been discovered. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the progress of research on the precise diagnosis and treatment of potassium ion channel-related genetic epilepsy, especially the research conducted in China. Here in, we review several large cohort studies on the genetic diagnosis of epilepsy in China in recent years, summarized the proportion of potassium channel genes. We focus on the progress of precison therapy on some hot epilepsy related potassium channel genes: KCNA1, KCNA2, KCNB1, KCNC1, KCND2, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNMA1, and KCNT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic Diseases, Beijing, China.,Children Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zehong Lin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic Diseases, Beijing, China.,Children Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Study on Pediatric Genetic Diseases, Beijing, China.,Children Epilepsy Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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22
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Lima LSD, Loyola V, Bicca JVML, Faro L, Vale CLC, Lotufo Denucci B, Mortari MR. Innovative treatments for epilepsy: Venom peptides, cannabinoids, and neurostimulation. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1969-1986. [PMID: 35934922 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25114] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs have been successfully treating epilepsy and providing individuals sustained seizure freedom. However, about 30% of the patients with epilepsy present drug resistance, which means they are not responsive to the pharmacological treatment. Considering this, it becomes extremely relevant to pursue alternative therapeutic approaches, in order to provide appropriate treatment for those patients and also improve their quality of life. In the light of that, this review aims to discuss some innovative options for the treatment of epilepsy, which are currently under investigation, addressing strategies that go from therapeutic compounds to clinical procedures. For instance, peptides derived from animal venoms, such as wasps, spiders, and scorpions, demonstrate to be promising antiepileptic molecules, acting on a variety of targets. Other options are cannabinoids and compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system, since it is now known that this network is involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Furthermore, neurostimulation is another strategy, being an alternative clinical procedure for drug-resistant patients who are not eligible for palliative surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Silva de Lima
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Loyola
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - João Victor Montenegro Luzardo Bicca
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Lucas Faro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Camilla Lepesqueur Costa Vale
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lotufo Denucci
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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23
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Xu Z, Khan S, Schnicker NJ, Baker S. Pentameric assembly of the Kv2.1 tetramerization domain. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2022; 78:792-802. [PMID: 35647925 PMCID: PMC9159280 DOI: 10.1107/s205979832200568x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kv family of voltage-gated potassium channels regulate neuronal excitability. The biophysical characteristics of Kv channels can be matched to the needs of different neurons by forming homotetrameric or heterotetrameric channels within one of four subfamilies. The cytoplasmic tetramerization (T1) domain plays a major role in dictating the compatibility of different Kv subunits. The only Kv subfamily lacking a representative structure of the T1 domain is the Kv2 family. Here, X-ray crystallography was used to solve the structure of the human Kv2.1 T1 domain. The structure is similar to those of other T1 domains, but surprisingly formed a pentamer instead of a tetramer. In solution the Kv2.1 T1 domain also formed a pentamer, as determined by inline SEC-MALS-SAXS and negative-stain electron microscopy. The Kv2.1 T1-T1 interface involves electrostatic interactions, including a salt bridge formed by the negative charges in a previously described CDD motif, and inter-subunit coordination of zinc. It is shown that zinc binding is important for stability. In conclusion, the Kv2.1 T1 domain behaves differently from the other Kv T1 domains, which may reflect the versatility of Kv2.1, which can assemble with the regulatory KvS subunits and scaffold ER-plasma membrane contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Protein and Crystallography Facility, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Saif Khan
- Protein and Crystallography Facility, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Schnicker
- Protein and Crystallography Facility, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sheila Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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24
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Caefer DM, Phan NQ, Liddle JC, Balsbaugh JL, O'Shea JP, Tzingounis AV, Schwartz D. The Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Mutation CK2 K198R Leads to a Rewiring of Kinase Specificity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:850661. [PMID: 35517865 PMCID: PMC9062000 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.850661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS) is caused by heterozygous mutations to the CSNK2A1 gene, which encodes the alpha subunit of protein kinase CK2. The most frequently occurring mutation is lysine 198 to arginine (K198R). To investigate the impact of this mutation, we first generated a high-resolution phosphorylation motif of CK2WT, including the first characterization of specificity for tyrosine phosphorylation activity. A second high resolution motif representing CK2K198R substrate specificity was also generated. Here we report the impact of the OCNDS associated CK2K198R mutation. Contrary to prior speculation, the mutation does not result in a complete loss of function, but rather shifts the substrate specificity of the kinase. Broadly speaking the mutation leads to 1) a decreased preference for acidic residues in the +1 position, 2) a decreased preference for threonine phosphorylation, 3) an increased preference for tyrosine phosphorylation, and 4) an alteration of the tyrosine phosphorylation specificity motif. To further investigate the result of this mutation we have developed a probability-based scoring method, allowing us to predict shifts in phosphorylation in the K198R mutant relative to the wild type kinase. As an initial step we have applied the methodology to the set of axonally localized ion channels in an effort to uncover potential alterations of the phosphoproteome associated with the OCNDS disease condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Caefer
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Nhat Q Phan
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jennifer C Liddle
- Center for Open Research Resources and Equipment, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jeremy L Balsbaugh
- Center for Open Research Resources and Equipment, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Joseph P O'Shea
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Anastasios V Tzingounis
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Daniel Schwartz
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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25
