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Dong R, Jin R, Zhang H, Zhang H, Xue M, Li Y, Zhang K, Lv Y, Li X, Liu Y, Gai Z. Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of sodium channel-associated epilepsy in Chinese population. J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s10038-024-01257-2. [PMID: 38880818 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-024-01257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Variants in voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) genes are implicated in seizures, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders, constituting a significant aspect of hereditary epilepsy in the Chinese population. Through retrospective analysis utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS), we examined the genotypes and phenotypes of VGSC-related epilepsy cases from a cohort of 691 epilepsy subjects. Our findings revealed that 5.1% of subjects harbored VGSC variants, specifically 22 with SCN1A, 9 with SCN2A, 1 with SCN8A, and 3 with SCN1B variants; no SCN3A variants were detected. Among these, 14 variants were previously reported, while 21 were newly identified. SCN1A variant carriers predominantly presented with Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus (GEFS + ), featuring a heightened sensitivity to fever-induced seizures. Statistically significant disparities emerged between the SCN1A-DS and SCN1A-GEFS+ groups concerning seizure onset and genetic diagnosis age, incidence of status epilepticus, mental retardation, anti-seizure medication (ASM) responsiveness, and familial history. Notably, subjects with SCN1A variants affecting the protein's pore region experienced more frequent cluster seizures. All SCN2A variants were of de novo origin, and 88.9% of individuals with SCN2A variations exhibited cluster seizures. This research reveals a significant association between variations in VGSC-related genes and the clinical phenotype diversity of epilepsy subjects in China, emphasizing the pivotal role of NGS screening in establishing accurate disease diagnoses and guiding the selection of ASM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Dong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Ruifeng Jin
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
- Department of neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
- Department of neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Min Xue
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Kaihui Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Yuqiang Lv
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China.
- Neonatology department, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China.
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (Jinan Children's Hospital), Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children's Health and Disease, Jinan, China
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Bao Z, Li H, Hu J, Zhao R, Yan L, Zheng A. Effect of SCN1Aand SCN2A gene polymorphisms on the efficacy of valproic acid treatment in Chinese children with epilepsy. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304869. [PMID: 38837984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304869] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy patients exhibit considerable differences in their response to sodium valproate (VPA) therapy, a phenomenon that might be attributed to individual genetic variances. The role of genetic variations, specifically in sodium channels encoded by SCN1A and SCN2A genes, in influencing the effectiveness of VPA in treating epilepsy is still debated. This research focuses on examining the impact of these genetic polymorphisms on the efficacy of VPA therapy among pediatric epilepsy patients in China. METHODS Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including SCN1A (rs10188577, rs2298771, rs3812718) and SCN2A (rs2304016, rs17183814), were genotyped in 233 epilepsy patients undergoing VPA therapy. The associations between genotypes and the antiepileptic effects of VPA were assessed, with 128 patients categorized as VPA responders and 105 as VPA non-responders. RESULTS In the context of VPA monotherapy, SCN1A rs2298771 and SCN2A rs17183814 were found to be significantly associated with VPA response (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION Our study suggests the findings of this investigation indicate that the polymorphisms SCN1A rs2298771 and SCN2A rs17183814 could potentially act as predictive biomarkers for the responsiveness to VPA among Chinese epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Bao
- Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huanzhou Li
- Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ru Zhao
- Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Yan
- Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aibin Zheng
- Changzhou Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Ng ACH, Chahine M, Scantlebury MH, Appendino JP. Channelopathies in epilepsy: an overview of clinical presentations, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic insights. J Neurol 2024; 271:3063-3094. [PMID: 38607431 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12352-x] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in genes encoding ion channels are causal for various pediatric and adult neurological conditions. In particular, several epilepsy syndromes have been identified to be caused by specific channelopathies. These encompass a spectrum from self-limited epilepsies to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies spanning genetic and acquired causes. Several of these channelopathies have exquisite responses to specific antiseizure medications (ASMs), while others ASMs may prove ineffective or even worsen seizures. Some channelopathies demonstrate phenotypic pleiotropy and can cause other neurological conditions outside of epilepsy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the pathophysiology of seizure generation, ion channels implicated in epilepsy, and several genetic epilepsies due to ion channel dysfunction. We outline the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and the current state of basic science and clinical research for these channelopathies. In addition, we briefly look at potential precision therapy approaches emerging for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Cheuk-Him Ng
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta and Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- CERVO, Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Morris H Scantlebury
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
| | - Juan P Appendino
- Clinical Neuroscience and Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada.
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Zhang S, Guo X, Huang W, Xu C. mTORC2: The "Ace in the Hole" for a Broader Control of Epileptic Seizures? Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:677-679. [PMID: 38451388 PMCID: PMC11127853 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiongfeng Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital); Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Cenglin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital); Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Gogus B, Elmas M, Turk Boru U. Genetic aspects of ataxias in a cohort of Turkish patients. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07484-x. [PMID: 38587696 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07484-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ataxia is one of the clinical findings of the movement disorder disease group. Although there are many underlying etiological reasons, genetic etiology has an increasing significance thanks to the recently developing technology. The aim of this study is to present the variants detected in WES analysis excluding non-genetic causes, in patients with ataxia. METHODS Thirty-six patients who were referred to us with findings of ataxia and diagnosed through WES or other molecular genetic analysis methods were included in our study. At the same time, information such as the onset time of the complaints, consanguinity status between parents, and the presence of relatives with similar symptoms were evaluated. If available, the patient's biochemical and radiological test results were presented. RESULTS Thirty-six patients were diagnosed through WES or CES. The rate of detected autosomal recessive inheritance disease was 80.5%, while that of autosomal dominant inheritance disease was 19.5%. Abnormal cerebellum was detected on brain MRI images in 26 patients, while polyneuropathy was detected on EMG in eleven of them. While the majority of the patients were compatible with similar cases reported in the literature, five patients had different/additional features (variants in MCM3AP, AGTPBP1, GDAP2, and SH3TC2 genes). CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of ataxia patients with unknown etiology is made possible thanks to these clues. Consideration of a genetic approach is recommended in patients with ataxia of unknown etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basak Gogus