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Zuberi SM, Wirrell E, Yozawitz E, Wilmshurst JM, Specchio N, Riney K, Pressler R, Auvin S, Samia P, Hirsch E, Galicchio S, Triki C, Snead OC, Wiebe S, Cross JH, Tinuper P, Scheffer IE, Perucca E, Moshé SL, Nabbout R. ILAE classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in neonates and infants: Position statement by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1349-1397. [PMID: 35503712 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Nosology and Definitions proposes a classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes in the neonate and infant with seizure onset up to 2 years of age. The incidence of epilepsy is high in this age group and epilepsy is frequently associated with significant comorbidities and mortality. The licensing of syndrome specific antiseizure medications following randomized controlled trials and the development of precision, gene-related therapies are two of the drivers defining the electroclinical phenotypes of syndromes with onset in infancy. The principal aim of this proposal, consistent with the 2017 ILAE Classification of the Epilepsies, is to support epilepsy diagnosis and emphasize the importance of classifying epilepsy in an individual both by syndrome and etiology. For each syndrome, we report epidemiology, clinical course, seizure types, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, genetics, and differential diagnosis. Syndromes are separated into self-limited syndromes, where there is likely to be spontaneous remission and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, diseases where there is developmental impairment related to both the underlying etiology independent of epileptiform activity and the epileptic encephalopathy. The emerging class of etiology-specific epilepsy syndromes, where there is a specific etiology for the epilepsy that is associated with a clearly defined, relatively uniform, and distinct clinical phenotype in most affected individuals as well as consistent EEG, neuroimaging, and/or genetic correlates, is presented. The number of etiology-defined syndromes will continue to increase, and these newly described syndromes will in time be incorporated into this classification. The tables summarize mandatory features, cautionary alerts, and exclusionary features for the common syndromes. Guidance is given on the criteria for syndrome diagnosis in resource-limited regions where laboratory confirmation, including EEG, MRI, and genetic testing, might not be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, Collaborating Centre of European Reference Network EpiCARE, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elaine Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elissa Yozawitz
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Kate Riney
- Neurosciences Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ronit Pressler
- Clinical Neuroscience, UCL- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, London, UK
| | - Stephane Auvin
- AP-HP, Hôpital Robert-Debré, INSERM NeuroDiderot, DMU Innov-RDB, Neurologie Pédiatrique, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Samia
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edouard Hirsch
- Neurology Epilepsy Unit "Francis Rohmer", INSERM 1258, FMTS, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Santiago Galicchio
- Child Neurology Department, Victor J Vilela Child Hospital of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Chahnez Triki
- Child Neurology Department, LR19ES15 Neuropédiatrie, Sfax Medical School, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - O Carter Snead
- Pediatric Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - J Helen Cross
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, London, UK.,Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, UK
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital, Florey Institute, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Bronx, New York, USA.,Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, APHP, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Institut Imagine, INSERM, UMR 1163, Université Paris cité, Paris, France
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26
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Biba N, Becq H, Pallesi-Pocachard E, Sarno S, Granjeaud S, Montheil A, Kurz M, Villard L, Milh M, Santini PPL, Aniksztejn L. Time-limited alterations in cortical activity of a knock-in mice model of KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. J Physiol 2022; 600:2429-2460. [PMID: 35389519 DOI: 10.1113/jp282536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The electrophysiological impact of the pathogenic c.821C>T mutation of the KCNQ2 gene (p.T274M variant in Kv7.2 subunit) related to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy has been analyzed both in vivo and ex-vivo in layers II/III and V of motor cortical slice from a knock-in mice model during development at neonatal, post-weaning and juvenile stages. M current density and conductance are decreased and excitability of layers II/III pyramidal cells is increased in slices from neonatal and post-weaning KI mice but not from juvenile KI mice. M current and excitability of layer V pyramidal cells are impacted in KI mice only at post-weaning stage. Spontaneous GABAergic network-driven events are recorded until post-weaning stage and their frequency are increased in layers II/III of the KI mice. KI mice displayed spontaneous seizures preferentially at post-weaning rather than at juvenile stages. ABSTRACT De novo missense variants in the KCNQ2 gene encoding the Kv7.2 subunit of the voltage-gated potassium Kv7/M channels are the main cause of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) with neonatal onset. While seizures usually resolve during development, cognitive/motor deficits persist. To better understand the cellular mechanisms underlying network dysfunction and their progression over time, we investigated in vivo, using local field potential recordings of freely moving animals, and ex-vivo in layers II/III and V of motor cortical slices, using patch-clamp recordings, the electrophysiological properties of pyramidal cells from a heterozygous knock-in (KI) mouse model carrying the Kv7.2 p.T274M pathogenic variant during neonatal, post-weaning and juvenile developmental stages. We found that KI mice displayed spontaneous seizures preferentially at post-weaning rather than at juvenile stages. At the cellular level, the variant led to a reduction in M current density/conductance and to neuronal hyperexcitability. These alterations were observed during the neonatal period in pyramidal cells of layers II /III and during post-weaning stage in pyramidal cells of layer V. Moreover, there was an increase in the frequency of spontaneous network driven events mediated by GABA receptors suggesting that the excitability of interneurons was also increased. However, all these alterations were no more observed in layers II/III and V of juvenile mice. Thus, our data indicate that the action of the variant is developmentally regulated. This raises the possibility that the age related seizure remission observed in KCNQ2-related DEE patient results from a time limited alteration of Kv7 channels activity and neuronal excitability. Abstract figure legend Knock-in mice harboring the heterozygous pathogenic p.T274M variant in the Kv7.2 subunit (c.821C>T mutation of the KCNQ2 gene) related to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy displayed epileptic seizures preferentially at post-weaning rather than at juvenile developmental stages. At cellular level, in motor cortical slices the variant led to a reduction in M current density, to a hyperexcitability of pyramidal cells and to an increase in the frequency of spontaneous network driven events mediated by GABA receptors. All these alterations are time limited and are observed in pyramidal cells of neonatal mice until post-weaning but not of juvenile mice in which the pyramidal cells have electrophysiological properties similar to those of wild-type mice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua Biba