- Ministry of Health General Directorate of Public Health, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
| | - Muhsin Elmas
- Department of Medical Genetics, İstanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ulku Turk Boru
- Department of Neurology, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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Stein D, Kars ME, Wu Y, Bayrak ÇS, Stenson PD, Cooper DN, Schlessinger A, Itan Y. Genome-wide prediction of pathogenic gain- and loss-of-function variants from ensemble learning of a diverse feature set. Genome Med 2023; 15:103. [PMID: 38037155 PMCID: PMC10688473 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01261-9] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function (GOF) variants give rise to increased/novel protein functions whereas loss-of-function (LOF) variants lead to diminished protein function. Experimental approaches for identifying GOF and LOF are generally slow and costly, whilst available computational methods have not been optimized to discriminate between GOF and LOF variants. We have developed LoGoFunc, a machine learning method for predicting pathogenic GOF, pathogenic LOF, and neutral genetic variants, trained on a broad range of gene-, protein-, and variant-level features describing diverse biological characteristics. LoGoFunc outperforms other tools trained solely to predict pathogenicity for identifying pathogenic GOF and LOF variants and is available at https://itanlab.shinyapps.io/goflof/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stein
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Meltem Ece Kars
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Yiming Wu
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nan Chong, Si Chuan, 637009, China
| | - Çiğdem Sevim Bayrak
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Peter D Stenson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Yuval Itan
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Okoh J, Mays J, Bacq A, Oses-Prieto JA, Tyanova S, Chen CJ, Imanbeyev K, Doladilhe M, Zhou H, Jafar-Nejad P, Burlingame A, Noebels J, Baulac S, Costa-Mattioli M. Targeted suppression of mTORC2 reduces seizures across models of epilepsy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7364. [PMID: 37963879 PMCID: PMC10645975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42922-y] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that poses a major threat to public health. Hyperactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is believed to lead to abnormal network rhythmicity associated with epilepsy, and its inhibition is proposed to provide some therapeutic benefit. However, mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) is also activated in the epileptic brain, and little is known about its role in seizures. Here we discover that genetic deletion of mTORC2 from forebrain neurons is protective against kainic acid-induced behavioral and EEG seizures. Furthermore, inhibition of mTORC2 with a specific antisense oligonucleotide robustly suppresses seizures in several pharmacological and genetic mouse models of epilepsy. Finally, we identify a target of mTORC2, Nav1.2, which has been implicated in epilepsy and neuronal excitability. Our findings, which are generalizable to several models of human seizures, raise the possibility that inhibition of mTORC2 may serve as a broader therapeutic strategy against epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Okoh
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Jacqunae Mays
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandre Bacq
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Chien-Ju Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Novartis Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khalel Imanbeyev
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marion Doladilhe
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Hongyi Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Alma Burlingame
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Fransisco, San Fransisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Baulac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Altos Labs Inc, Bay Area Institute, Redwood City, CA, USA.
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Bortolami A, Sesti F. Ion channels in neurodevelopment: lessons from the Integrin-KCNB1 channel complex. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2365-2369. [PMID: 37282454 PMCID: PMC10360111 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels modulate cellular excitability by regulating ionic fluxes across biological membranes. Pathogenic mutations in ion channel genes give rise to epileptic disorders that are among the most frequent neurological diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Epilepsies are triggered by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory conductances. However, pathogenic mutations in the same allele can give rise to loss-of-function and/or gain-of-function variants, all able to trigger epilepsy. Furthermore, certain alleles are associated with brain malformations even in the absence of a clear electrical phenotype. This body of evidence argues that the underlying epileptogenic mechanisms of ion channels are more diverse than originally thought. Studies focusing on ion channels in prenatal cortical development have shed light on this apparent paradox. The picture that emerges is that ion channels play crucial roles in landmark neurodevelopmental processes, including neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth, and synapse formation. Thus, pathogenic channel mutants can not only cause epileptic disorders by altering excitability, but further, by inducing morphological and synaptic abnormalities that are initiated during neocortex formation and may persist into the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bortolami
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, West Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Federico Sesti
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, West Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Filippi C, Milito G, Accorsi P, Muda A, Fazzi EM, Martelli P, Riva A, Giordano L. Frequency of SCN2A-related disorder in the regional epilepsy centre of brescia between 2002 and 2021. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 234:107983. [PMID: 37776663 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107983] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SCN2A gene pathogenic variants are associated with a wide phenotypic spectrum, encompassing epilepsy, developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder. Researches conducted in Denmark have revealed a disease frequency of approximately 1/78,608 (0.0012%) live births in this population. We estimated the frequency of SCN2A-related disorder in the birth cohort of Brescia and its province between 2002 and 2021. METHODS Frequency was calculated by ratio between patients with SCN2A pathogenic variant and the total number of live births at the Regional Epilepsy Center of Brescia, between 2002 and 2021. The number of births in Brescia and province was obtained from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). RESULTS A frequency of 11/23,2678 births (0.0047%) was found. In comparison with Danish data, we noticed a higher frequency of the pathogenic variant in our population, even considering the same time frame (0.0035% of subjects born between 2006 and 2014). CONCLUSION The frequency of SCN2A pathogenic variant among live births in Brescia and its Province between 2006 and 2014 was about three times that of Danish population; this difference was about four times if we consider the period from 2002 to 2021. More studies are needed to further delineate the frequency of SCN2A pathogenic variant in Italian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Milito
- Regional Epilepsy Center, Operative Unit of Childhood and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Regional Epilepsy Center, Operative Unit of Childhood and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Muda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Maria Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Martelli
- Regional Epilepsy Center, Operative Unit of Childhood and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lucio Giordano
- Regional Epilepsy Center, Operative Unit of Childhood and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry - ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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10