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Hélène Becq
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Pallesi-Pocachard
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Stefania Sarno
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM, U1068, Institut Paoli Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Montheil
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Kurz
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Villard
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, La Timone Childrens's Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Mathieu Milh
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurent Aniksztejn
- INSERM, INMED (U1249), Aix-Marseille University, Turing centre for living system, Marseille, France
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Vanoye CG, Desai RR, Ji Z, Adusumilli S, Jairam N, Ghabra N, Joshi N, Fitch E, Helbig KL, McKnight D, Lindy AS, Zou F, Helbig I, Cooper EC, George AL. High-throughput evaluation of epilepsy-associated KCNQ2 variants reveals functional and pharmacological heterogeneity. JCI Insight 2022; 7:156314. [PMID: 35104249 PMCID: PMC8983144 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.156314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of genetic variants in KCNQ2 encoding the voltage-gated potassium channel KV7.2 are associated with early onset epilepsy and/or developmental disability, but the functional consequences of most variants are unknown. Absent functional annotation for KCNQ2 variants hinders identification of individuals who may benefit from emerging precision therapies. We employed automated patch clamp recordings to assess at, to our knowledge, an unprecedented scale the functional and pharmacological properties of 79 missense and 2 inframe deletion KCNQ2 variants. Among the variants we studied were 18 known pathogenic variants, 24 mostly rare population variants, and 39 disease-associated variants with unclear functional effects. We analyzed electrophysiological data recorded from 9,480 cells. The functional properties of 18 known pathogenic variants largely matched previously published results and validated automated patch clamp for this purpose. Unlike rare population variants, most disease-associated KCNQ2 variants exhibited prominent loss-of-function with dominant-negative effects, providing strong evidence in support of pathogenicity. All variants responded to retigabine, although there were substantial differences in maximal responses. Our study demonstrated that dominant-negative loss-of-function is a common mechanism associated with missense KCNQ2 variants. Importantly, we observed genotype-dependent differences in the response of KCNQ2 variants to retigabine, a proposed precision therapy for KCNQ2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G. Vanoye
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Reshma R. Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhigang Ji
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sneha Adusumilli
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nirvani Jairam
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nora Ghabra
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nishtha Joshi
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eryn Fitch
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), and,Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine L. Helbig
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), and,Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ingo Helbig
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN), and,Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward C. Cooper
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Wnek GE, Costa ACS, Kozawa SK. Bio-Mimicking, Electrical Excitability Phenomena Associated With Synthetic Macromolecular Systems: A Brief Review With Connections to the Cytoskeleton and Membraneless Organelles. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:830892. [PMID: 35321030 PMCID: PMC8937024 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.830892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical excitability of cells, tissues and organs is a fundamental phenomenon in biology and physiology. Signatures of excitability include transient currents resulting from a constant or varying voltage gradient across compartments. Interestingly, such signatures can be observed with non-biologically-derived, macromolecular systems. Initial key literature, dating to roughly the late 1960’s into the early 1990’s, is reviewed here. We suggest that excitability in response to electrical stimulation is a material phenomenon that is exploited by living organisms, but that is not exclusive to living systems. Furthermore, given the ubiquity of biological hydrogels, we also speculate that excitability in protocells of primordial organisms might have shared some of the same molecular mechanisms seen in non-biological macromolecular systems, and that vestigial traces of such mechanisms may still play important roles in modern organisms’ biological hydrogels. Finally, we also speculate that bio-mimicking excitability of synthetic macromolecular systems might have practical biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary E. Wnek
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Gary E. Wnek,
| | - Alberto C. S. Costa
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Alberto C. S. Costa,
| | - Susan K. Kozawa
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Khamdiyeva O, Tileules Z, Baratzhanova G, Perfilyeva A, Djansugurova L. The study of sodium and potassium channel gene single-nucleotide variation significance in non-mechanical forms of epilepsy. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-00123-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Epilepsy is one of the most common and heterogeneous neurological diseases. The main clinical signs of the disease are repeated symptomatic or idiopathic epileptic seizures of both convulsive and non-convulsive nature that develop against a background of lost or preserved consciousness. The genetic component plays a large role in the etiology of idiopathic forms of epilepsy. The study of the molecular genetic basis of neurological disorders has led to a rapidly growing number of gene mutations known to be involved in hereditary ion channel dysfunction. The aim of this research was to evaluate the involvement of single-nucleotide variants that modify the function of genes (SCN1A, KCNT1, KCNTС1, and KCNQ2) encoding sodium and potassium ion channel polypeptides in the development of epilepsy.
Results
De novo mutations in the sodium channel gene SCN1A c.5347G>A (p. Ala1783Thr) were detected in two patients with Dravet syndrome, with a deletion in exon 26 found in one. Three de novo mutations in the potassium channel gene KCNT1 c.2800G>A (p. Ala934Thr), were observed in two patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and one patient with residual encephalopathy. Moreover, a control cohort matched to the case cohort did not reveal any SNVs among conditionally healthy individuals, supporting the pathogenic significance of the studied SNVs.
Conclusion
Our results are supported by literature data showing that the sodium ion channel gene SCN1A c.5347G>A mutation may be involved in the pathogenesis of Dravet syndrome. We also note that the c.2800G>A mutation in the potassium channel gene KCNT1 can cause not only autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) but also other forms of epilepsy. To treat pathogenetic mutations that accelerate the function of sodium and potassium ion channels, we recommend ion channel blockade drug therapy.