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Vorstman JAS, Scherer SW. Contemplating syndromic autism. Genet Med 2023; 25:100919. [PMID: 37330697 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A S Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Centre for Applied Genomics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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11
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Viswanathan LG, Alapati S, Nagappa M, Mundlamuri R, Kenchaiah R, Asranna A, Padmanabha H, Seshagiri DV, Sinha S. Phenotypic features of epilepsy due to sodium channelopathies - A single center experience from India. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2023; 14:603-609. [PMID: 38059254 PMCID: PMC10696347 DOI: 10.25259/jnrp_329_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Nearly 40% of pediatric epilepsies have a genetic basis. There is significant phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity, especially in epilepsy syndromes caused by sodium channelopathies. Sodium channel subunit 1A (SCN1A)-related epilepsy represents the archetypical channel-associated gene that has been linked to a wide spectrum of epilepsies of varying severity. Subsequently, other sodium channels have also been implicated in epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aims to describe the phenotypes in children with sodium channelopathies from a center in Southern India. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive, and single-center study. Out of 112 children presenting with epilepsy who underwent genetic testing between 2017 and 2021, 23 probands (M: F = 12:11) were identified to have clinically significant sodium channel mutations. Clinical presentation, electroencephalography, and imaging features of these patients were recorded. The utility of genetic test results (e.g., in planning another child, withdrawal of medications, or change in treatment) was also recorded. Results Age at onset of seizures ranged from day 4 of life to 3.5 years. Clinical epilepsy syndromes included generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (n = 3), Dravet syndrome (n = 5), early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (n = 7), drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 5), and epilepsy with associated movement disorders (n = 3). The most common type of seizure was focal with impaired awareness (n = 18, 78.2%), followed by myoclonic jerks (n = 8, 34.78%), epileptic spasms (n = 7, 30.4%), bilateral tonic-clonic seizures/generalized tonic-clonic seizures (n = 3, 13%), and atonic seizures (n = 5, 23.8%). In addition to epilepsy, other phenotypic features that were discerned were microcephaly (n = 1), cerebellar ataxia (n = 2), and chorea and dystonia (n = 1). Conclusion Sodium channelopathies may present with seizure phenotypes that vary in severity. In addition to epilepsy, patients may also have other clinical features such as movement disorders. Early clinical diagnosis may aid in tailoring treatment for the given patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandhya Alapati
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhu Nagappa
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravindranadh Mundlamuri
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghavendra Kenchaiah
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ajay Asranna
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Hansashree Padmanabha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Doniparthi V. Seshagiri
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjib Sinha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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12
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Millevert C, Weckhuysen S. ILAE Genetic Literacy Series: Self-limited familial epilepsy syndromes with onset in neonatal age and infancy. Epileptic Disord 2023; 25:445-453. [PMID: 36939707 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20026] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
The self-limited (familial) epilepsies with onset in neonates or infants, formerly called benign familial neonatal and/or infantile epilepsies, are autosomal dominant disorders characterized by neonatal- or infantile-onset focal motor seizures and the absence of neurodevelopmental complications. Seizures tend to remit during infancy or early childhood and are therefore called "self-limited". A positive family history for epilepsy usually suggests the genetic etiology, but incomplete penetrance and de novo inheritance occur. Here, we review the phenotypic spectrum and the genetic architecture of self-limited (familial) epilepsies with onset in neonates or infants. Using an illustrative case study, we describe important clues in recognition of these syndromes, diagnostic steps including genetic testing, management, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa Millevert
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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13
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Pablo JLB, Cornett SL, Wang LA, Jo S, Brünger T, Budnik N, Hegde M, DeKeyser JM, Thompson CH, Doench JG, Lal D, George AL, Pan JQ. Scanning mutagenesis of the voltage-gated sodium channel Na V1.2 using base editing. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112563. [PMID: 37267104 PMCID: PMC10592450 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112563] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is challenging to apply traditional mutational scanning to voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) and functionally annotate the large number of coding variants in these genes. Using a cytosine base editor and a pooled viability assay, we screen a library of 368 guide RNAs (gRNAs) tiling NaV1.2 to identify more than 100 gRNAs that change NaV1.2 function. We sequence base edits made by a subset of these gRNAs to confirm specific variants that drive changes in channel function. Electrophysiological characterization of these channel variants validates the screen results and provides functional mechanisms of channel perturbation. Most of the changes caused by these gRNAs are classifiable as loss of function along with two missense mutations that lead to gain of function in NaV1.2 channels. This two-tiered strategy to functionally characterize ion channel protein variants at scale identifies a large set of loss-of-function mutations in NaV1.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lorenzo B Pablo
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Savannah L Cornett
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lei A Wang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sooyeon Jo
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tobias Brünger
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, 51149 Cologne, Germany; Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nikita Budnik
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mudra Hegde
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jean-Marc DeKeyser
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Christopher H Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - John G Doench
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dennis Lal
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, 51149 Cologne, Germany; Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jen Q Pan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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14
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Barbieri R, Nizzari M, Zanardi I, Pusch M, Gavazzo P. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Dysfunctions in Neurological Disorders. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051191. [PMID: 37240836 DOI: 10.3390/life13051191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pore-forming subunits (α subunits) of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are encoded in humans by a family of nine highly conserved genes. Among them, SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN3A, and SCN8A are primarily expressed in the central nervous system. The encoded proteins Nav1.1, Nav1.2, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6, respectively, are important players in the initiation and propagation of action potentials and in turn of the neural network activity. In the context of neurological diseases, mutations in the genes encoding Nav1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.6 are responsible for many forms of genetic epilepsy and for Nav1.1 also of hemiplegic migraine. Several pharmacological therapeutic approaches targeting these channels are used or are under study. Mutations of genes encoding VGSCs are also involved in autism and in different types of even severe intellectual disability (ID). It is conceivable that in these conditions their dysfunction could indirectly cause a certain level of neurodegenerative processes; however, so far, these mechanisms have not been deeply investigated. Conversely, VGSCs seem to have a modulatory role in the most common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, where SCN8A expression has been shown to be negatively correlated with disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Institute of Biophysics, Via de Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanardi