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Li X, Zheng Y, Li S, Nair U, Sun C, Zhao C, Lu J, Zhang VW, Maljevic S, Petrou S, Lin J. Kv3.1 channelopathy: a novel loss-of-function variant and the mechanistic basis of its clinical phenotypes. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1397. [PMID: 34733949 PMCID: PMC8506712 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background KCNC1 encodes Kv3.1, a subunit of the Kv3 voltage-gated potassium channels. It is predominantly expressed in inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and cerebellar neurons. Kv3.1 channelopathy has been linked to a variety of human diseases including epilepsy, developmental delay, and ataxia. Characterization of structural and functional disturbances of this channel, and its relationship to a heterogenous group of clinical phenotypes, is a current topic of research. We herein characterize the clinical phenotype as well as the functional and structural consequences of the novel KCNC1 p.R317S variant. We further set out to explore the mechanistic basis for the spectrum of KCNC1 related channelopathies. Methods Variant was identified via whole-exome sequencing and its functional impact was determined using two-electrode voltage clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Homolog modeling and in silico structural analysis were performed on the p.R317S variant and other KCNC1 related variants. Results We identified a novel loss-of-function KCNC1 variant c.949C>A (p.R317S) presenting with symptoms similar to myoclonic epilepsy and ataxia due to potassium channel (MEAK), but with distinct radiological features. Functional analysis in the Xenopus laevis oocyte’s expression system revealed that the current amplitudes were significantly decreased in the p.R317S variant compared to the wild type, indicating a dominant-negative effect. Atomic structural analysis of the KCNC1 related variants provided a possible mechanistic explanation for the heterogeneity in the clinical spectrum. Conclusions We have identified the p.R317S loss-of-function variant in the KCNC1 gene, expanded the spectrum of potassium channelopathy and provided mechanistic insights into KCNC1 related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Yongsheng Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Umesh Nair
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Snezana Maljevic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Aiba I, Noebels JL. Kcnq2/Kv7.2 controls the threshold and bi-hemispheric symmetry of cortical spreading depolarization. Brain 2021; 144:2863-2878. [PMID: 33768249 PMCID: PMC8536937 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spreading depolarization is a slowly propagating wave of massive cellular depolarization associated with acute brain injury and migraine aura. Genetic studies link depolarizing molecular defects in Ca2+ flux, Na+ current in interneurons, and glial Na+-K+ ATPase with spreading depolarization susceptibility, emphasizing the important roles of synaptic activity and extracellular ionic homeostasis in determining spreading depolarization threshold. In contrast, although gene mutations in voltage-gated potassium ion channels that shape intrinsic membrane excitability are frequently associated with epilepsy susceptibility, it is not known whether epileptogenic mutations that regulate membrane repolarization also modify spreading depolarization threshold and propagation. Here we report that the Kcnq2/Kv7.2 potassium channel subunit, frequently mutated in developmental epilepsy, is a spreading depolarization modulatory gene with significant control over the seizure-spreading depolarization transition threshold, bi-hemispheric cortical expression, and diurnal temporal susceptibility. Chronic DC-band cortical EEG recording from behaving conditional Kcnq2 deletion mice (Emx1cre/+::Kcnq2flox/flox) revealed spontaneous cortical seizures and spreading depolarization. In contrast to the related potassium channel deficient model, Kv1.1-KO mice, spontaneous cortical spreading depolarizations in Kcnq2 cKO mice are tightly coupled to the terminal phase of seizures, arise bilaterally, and are observed predominantly during the dark phase. Administration of the non-selective Kv7.2 inhibitor XE991 to Kv1.1-KO mice partly reproduced the Kcnq2 cKO-like spreading depolarization phenotype (tight seizure coupling and bilateral symmetry) in these mice, indicating that Kv7.2 currents can directly and actively modulate spreading depolarization properties. In vitro brain slice studies confirmed that Kcnq2/Kv7.2 depletion or pharmacological inhibition intrinsically lowers the cortical spreading depolarization threshold, whereas pharmacological Kv7.2 activators elevate the threshold to multiple depolarizing and hypometabolic spreading depolarization triggers. Together these results identify Kcnq2/Kv7.2 as a distinctive spreading depolarization regulatory gene, and point to spreading depolarization as a potentially significant pathophysiological component of KCNQ2-linked epileptic encephalopathy syndromes. Our results also implicate KCNQ2/Kv7.2 channel activation as a potential adjunctive therapeutic target to inhibit spreading depolarization incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isamu Aiba
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Noebels
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Spoto G, Saia MC, Amore G, Gitto E, Loddo G, Mainieri G, Nicotera AG, Di Rosa G. Neonatal Seizures: An Overview of Genetic Causes and Treatment Options. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101295. [PMID: 34679360 PMCID: PMC8534058 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizures are the most frequent neurological clinical symptoms of the central nervous system (CNS) during the neonatal period. Neonatal seizures may be ascribed to an acute event or symptomatic conditions determined by genetic, metabolic or structural causes, outlining the so-called 'Neonatal Epilepsies'. To date, three main groups of neonatal epilepsies are recognised during the neonatal period: benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE), early myoclonic encephalopathy (EME) and 'Ohtahara syndrome' (OS). Recent advances showed the role of several genes in the pathogenesis of these conditions, such as KCNQ2, KCNQ3, ARX, STXBP1, SLC25A22, CDKL5, KCNT1, SCN2A and SCN8A. Herein, we reviewed the current knowledge regarding the pathogenic variants most frequently associated with neonatal seizures, which should be considered when approaching newborns affected by these disorders. In addition, we considered the new possible therapeutic strategies reported in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (M.C.S.); (G.A.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Maria Concetta Saia
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (M.C.S.); (G.A.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Greta Amore
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (M.C.S.); (G.A.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Unit of Neonatal Intensive Care, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | | | - Greta Mainieri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (M.C.S.); (G.A.); (G.D.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2911
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.S.); (M.C.S.); (G.A.); (G.D.R.)
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A Novel KCNA2 Variant in a Patient with Non-Progressive Congenital Ataxia and Epilepsy: Functional Characterization and Sensitivity to 4-Aminopyridine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189913. [PMID: 34576077 PMCID: PMC8469797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Kv1.2 channels, encoded by the KCNA2 gene, are localized in the central and peripheral nervous system, where they regulate neuronal excitability. Recently, heterozygous mutations in KCNA2 have been associated with a spectrum of symptoms extending from epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability, and cerebellar ataxia. Patients are treated with a combination of antiepileptic drugs and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) has been recently trialed in specific cases. We identified a novel variant in KCNA2, E236K, in a Serbian proband with non-progressive congenital ataxia and early onset epilepsy, treated with sodium valproate. To ascertain the pathogenicity of E236K mutation and to verify its sensitivity to 4-AP, we transfected HEK 293 cells with Kv1.2 WT or E236K cDNAs and recorded potassium currents through the whole-cell patch-clamp. In silico analysis supported the electrophysiological data. E236K channels showed voltage-dependent activation shifted towards negative potentials and slower kinetics of deactivation and activation compared with Kv1.2 WT. Heteromeric Kv1.2 WT+E236K channels, resembling the condition of the heterozygous patient, confirmed a mixed gain- and loss-of-function (GoF/LoF) biophysical phenotype. 4-AP inhibited both Kv1.2 and E236K channels with similar potency. Homology modeling studies of mutant channels suggested a reduced interaction between the residue K236 in the S2 segment and the gating charges at S4. Overall, the biophysical phenotype of E236K channels correlates with the mild end of the clinical spectrum reported in patients with GoF/LoF defects. The response to 4-AP corroborates existing evidence that KCNA2-disorders could benefit from variant-tailored therapeutic approaches, based on functional studies.
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Chen Y, Wei M, Lee J, Zhao J, Lin P, Wang Q, Li F, Ling D. Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnosis via Ion‐Level Detection in the Brain. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Min Wei
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Peihua Lin
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Qiyue Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Fangyuan Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
| | - Daishun Ling
- Institute of Pharmaceutics College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 P.R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules Institute of Translational Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 P.R. China
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35
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Zhang Y, Tachtsidis G, Schob C, Koko M, Hedrich UBS, Lerche H, Lemke JR, Haeringen A, Ruivenkamp C, Prescott T, Tveten K, Gerstner T, Pruniski B, DiTroia S, VanNoy GE, Rehm HL, McLaughlin H, Bolz HJ, Zechner U, Bryant E, McDonough T, Kindler S, Bähring R. KCND2 variants associated with global developmental delay differentially impair Kv4.2 channel gating. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:2300-2314. [PMID: 34245260 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report on six unrelated individuals, all presenting with early-onset global developmental delay, associated with impaired motor, speech and cognitive development, partly with developmental epileptic encephalopathy and physical dysmorphisms. All individuals carry heterozygous missense variants of KCND2, which encodes the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel α-subunit Kv4.2. The amino acid substitutions associated with the variants, p.(Glu323Lys) (E323K), p.(Pro403Ala) (P403A), p.(Val404Leu) (V404L) and p.(Val404Met) (V404M), affect sites known to be critical for channel gating. To unravel their likely pathogenicity, recombinant mutant channels were studied in the absence and presence of auxiliary β-subunits under two-electrode voltage-clamp in Xenopus oocytes. All channel mutants exhibited slowed and incomplete macroscopic inactivation, and the P403A variant in addition slowed activation. Co-expression of KChIP2 or DPP6 augmented the functional expression of both wild-type and mutant channels, however, the auxiliary β-subunit-mediated gating modifications differed from wild-type and among mutants. To simulate the putative setting in the affected individuals, heteromeric Kv4.2 channels (wild-type + mutant) were studied as ternary complexes (containing both KChIP2 and DPP6). In the heteromeric ternary configuration, the E323K variant exhibited only marginal functional alterations compared to homomeric wild-type ternary, compatible with mild loss-of-function. By contrast, the P403A, V404L and V404M variants displayed strong gating impairment in the heteromeric ternary configuration, compatible with loss or gain-of-function. Our results support the etiological involvement of Kv4.2 channel gating impairment in early-onset monogenic global developmental delay. In addition, they suggest that gain-of-function mechanisms associated with a substitution of V404 increase epileptic seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhang
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Georgios Tachtsidis
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schob
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Koko
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike B S Hedrich
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes R Lemke
- University Center for Rare Diseases, Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arie Haeringen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Trine Prescott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | - Kristian Tveten
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | - Thorsten Gerstner
- Department of Child Neurology and Rehabilitation and Department of Pediatrics, Hospital of Southern Norway, Arendal, Norway
| | - Brianna Pruniski
- Division of Genetics & Metabolism, Phoenix Children's Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Stephanie DiTroia
- Center for Mendelian Genomics and Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Grace E VanNoy
- Center for Mendelian Genomics and Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Center for Mendelian Genomics and Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Hanno J Bolz
- Senckenberg Centre for Human Genetics, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Zechner
- Senckenberg Centre for Human Genetics, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Emily Bryant
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg Scool of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tiffani McDonough
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg Scool of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stefan Kindler
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Bähring
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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36