- Institute of Biophysics, Via de Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Michael Pusch
- Institute of Biophysics, Via de Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Gavazzo
- Institute of Biophysics, Via de Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
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15
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Grether A, Ivanovski I, Russo M, Begemann A, Steindl K, Abela L, Papik M, Zweier M, Oneda B, Joset P, Rauch A. The current benefit of genome sequencing compared to exome sequencing in patients with developmental or epileptic encephalopathies. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2148. [PMID: 36785910 PMCID: PMC10178799 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2148] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the technology of next generation sequencing rapidly develops and costs are constantly reduced, the clinical availability of whole genome sequencing (WGS) increases. Thereby, it remains unclear what exact advantage WGS offers in comparison to whole exome sequencing (WES) for the diagnosis of genetic diseases using current technologies. METHODS Trio-WGS was conducted for 20 patients with developmental or epileptic encephalopathies who remained undiagnosed after WES and chromosomal microarray analysis. RESULTS A diagnosis was reached for four patients (20%). However, retrospectively all pathogenic variants could have been detected in a WES analysis conducted with today's methods and knowledge. CONCLUSION The additional diagnostic yield of WGS versus WES is currently largely explained by new scientific insights and the general technological progress. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that whole genome sequencing has greater potential for the analysis of small copy number and copy number neutral variants not seen with WES as well as variants in noncoding regions, especially as potentially more knowledge of the function of noncoding regions arises. We, therefore, conclude that even though today the added value of WGS versus WES seems to be limited, it may increase substantially in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grether
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Ivan Ivanovski
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Martina Russo
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Anaïs Begemann
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Lucia Abela
- Division of Child NeurologyUniversity Children's Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Michael Papik
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Markus Zweier
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Beatrice Oneda
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Pascal Joset
- Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics and PathologyUniversity Hospital BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Anita Rauch
- Institute of Medical GeneticsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- University Children's Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- University of Zurich Clinical Research Priority Program (CRPP) Praeclare – Personalized prenatal and reproductive medicineZurichSwitzerland
- University of Zurich Research Priority Program (URPP) AdaBD: Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and LearningZurichSwitzerland
- University of Zurich Research Priority Program (URPP) ITINERARE: Innovative Therapies in Rare DiseasesZurichSwitzerland
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16
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Donnan AM, Schneider AL, Russ-Hall S, Churilov L, Scheffer IE. Rates of Status Epilepticus and Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy in People With Genetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Neurology 2023; 100:e1712-e1722. [PMID: 36750385 PMCID: PMC10115508 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) comprise a large group of severe epilepsy syndromes, with a wide phenotypic spectrum. Currently, the rates of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in these diseases are not well understood. We aimed to describe the proportions of patients with frequently observed genetic DEEs who developed CSE, NCSE, mortality, and SUDEP. Understanding the risks of these serious presentations in each genetic DEE will enable earlier diagnosis and appropriate management. METHODS In this retrospective analysis of patients with a genetic DEE, we estimated the proportions with CSE, NCSE, and SUDEP and the overall and SUDEP-specific mortality rates for each genetic diagnosis. We included patients with a pathogenic variant in the genes SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A, SYNGAP1, NEXMIF, CHD2, PCDH19, STXBP1, GRIN2A, KCNT1, and KCNQ2 and with Angelman syndrome (AS). RESULTS The cohort comprised 510 individuals with a genetic DEE, in whom we observed CSE in 47% and NCSE in 19%. The highest proportion of CSE occurred in patients with SCN1A-associated DEEs, including 181/203 (89%; 95% CI 84-93) patients with Dravet syndrome and 8/15 (53%; 95% CI 27-79) non-Dravet SCN1A-DEEs. CSE was also notable in patients with pathogenic variants in KCNT1 (6/10; 60%; 95% CI 26-88) and SCN2A (8/15; 53%; 95% CI 27-79). NCSE was common in patients with non-Dravet SCN1A-DEEs (8/15; 53%; 95% CI 27-79) and was notable in patients with CHD2-DEEs (6/14; 43%; 95% CI 18-71) and AS (6/19; 32%; 95% CI 13-57). There were 42/510 (8%) deaths among the cohort, producing a mortality rate of 6.1 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI 4.4-8.3). Cases of SUDEP accounted for 19/42 (48%) deaths. Four genes were associated with SUDEP: SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A, and STXBP1. The estimated SUDEP rate was 2.8 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI 1.6-4.3). DISCUSSION We showed that proportions of patients with CSE, NCSE, and SUDEP differ for commonly encountered genetic DEEs. The estimates for each genetic DEE studied will inform early diagnosis and management of status epilepticus and SUDEP and inform disease-specific counseling for patients and families in this high-risk group of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Donnan
- From the Epilepsy Research Centre (A.M.D., A.L.S., S.R.-H., I.E.S.), Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Melbourne Medical School (L.C.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; The Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.C., I.E.S.), Melbourne; and Department of Paediatrics (I.E.S.), The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy L Schneider
- From the Epilepsy Research Centre (A.M.D., A.L.S., S.R.-H., I.E.S.), Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Melbourne Medical School (L.C.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; The Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.C., I.E.S.), Melbourne; and Department of Paediatrics (I.E.S.), The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Russ-Hall
- From the Epilepsy Research Centre (A.M.D., A.L.S., S.R.-H., I.E.S.), Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Melbourne Medical School (L.C.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; The Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.C., I.E.S.), Melbourne; and Department of Paediatrics (I.E.S.), The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonid Churilov
- From the Epilepsy Research Centre (A.M.D., A.L.S., S.R.-H., I.E.S.), Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Melbourne Medical School (L.C.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; The Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.C., I.E.S.), Melbourne; and Department of Paediatrics (I.E.S.), The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- From the Epilepsy Research Centre (A.M.D., A.L.S., S.R.-H., I.E.S.), Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Melbourne Medical School (L.C.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville; The Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health (L.C., I.E.S.), Melbourne; and Department of Paediatrics (I.E.S.), The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia.