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Boscia F, Elkjaer ML, Illes Z, Kukley M. Altered Expression of Ion Channels in White Matter Lesions of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: What Do We Know About Their Function? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:685703. [PMID: 34276310 PMCID: PMC8282214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.685703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), knowledge about contribution of individual ion channels to axonal impairment and remyelination failure in progressive MS remains incomplete. Ion channel families play a fundamental role in maintaining white matter (WM) integrity and in regulating WM activities in axons, interstitial neurons, glia, and vascular cells. Recently, transcriptomic studies have considerably increased insight into the gene expression changes that occur in diverse WM lesions and the gene expression fingerprint of specific WM cells associated with secondary progressive MS. Here, we review the ion channel genes encoding K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl- channels; ryanodine receptors; TRP channels; and others that are significantly and uniquely dysregulated in active, chronic active, inactive, remyelinating WM lesions, and normal-appearing WM of secondary progressive MS brain, based on recently published bulk and single-nuclei RNA-sequencing datasets. We discuss the current state of knowledge about the corresponding ion channels and their implication in the MS brain or in experimental models of MS. This comprehensive review suggests that the intense upregulation of voltage-gated Na+ channel genes in WM lesions with ongoing tissue damage may reflect the imbalance of Na+ homeostasis that is observed in progressive MS brain, while the upregulation of a large number of voltage-gated K+ channel genes may be linked to a protective response to limit neuronal excitability. In addition, the altered chloride homeostasis, revealed by the significant downregulation of voltage-gated Cl- channels in MS lesions, may contribute to an altered inhibitory neurotransmission and increased excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Boscia
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Louise Elkjaer
- Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Neurology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Kukley
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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37
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Naffaa MM, Al-Ewaidat OA. Ligand modulation of KCNQ-encoded (K V7) potassium channels in the heart and nervous system. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 906:174278. [PMID: 34174270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
KCNQ-encoded (KV7) potassium channels are diversely distributed in the human tissues, associated with many physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. These channels are increasingly used as drug targets for treating diseases. More selective and potent molecules on various types of the KV7 channels are desirable for appropriate therapies. The recent knowledge of the structure and function of human KCNQ-encoded channels makes it more feasible to achieve these goals. This review discusses the role and mechanism of action of many molecules in modulating the function of the KCNQ-encoded potassium channels in the heart and nervous system. The effects of these compounds on KV7 channels help to understand their involvement in many diseases, and to search for more selective and potent ligands to be used in the treatment of many disorders such as various types of cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moawiah M Naffaa
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Ola A Al-Ewaidat
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
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38
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Current Pharmacologic Strategies for Treatment of Intractable Epilepsy in Children. Int Neurourol J 2021; 25:S8-18. [PMID: 34053206 PMCID: PMC8171244 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2142166.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epileptic encephalopathy (EE) is a devastating pediatric disease that features medically resistant seizures, which can contribute to global developmental delays. Despite technological advancements in genetics, the neurobiological mechanisms of EEs are not fully understood, leaving few therapeutic options for affected patients. In this review, we introduce the most common EEs in pediatrics (i.e., Ohtahara syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) and their molecular mechanisms that cause excitation/inhibition imbalances. We then discuss some of the essential molecules that are frequently dysregulated in EEs. Specifically, we explore voltage-gated ion channels, synaptic transmission-related proteins, and ligand-gated ion channels in association with the pathophysiology of Ohtahara syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Finally, we review currently available antiepileptic drugs used to treat seizures in patients with EEs. Since these patients often fail to achieve seizure relief even with the combination therapy, further extensive research efforts to explore the involved molecular mechanisms will be required to develop new drugs for patients with intractable epilepsy.
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39
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Ichise E, Chiyonobu T, Ishikawa M, Tanaka Y, Shibata M, Tozawa T, Taura Y, Yamashita S, Yoshida M, Morimoto M, Higurashi N, Yamamoto T, Okano H, Hirose S. Impaired neuronal activity and differential gene expression in STXBP1 encephalopathy patient iPSC-derived GABAergic neurons. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1337-1348. [PMID: 33961044 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1; also called MUNC18-1), encoded by STXBP1, is an essential component of the molecular machinery that controls synaptic vesicle docking and fusion. De novo pathogenic variants of STXBP1 cause a complex set of neurological disturbances, namely STXBP1 encephalopathy (STXBP1-E) that includes epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration. Several animal studies have suggested the contribution of GABAergic dysfunction in STXBP1-E pathogenesis. However, the pathophysiological changes in GABAergic neurons of these patients are still poorly understood. Here, we exclusively generated GABAergic neurons from STXBP1-E patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by transient expression of the transcription factors ASCL1 and DLX2. We also generated CRISPR/Cas9-edited isogenic iPSC-derived GABAergic (iPSC GABA) neurons as controls. We demonstrated that the reduction in STXBP1 protein levels in patient-derived iPSC GABA neurons was slight (approximately 20%) compared to the control neurons, despite a 50% reduction in STXBP1 mRNA levels. Using a microelectrode array-based assay, we found that patient-derived iPSC GABA neurons exhibited dysfunctional maturation with reduced numbers of spontaneous spikes and bursts. These findings reinforce the idea that GABAergic dysfunction is a crucial contributor to STXBP1-E pathogenesis. Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed specific dysregulation of genes previously implicated in epilepsy, neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration in patient-derived iPSC GABA neurons, namely KCNH1, KCNH5, CNN3, RASGRF1, SEMA3A, SIAH3 and INPP5F. Thus, our study provides new insights for understanding the biological processes underlying the widespread neuropathological features of STXBP1-E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Ichise