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17
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Lee J, Kim YO, Lim BC, Lee J. PRRT2-positive self-limited infantile epilepsy: Initial seizure characteristics and response to sodium channel blockers. Epilepsia Open 2023. [PMID: 36775847 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-limited infantile epilepsy (SeLIE) has distinctive clinical features, and the PRRT2 gene is known to be a considerable genetic cause. There have been a few studies on PRRT2-positive SeLIE only, and anti-seizure medications are often required due to frequent seizures at initial seizure onset. This study aimed to provide clinical information for the early recognition of patients with PRRT2-positive SeLIE and to propose effective anti-seizure medications for seizure control. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 36 patients diagnosed with SeLIE with genetically confirmed pathogenic variants of PRRT2. In addition, six atypical cases with neonatal-onset seizures and unremitting after 3 years of age were included to understand the expanded clinical spectrum of PRRT2-related epilepsy. We analyzed the initial presentation, clinical course, and seizure control response to anti-seizure medications. RESULTS Patients with PRRT2-related epilepsy had characteristic seizure semiology at the initial presentation, including all afebrile, clustered (n = 23, 63.9%), short-duration (n = 33, 91.7%), and bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (n = 26, 72.2%). Genetic analysis revealed that c. 649dupC was the most common variant, and six patients had a 16p11.2 microdeletion containing the PRRT2 gene. One-third of the patients were sporadic cases without a family history of epilepsy or paroxysmal movement disorders. In the 33 patients treated with anti-seizure medications, sodium channel blockers, such as carbamazepine, were the most effective in seizure control. SIGNIFICANCE Our results delineated the clinical characteristics of PRRT2-positive SeLIE, differentiating it from other genetic infantile epilepsies and discovered the effective anti-seizure medications for initial clustered seizure control. If afebrile bilateral tonic-clonic seizures develop in a normally developed infant as a clustered pattern, PRRT2-positive SeLIE should be considered as a possible diagnosis, and sodium channel blockers should be administered as the first medication for seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Ok Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Byung Chan Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeehun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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18
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Potassium channelopathies associated with epilepsy-related syndromes and directions for therapeutic intervention. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115413. [PMID: 36646291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of mutations to members of several CNS potassium (K) channel families have been identified which result in rare forms of neonatal onset epilepsy, or syndromes of which one prominent characteristic is a form of epilepsy. Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions or Seizures (BFNC or BFNS), also referred to as Self-Limited Familial Neonatal Epilepsy (SeLNE), results from mutations in 2 members of the KV7 family (KCNQ) of K channels; while generally self-resolving by about 15 weeks of age, these mutations significantly increase the probability of generalized seizure disorders in the adult, in some cases they result in more severe developmental syndromes. Epilepsy of Infancy with Migrating Focal Seizures (EIMSF), or Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy (MMPSI), is a rare severe form of epilepsy linked primarily to gain of function mutations in a member of the sodium-dependent K channel family, KCNT1 or SLACK. Finally, KCNMA1 channelopathies, including Liang-Wang syndrome (LIWAS), are rare combinations of neurological symptoms including seizure, movement abnormalities, delayed development and intellectual disabilities, with Liang-Wang syndrome an extremely serious polymalformative syndrome with a number of neurological sequelae including epilepsy. These are caused by mutations in the pore-forming subunit of the large-conductance calcium-activated K channel (BK channel) KCNMA1. The identification of these rare but significant channelopathies has resulted in a resurgence of interest in their treatment by direct pharmacological or genetic modulation. We will briefly review the genetics, biophysics and pharmacology of these K channels, their linkage with the 3 syndromes described above, and efforts to more effectively target these syndromes.
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19
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Spelbrink EM, Brown TL, Brimble E, Blanco KA, Nye KL, Porter BE. Characterizing a rare neurogenetic disease, SLC13A5 citrate transporter disorder, utilizing clinical data in a cloud-based medical record collection system. Front Genet 2023; 14:1109547. [PMID: 37025451 PMCID: PMC10072280 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1109547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: SLC13A5 citrate transporter disorder is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease that has a constellation of neurologic symptoms. To better characterize the neurologic and clinical laboratory phenotype, we utilized patient medical records collected by Ciitizen, an Invitae company, with support from the TESS Research Foundation. Methods: Medical records for 15 patients with a suspected genetic and clinical diagnosis of SLC13A5 citrate transporter disorder were collected by Ciitizen, an Invitae company. Genotype, clinical phenotypes, and laboratory data were extracted and analyzed. Results: The 15 patients reported all had epilepsy and global developmental delay. Patients continued to attain motor milestones, though much later than their typically developing peers. Clinical diagnoses support abnormalities in communication, and low or mixed tone with several movement disorders, including, ataxia and dystonia. Serum citrate was elevated in the 3 patients in whom it was measured; other routine laboratory studies assessing renal, liver and blood function had normal values or no consistent abnormalities. Many electroencephalograms (EEGs) were performed (1 to 35 per patient), and most but not all were abnormal, with slowing and/or epileptiform activity. Fourteen of the patients had one or more brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports: 7 patients had at least one normal brain MRI, but not with any consistent findings except white matter signal changes. Discussion: These results show that in addition to the epilepsy phenotype, SLC13A5 citrate transporter disorder impacts global development, with marked abnormalities in motor abilities, tone, coordination, and communication skills. Further, utilizing cloud-based medical records allows industry, academic, and patient advocacy group collaboration to provide preliminary characterization of a rare genetic disorder. Additional characterization of the neurologic phenotype will be critical to future study and developing treatment for this and related rare genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Spelbrink
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Tanya L. Brown
- Treatments for Epilepsy and Symptoms of SLC13A5 Foundation, TESS Research Foundation, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | | | - Kirsten A. Blanco
- Invitae, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kimberly L. Nye
- Treatments for Epilepsy and Symptoms of SLC13A5 Foundation, TESS Research Foundation, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Brenda E. Porter
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Brenda E. Porter,
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Murray M, Martindale JM, Otallah SI. SCN2A- Associated Episodic and Persistent Ataxia with Cerebellar Atrophy: A Case Report. Child Neurol Open 2023; 10:2329048X231163944. [PMID: 36950068 PMCID: PMC10026144 DOI: 10.1177/2329048x231163944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SCN2A, a gene that codes for a sodium channel highly expressed in the cerebellum, has been linked to a heterogeneous phenotype, including episodic ataxia (EA) and epilepsy, among other symptoms1. Given the rarity of SCN2A-associated EA and its recent description, it is important the genotype-phenotype relationship of SCN2A-associated EA be better defined for prognosis and optimizing future management. Thus, we describe a 2-year-old boy with a SCN2A variant causing an initial prolonged episode of profound ataxia lasting 4 months, cerebellar atrophy, and persistent mild ataxia with episodic exacerbations. Due to the patient's lack of early epilepsy, prolonged initial episode of ataxia, and cerebellar atrophy, this case broadens the scope of the SCN2A variant phenotype. SCN2A should be considered as a cause of early onset ataxia in children with targeted testing or as part of Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) in patients with new onset persistent or EA with or without seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve Murray
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University/Brenner
Children's Hospital, Medical Center Boulevard, JT9, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157,
USA
- Maeve Murray,
| | - Jaclyn M. Martindale
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University/Brenner
Children's Hospital, Medical Center Boulevard, JT9, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157,
USA
| | - Scott I. Otallah
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University/Brenner
Children's Hospital, Medical Center Boulevard, JT9, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157,
USA
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21
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Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Viggiano A, Dell’Isola GB, Dini G, Verrotti A, Coppola G. Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairment in Childhood and Adolescence: A Mini-Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1646-1665. [PMID: 35794776 PMCID: PMC10514538 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220706102708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing epilepsy in people with an intellectual disability remains a therapeutic challenge and must take into account additional issues such as diagnostic difficulties and frequent drug resistance. Advances in genomic technologies improved our understanding of epilepsy and raised the possibility to develop patients-tailored treatments acting on the key molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease. In addition to conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs), ketogenic diet, hormone therapy and epilepsy surgery play an important role, especially in cases of drugresistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mainfactors influencing cognition in children and adolescents with epilepsy and the main therapeutic options available for the epilepsies associated with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
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22
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Alagia M, Fecarotta S, Romano A, Parrini E, Auricchio G, Miano MG, Terrone G. A Novel Splicing SCN2A Mutation in an Adolescent With Low-Functioning Autism, Acute Dystonic Movement Disorder, and Late-Onset Generalized Epilepsy. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 138:58-61. [PMID: 36401981 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Alagia
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Fecarotta
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Parrini
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurogenetics Unit and Laboratories Children's Hospital A. Meyer, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranca Auricchio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Miano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso'', National Research Council of Italy, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Terrone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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23
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Hu X, Jing M, Wang Y, Liu Y, Hua Y. Functional analysis of a novel de novo SCN2A variant in a patient with seizures refractory to oxcarbazepine. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1159649. [PMID: 37152433 PMCID: PMC10158977 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1159649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We admitted a female patient with infantile onset epilepsy (<3-month-old). The use of oxcarbazepine exacerbated epileptic seizures in the patient. In the present study, we aimed to identify the genetic basis of the infantile onset epilepsy in the patient, and determine the correlations among genotype, phenotype, and clinical drug response. Methods We described the clinical characteristics of an infant with refractory epilepsy. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to screen for the pathogenic variant. Whole-cell patch-clamp was performed to determine functional outcomes of the variant. Results WES identified a novel de novo SCN2A variant (c.468 G > C, p.K156N) in the patient. In comparison with wildtype, electrophysiology revealed that SCN2A-K156N variant in transfected cells demonstrated reduced sodium current density, delayed activation and accelerated inactivation process of Na+ channel, all of which suggested a loss-of-function (LOF) of Nav1.2 channel. Conclusion We showed the importance of functional analysis for a SCN2A variant with unknown significance to determine pathogenicity, drug reactions, and genotype-phenotype correlations. For patients suffering from early infantile epilepsies, the use of oxcarbazepine in some SCN2A-related epilepsies requires vigilance to assess the possibility of epilepsy worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China
| | - Miao Jing
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China
| | - Yanshan Liu
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Yanshan Liu,
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, China
- Ying Hua,
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24
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Banerjee D, Girirajan S. Pathogenic Variants and Ascertainment: Neuropsychiatric Disease Risk in a Health System Cohort. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:11-13. [PMID: 36587271 PMCID: PMC9995216 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deepro Banerjee
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, Pa. (Banerjee, Girirajan); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (Girirajan)
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, Pa. (Banerjee, Girirajan); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (Girirajan)
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25
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Genetic and genomic signatures in ethanol withdrawal seizure-prone and seizure-resistant mice implicate genes involved in epilepsy and neuronal excitability. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4611-4623. [PMID: 36198764 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01799-x] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol withdrawal is a clinically important consequence and potential driver of Alcohol Use Disorder. However, susceptibility to withdrawal symptoms, ranging from craving and anxiety to seizures and delirium, varies greatly. Selectively bred Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and Seizure-Resistant (WSR) mice are an animal model of differential susceptibility to withdrawal and phenotypes with which withdrawal severity correlates. To identify innate drivers of alcohol withdrawal severity, we performed a multi-omic study of the WSP and WSR lines and F2 mice derived from them, using genomic, genetic, and transcriptomic analyses. Genes implicated in seizures and epilepsy were over-represented among those that segregated between WSP and WSR mice and that displayed differential expression in F2 mice high and low in withdrawal. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of ethanol withdrawal convulsions identified several genome-wide significant loci and pointed to genes that modulate potassium channel function and neural excitability. Perturbations of expression of genes involved in synaptic transmission, including GABAergic and glutamatergic genes, were prominent in prefrontal cortex transcriptome. Expression QTL (eQTL) analysis fine mapped genes within the peak ethanol withdrawal QTL regions. Genetic association analysis in human subjects provided converging evidence for the involvement of those genes in severity of alcohol withdrawal and dependence. Our results reveal a polygenic network and neural signaling pathways contributing to ethanol withdrawal seizures and related phenotypes that overlap with genes modulating epilepsy and neuronal excitability.
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26
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A Complex Genomic Rearrangement Resulting in Loss of Function of SCN1A and SCN2A in a Patient with Severe Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112900. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs) are structural variants arising from two or more chromosomal breaks, which are challenging to characterize by conventional or molecular cytogenetic analysis (karyotype and FISH). The integrated approach of standard and genomic techniques, including optical genome mapping (OGM) and genome sequencing, is crucial for disclosing and characterizing cryptic chromosomal rearrangements at high resolutions. We report on a patient with a complex developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in which karyotype analysis showed a de novo balanced translocation involving the long arms of chromosomes 2 and 18. Microarray analysis detected a 194 Kb microdeletion at 2q24.3 involving the SCN2A gene, which was considered the likely translocation breakpoint on chromosome 2. However, OGM redefined the translocation breakpoints by disclosing a paracentric inversion at 2q24.3 disrupting SCN1A. This combined genomic high-resolution approach allowed a fine characterization of the CGR, which involves two different chromosomes with four breakpoints. The patient’s phenotype resulted from the concomitant loss of function of SCN1A and SCN2A.