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Chiyonobu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Tanaka
- Research Institute for the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Mami Shibata
- Research Institute for the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Takenori Tozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Taura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamashita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Michiko Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masafumi Morimoto
- Department of Medical Science, School of Nursing, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Norimichi Higurashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
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40
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Gripp KW, Smithson SF, Scurr IJ, Baptista J, Majumdar A, Pierre G, Williams M, Henderson LB, Wentzensen IM, McLaughlin H, Leeuwen L, Simon MEH, van Binsbergen E, Dinulos MBP, Kaplan JD, McRae A, Superti-Furga A, Good JM, Kutsche K. Syndromic disorders caused by gain-of-function variants in KCNH1, KCNK4, and KCNN3-a subgroup of K + channelopathies. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1384-1395. [PMID: 33594261 PMCID: PMC8440610 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00818-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased or increased activity of potassium channels caused by loss-of-function and gain-of-function (GOF) variants in the corresponding genes, respectively, underlies a broad spectrum of human disorders affecting the central nervous system, heart, kidney, and other organs. While the association of epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID) with variants affecting function in genes encoding potassium channels is well known, GOF missense variants in K+ channel encoding genes in individuals with syndromic developmental disorders have only recently been recognized. These syndromic phenotypes include Zimmermann–Laband and Temple–Baraitser syndromes, caused by dominant variants in KCNH1, FHEIG syndrome due to dominant variants in KCNK4, and the clinical picture associated with dominant variants in KCNN3. Here we review the presentation of these individuals, including five newly reported with variants in KCNH1 and three additional individuals with KCNN3 variants, all variants likely affecting function. There is notable overlap in the phenotypic findings of these syndromes associated with dominant KCNN3, KCNH1, and KCNK4 variants, sharing developmental delay and/or ID, coarse facial features, gingival enlargement, distal digital hypoplasia, and hypertrichosis. We suggest to combine the phenotypes and define a new subgroup of potassium channelopathies caused by increased K+ conductance, referred to as syndromic neurodevelopmental K+ channelopathies due to dominant variants in KCNH1, KCNK4, or KCNN3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen W Gripp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Sarah F Smithson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bristol, UK
| | - Ingrid J Scurr
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bristol, UK
| | - Julia Baptista
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK.,College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Anirban Majumdar
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Germaine Pierre
- Department of Paediatric Metabolic Medicine, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Maggie Williams
- Bristol Genetics Laboratory, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | - Lisette Leeuwen
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen E H Simon
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen van Binsbergen
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mary Beth P Dinulos
- Section of Genetics and Child Development, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Julie D Kaplan
- Division of Medical Genetics, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Anne McRae
- Division of Genetics, Birth Defects and Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrea Superti-Furga
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Good
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Kutsche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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41
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McCoy MT, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL. Potassium Channels and Their Potential Roles in Substance Use Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1249. [PMID: 33513859 PMCID: PMC7865894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are ubiquitous throughout the world. However, much remains to be done to develop pharmacotherapies that are very efficacious because the focus has been mostly on using dopaminergic agents or opioid agonists. Herein we discuss the potential of using potassium channel activators in SUD treatment because evidence has accumulated to support a role of these channels in the effects of rewarding drugs. Potassium channels regulate neuronal action potential via effects on threshold, burst firing, and firing frequency. They are located in brain regions identified as important for the behavioral responses to rewarding drugs. In addition, their expression profiles are influenced by administration of rewarding substances. Genetic studies have also implicated variants in genes that encode potassium channels. Importantly, administration of potassium agonists have been shown to reduce alcohol intake and to augment the behavioral effects of opioid drugs. Potassium channel expression is also increased in animals with reduced intake of methamphetamine. Together, these results support the idea of further investing in studies that focus on elucidating the role of potassium channels as targets for therapeutic interventions against SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.T.M.); (S.J.)
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42
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Assembly and Function of the Juxtaparanodal Kv1 Complex in Health and Disease. Life (Basel) 2020; 11:life11010008. [PMID: 33374190 PMCID: PMC7824554 DOI: 10.3390/life11010008] [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: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise axonal distribution of specific potassium channels is known to secure the shape and frequency of action potentials in myelinated fibers. The low-threshold voltage-gated Kv1 channels located at the axon initial segment have a significant influence on spike initiation and waveform. Their role remains partially understood at the juxtaparanodes where they are trapped under the compact myelin bordering the nodes of Ranvier in physiological conditions. However, the exposure of Kv1 channels in de- or dys-myelinating neuropathy results in alteration of saltatory conduction. Moreover, cell adhesion molecules associated with the Kv1 complex, including Caspr2, Contactin2, and LGI1, are target antigens in autoimmune diseases associated with hyperexcitability such as encephalitis, neuromyotonia, or neuropathic pain. The clustering of Kv1.1/Kv1.2 channels at the axon initial segment and juxtaparanodes is based on interactions with cell adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal linkers. This review will focus on the trafficking and assembly of the axonal Kv1 complex in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS), during development, and in health and disease.