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27
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Son JH, Do H, Han J. Intragenic L1 Insertion: One Possibility of Brain Disorder. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091425. [PMID: 36143463 PMCID: PMC9505610 DOI: 10.3390/life12091425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1, L1) is a retrotransposon comprising ~17% of the human genome. A subset of L1s maintains the potential to mobilize and alter the genomic landscape, consequently contributing to the change in genome integrity and gene expression. L1 retrotransposition occurs in the human brain regardless of disease status. However, in the brain of patients with various brain diseases, the expression level and copy number of L1 are significantly increased. In this review, we briefly introduce the methodologies applied to measure L1 mobility and identify genomic loci where new insertion of L1 occurs in the brain. Then, we present a list of genes disrupted by L1 transposition in the genome of patients with brain disorders. Finally, we discuss the association between genes disrupted by L1 and relative brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hoon Son
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyunsu Do
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jinju Han
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
- BioMedical Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Correspondence:
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28
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Liu HF, Yuan TY, Yang JW, Li F, Wang F, Fu HM. A novel de novo heterozygous variant of the KCNQ2 gene: Contribution to early‑onset epileptic encephalopathy in a female infant. Mol Med Rep 2022; 26:282. [PMID: 35856407 PMCID: PMC9364154 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) represents one of the most severe epilepsies, characterized by recurrent seizures during early infancy, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and varying degrees of neurodevelopmental delay. The KCNQ2 gene has been reported to have a major role in EOEE. In the present study, a 3-month-old female infant from the Chinese Lisu minority with EOEE was analyzed. Detailed clinical evaluations and next-generation sequencing were performed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of this patient, respectively. Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure of the mutant protein was predicted by SWISS-Model and the expression of KCNQ2 protein in the patient was assessed by flow cytometry. It was observed that the patient presented with typical clinical features of EOEE, including repeated non-febrile seizures and significant EEG abnormalities. A novel heterozygous missense variant c.431G>C (p.R144P) in KCNQ2 was identified in the patient and the genotyping of KCNQ2 in the patient's parents suggested that this variant was de novo. Subsequently, the breakage of hydrogen bonds between certain amino acids was predicted by structural analysis of the mutant protein. Flow cytometric analysis detected a significant reduction buts not complete loss of native KCNQ2 protein expression in the patient (25.1%). In conclusion, a novel variant in KCNQ2 was confirmed as the genetic cause for EOEE in this patient. The present study expanded the pathogenic mutation spectrum of KCNQ2, enhanced the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of EOEE and provided novel clues for research on the genotype-phenotype correlation in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Feng Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Children's Hospital and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Yun Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Children's Hospital and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Wu Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Children's Hospital and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Children's Hospital and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Children's Hospital and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Min Fu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Children's Hospital and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, P.R. China
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29
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Complex Diagnostics of Non-Specific Intellectual Developmental Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147764. [PMID: 35887114 PMCID: PMC9323143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual development disorder (IDD) is characterized by a general deficit in intellectual and adaptive functioning. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying the genetic structure of IDD. Of particular difficulty are patients with non-specific IDD, for whom it is impossible to establish a clinical diagnosis without complex genetic diagnostics. We examined 198 patients with non-specific IDD from 171 families using whole-exome sequencing and chromosome microarray analysis. Hereditary forms of IDD account for at least 35.7% of non-specific IDD, of which 26.9% are monogenic forms. Variants in the genes associated with the BAF (SWI/SNF) complex were the most frequently identified. We were unable to identify phenotypic features that would allow differential diagnosis of monogenic and microstructural chromosomal rearrangements in non-specific IDD at the stage of clinical examination, but due to its higher efficiency, exome sequencing should be the diagnostic method of the highest priority study after the standard examination of patients with NIDD in Russia.
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30
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Silksmith B, Munot P, Starling L, Pujar S, Matthews E. Accelerating the genetic diagnosis of neurological disorders presenting with episodic apnoea in infancy. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:495-508. [PMID: 35525254 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Unexplained episodic apnoea in infants (aged ≤1 year), including recurrent brief (<1 min) resolved unexplained events (known as BRUE), can be a diagnostic challenge. Recurrent unexplained apnoea might suggest a persistent, debilitating, and potentially fatal disorder. Genetic diseases are prevalent among this group, particularly in those who present with paroxysmal or episodic neurological symptoms. These disorders are individually rare and challenging for a general paediatrician to recognise, and there is often a delayed or even posthumous diagnosis (sometimes only made in retrospect when a second sibling becomes unwell). The disorders can be debilitating if untreated but pharmacotherapies are available for the vast majority. That any child should suffer from unnecessary morbidity or die from one of these disorders without a diagnosis or treatment having been offered is a tragedy; therefore, there is an urgent need to simplify and expedite the diagnostic journey. We propose an apnoea gene panel for hospital specialists caring for any infant who has recurrent apnoea without an obvious cause. This approach could remove the need to identify individual rare conditions, speed up diagnosis, and improve access to therapy, with the ultimate aim of reducing morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Silksmith
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Pinki Munot
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke Starling
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Suresh Pujar
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Matthews
- Atkinson-Morley Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Neurology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK.
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31
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Faria M, Bellot M, Bedrossiantz J, Ramírez JRR, Prats E, Garcia-Reyero N, Gomez-Canela C, Mestres J, Rovira X, Barata C, Oliván LMG, Llebaria A, Raldua D. Environmental levels of carbaryl impair zebrafish larvae behaviour: The potential role of ADRA2B and HTR2B. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128563. [PMID: 35248961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The insecticide carbaryl is commonly found in indirectly exposed freshwater ecosystems at low concentrations considered safe for fish communities. In this study, we showed that after only 24 h of exposure to environmental concentrations of carbaryl (0.066-660 ng/L), zebrafish larvae exhibit impairments in essential behaviours. Interestingly, the observed behavioural effects induced by carbaryl were acetylcholinesterase-independent. To elucidate the molecular initiating event that resulted in the observed behavioural effects, in silico predictions were followed by in vitro validation. We identified two target proteins that potentially interacted with carbaryl, the α2B adrenoceptor (ADRA2B) and the serotonin 2B receptor (HTR2B). Using a pharmacological approach, we then tested the hypothesis that carbaryl had antagonistic interactions with both receptors. Similar to yohimbine and SB204741, which are prototypic antagonists of ADRA2B and HTR2B, respectively, carbaryl increased the heart rate of zebrafish larvae. When we compared the behavioural effects of a 24-h exposure to these pharmacological antagonists with those of carbaryl, a high degree of similarity was found. These results strongly suggest that antagonism of both ADRA2B and HTR2B is the molecular initiating event that leads to adverse outcomes in zebrafish larvae that have undergone 24 h of exposure to environmentally relevant levels of carbaryl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Faria
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juliette Bedrossiantz
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan Ricardo Rosas Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Eva Prats
- Research and Development Center (CID-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Cristian Gomez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mestres
- Chemotargets, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Rovira
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Barata
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n. Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Amadeu Llebaria
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Demetrio Raldua