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43
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Tsortouktzidis D, Schulz H, Hamed M, Vatter H, Surges R, Schoch S, Sander T, Becker AJ, van Loo KMJ. Gene expression analysis in epileptic hippocampi reveals a promoter haplotype conferring reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase 5a1 expression and responsiveness. Epilepsia 2020; 62:e29-e34. [PMID: 33319393 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates the pathogenetic relevance of regulatory genomic motifs for variability in the manifestation of brain disorders. In this context, cis-regulatory effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on gene expression can contribute to changing transcript levels of excitability-relevant molecules and episodic seizure manifestation in epilepsy. Biopsy specimens of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery for seizure relief provide unique insights into the impact of promoter SNPs on corresponding mRNA expression. Here, we have scrutinized whether two linked regulatory SNPs (rs2744575; 4779C > G and rs4646830; 4854C > G) located in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 5a1 (succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase; ALDH5A1) gene promoter are associated with expression of corresponding mRNAs in epileptic hippocampi (n = 43). The minor ALDH5A1-GG haplotype associates with significantly lower ALDH5A1 transcript abundance. Complementary in vitro analyses in neural cell cultures confirm this difference and further reveal a significantly constricted range for the minor ALDH5A1 haplotype of promoter activity regulation through the key epileptogenesis transcription factor Egr1 (early growth response 1). The present data suggest systematic analyses in human hippocampal tissue as a useful approach to unravel the impact of epilepsy candidate SNPs on associated gene expression. Aberrant ALDH5A1 promoter regulation in functional terms can contribute to impaired γ-aminobutyric acid homeostasis and thereby network excitability and seizure propensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Tsortouktzidis
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Cologne Center of Genomics, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Motaz Hamed
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hartmut Vatter
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Sander
- Cologne Center of Genomics, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen M J van Loo
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Epileptology, Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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44
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Kowalska M, Nowaczyk J, Nowaczyk A. K V11.1, Na V1.5, and Ca V1.2 Transporter Proteins as Antitarget for Drug Cardiotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8099. [PMID: 33143033 PMCID: PMC7663169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Safety assessment of pharmaceuticals is a rapidly developing area of pharmacy and medicine. The new advanced guidelines for testing the toxicity of compounds require specialized tools that provide information on the tested drug in a quick and reliable way. Ion channels represent the third-largest target. As mentioned in the literature, ion channels are an indispensable part of the heart's work. In this paper the most important information concerning the guidelines for cardiotoxicity testing and the way the tests are conducted has been collected. Attention has been focused on the role of selected ion channels in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kowalska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Jacek Nowaczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
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45
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Kurata HT. Chemical regulation of Kv7 channels: Diverse scaffolds, sites, and mechanisms of action. J Gen Physiol 2020; 152:151830. [PMID: 32484852 PMCID: PMC7398145 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Kv7 channels are powerfully regulated by a wide variety of physiological and pharmacological signals. Larsson et al. describe the direct modulation of Kv7 channels by endocannabinoids and explore how combinations of Kv7 activators with distinct subtype specificities might lead to effective and selective drug cocktails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harley T Kurata
- Department of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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46
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Inuzuka LM, Macedo-Souza LI, Della-Ripa B, Monteiro FP, Ramos L, Kitajima JP, Garzon E, Kok F. Additional observation of a de novo pathogenic variant in KCNT2 leading to epileptic encephalopathy with clinical features of frontal lobe epilepsy. Brain Dev 2020; 42:691-695. [PMID: 32773162 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION KCNT2 was recently recognized as a gene associated with neurodevelopmental disorder and epilepsy. CASE REPORT We present an additional observation of a 16-year-old male patient with a novel de novo KCNT2 likely pathogenic variant and review the five previously reported cases of de novo variants in this gene. DISCUSSION Whole exome sequencing identified the missense variant c.725C > A p.(Thr242Asn), which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Our patient has a refractory stereotyped and monomorphic type of hyperkinetic focal motor seizure, similar to what is seen in frontal lobe epilepsy, occurring only during sleep. This type of seizure is not usually seen in epileptic encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Midori Inuzuka
- Epilepsy Clinic, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil.
| | | | - Bruno Della-Ripa
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil
| | | | - Luiza Ramos
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Eliana Garzon
- Epilepsy Clinic, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil
| | - Fernando Kok
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil
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47
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Kessi M, Chen B, Peng J, Tang Y, Olatoutou E, He F, Yang L, Yin F. Intellectual Disability and Potassium Channelopathies: A Systematic Review. Front Genet 2020; 11:614. [PMID: 32655623 PMCID: PMC7324798 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) manifests prior to adulthood as severe limitations to intellectual function and adaptive behavior. The role of potassium channelopathies in ID is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between ID and potassium channelopathies. We hypothesized that potassium channelopathies are strongly associated with ID initiation, and that both gain- and loss-of-function mutations lead to ID. This systematic review explores the burden of potassium channelopathies, possible mechanisms, advancements using animal models, therapies, and existing gaps. The literature search encompassed both PubMed and Embase up to October 2019. A total of 75 articles describing 338 cases were included in this review. Nineteen channelopathies were identified, affecting the following genes: KCNMA1, KCNN3, KCNT1, KCNT2, KCNJ10, KCNJ6, KCNJ11, KCNA2, KCNA4, KCND3, KCNH1, KCNQ2, KCNAB1, KCNQ3, KCNQ5, KCNC1, KCNB1, KCNC3, and KCTD3. Twelve of these genes presented both gain- and loss-of-function properties, three displayed gain-of-function only, three exhibited loss-of-function only, and one had unknown function. How gain- and loss-of-function mutations can both lead to ID remains largely unknown. We identified only a few animal studies that focused on the mechanisms of ID in relation to potassium channelopathies and some of the few available therapeutic options (channel openers or blockers) appear to offer limited efficacy. In conclusion, potassium channelopathies contribute to the initiation of ID in several instances and this review provides a comprehensive overview of which molecular players are involved in some of the most prominent disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yulin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Eleonore Olatoutou
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
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48
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D'Adamo MC, Liantonio A, Conte E, Pessia M, Imbrici P. Ion Channels Involvement in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 440:337-359. [PMID: 32473276 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inherited and sporadic mutations in genes encoding for brain ion channels, affecting membrane expression or biophysical properties, have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by epilepsy, cognitive and behavioral deficits with significant phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Over the years, the screening of a growing number of patients and the functional characterization of newly identified mutations in ion channels genes allowed to recognize new phenotypes and to widen the clinical spectrum of known diseases. Furthermore, advancements in understanding disease pathogenesis at atomic level or using patient-derived iPSCs and animal models have been pivotal to orient therapeutic intervention and to put the basis for the development of novel pharmacological options for drug-resistant disorders. In this review we will discuss major improvements and critical issues concerning neurodevelopmental disorders caused by dysfunctions in brain sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and ligand-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina D'Adamo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Malta
| | | | - Elena Conte
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Italy
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Malta; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Italy.
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Salpietro V, Houlden H. Genetic epilepsies and the K v super-family. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2020; 24:5-6. [PMID: 31983570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Salpietro
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College of London, London, UK.
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