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona, 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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32
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Xu W, Zhang W, Cui L, Shi L, Zhu B, Lyu TJ, Ma W. Novel mutation of SIK1 gene causing a mild form of pediatric epilepsy in a Chinese patient. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1207-1219. [PMID: 35267137 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00943-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) is a group of disorders affecting children at early stages of infancy, which is characterized by frequent seizures, epileptiform activity on EEG, and developmental delayor regression. Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy-30 (DEE30) is a severe neurologic disorder characterized by onset of refractory seizures soon after birth or in the first months of life. Which was recently found to be caused by heterozygous mutations in the salt-inducible kinase SIK1. In this study, we investigated a patient with early onset epilepsy. DNA sequencing of the whole coding region revealed a de novel heterozygous nucleotide substitution (c.880G > A) causing a missense mutation (p.A294T). This mutation was classified as variant of unknown significance (VUS) by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). To further investigate the pathogenicity and pathogenesis of this mutation, we established a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) stably-expressing wild type SIK1 and A294T mutant, and compared the transcriptome and metabolomics profiles. We presented a pediatric patient suffering from infantile onset epilepsy. Early EEG showed a boundary dysfunction of activity and MRI scan of the brain was normal. The patient responded well to single anti-epileptic drug treatment. Whole-exome sequencing found a missense mutation of SIK1 gene (c.880G > A chr21: 43,420,326 p. A294T). Dysregulated transcriptome and metabolome in cell models expressing WT and MUT SIK1 confirmed the pathogenicity of the mutation. Specifically, we found MEF2C target genes, certain epilepsy causing genes and metabolites are dysregulated by SIK1 mutation. We found MEF2C target genes, certain epilepsy causing genes and metabolites are dysregulated by SIK1 mutation. Our finding further expanded the disease spectrum and provided novel mechanistic insights of DEE30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangshu Xu
- Neuroinfection and Neuroimmunology Center, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 119 South Fourth Ring Road West, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Wenqun Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chongqing Youyoubaobei Women and Children's Hospital, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Lili Cui
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Laboratory, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring Road West, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
| | - Tina-Jie Lyu
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, No. 119 South Fourth Ring Road West, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
| | - Wenping Ma
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring Road West, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
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33
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Richardson R, Baralle D, Bennett C, Briggs T, Bijlsma EK, Clayton-Smith J, Constantinou P, Foulds N, Jarvis J, Jewell R, Johnson DS, McEntagart M, Parker MJ, Radley JA, Robertson L, Ruivenkamp C, Rutten JW, Tellez J, Turnpenny PD, Wilson V, Wright M, Balasubramanian M. Further delineation of phenotypic spectrum of SCN2A-related disorder. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:867-877. [PMID: 34894057 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
SCN2A-related disorders include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, seizures, episodic ataxia, and schizophrenia. In this study, the phenotype-genotype association in SCN2A-related disorders was further delineated by collecting detailed clinical and molecular characteristics. Using previously proposed genotype-phenotype hypotheses based on variant function and position, the potential of phenotype prediction from the variants found was examined. Patients were identified through the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study and gene matching strategies. Phenotypic information and variant interpretation evidence were collated. Seventeen previously unreported patients and five patients who had been previously reported (but with minimal phenotypic and segregation data) were included (10 males, 12 females; median age 10.5 years). All patients had developmental delays and the majority had intellectual disabilities. Seizures were reported in 15 of 22 (68.2%), four of 22 (18.2%) had autism spectrum disorder and no patients were reported with episodic ataxia. The majority of variants were de novo. One family had presumed gonadal mosaicism. The correlation of the use of sodium channel-blocking antiepileptic drugs with phenotype or genotype was variable. These data suggest that variant type and position alone can provide some predictive information about the phenotype in a proportion of cases, but more precise assessment of variant function is needed for meaningful phenotype prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Richardson
- Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Diana Baralle
- University Hospital of Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher Bennett
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Tracy Briggs
- NW Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emilia K Bijlsma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- NW Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Nicola Foulds
- University Hospital of Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanna Jarvis
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rosalyn Jewell
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Diana S Johnson
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Meriel McEntagart
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Centre, St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael J Parker
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jessica A Radley
- London North West Regional Genetics Service, St. Mark's and Northwick Park Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Julie W Rutten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - James Tellez
- Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Peter D Turnpenny
- Clinical Genetics Department, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Valerie Wilson
- Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Michael Wright
- Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Specchio N, Di Micco V, Trivisano M, Ferretti A, Curatolo P. The epilepsy-autism spectrum disorder phenotype in the era of molecular genetics and precision therapy. Epilepsia 2021; 63:6-21. [PMID: 34741464 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with infants with epileptic encephalopathy, and early interventions targeting social and cognitive deficits can have positive effects on developmental outcome. However, early diagnosis of ASD among infants with epilepsy is complicated by variability in clinical phenotypes. Commonality in both biological and molecular mechanisms have been suggested between ASD and epilepsy, such as occurs with tuberous sclerosis complex. This review summarizes the current understanding of causal mechanisms between epilepsy and ASD, with a particularly genetic focus. Hypothetical explanations to support the conjugation of the two conditions include abnormalities in synaptic growth, imbalance in neuronal excitation/inhibition, and abnormal synaptic plasticity. Investigation of the probable genetic basis has implemented many genes, although the main risk supports existing hypotheses in that these cluster to abnormalities in ion channels, synaptic function and structure, and transcription regulators, with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and "mTORpathies" having been a notable research focus. Experimental models not only have a crucial role in determining gene functions but are also useful instruments for tracing disease trajectory. Precision medicine from gene therapy remains a theoretical possibility, but more contemporary developments continue in molecular tests to aid earlier diagnoses and better therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Micco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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Wang D, Jiang Y, Hong S, Ma J, Liao S, Cheng M, Li T, Jiang L. Prognostic factors for the recurrence of afebrile seizures after benign convulsions associated with mild gastroenteritis. Epilepsia 2021; 62:3068-3075. [PMID: 34668572 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17102] [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: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The overall prognosis of benign convulsions associated with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) is favorable, and the incidence of afebrile seizure recurrence with or without gastroenteritis (ASwGI and ASwoGI, respectively) is low. In this study we investigated the prognostic factors associated with afebrile seizure (AS) relapse after the first CwG episode. METHODS A hospital-based cohort with an initial CwG episode from January 2012 to October 2019 was followed for at least 19 months. The relapse types were divided into ASwGI and ASwoGI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for the recurrence of AS after the initial CwG episode. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics between ASwGI and ASwoGI were compared. RESULTS Among the 868 patients enrolled, 67 (7.7%) experienced a second AS and 71% (48/67) showed gastroenteritis-associated recurrence. Except for five patients with subsequent epilepsy (0.6%), only eight (0.9%) experienced three seizure episodes. The independent predictive factors for the subsequent recurrence of AS were age less than 18 months at onset (odds ratio [OR]: 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-5.63), repeated seizures over 24 h (OR: 4.09, 95% CI: 2.19-7.65), and absence of fever (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.26-4.33) during the first CwG episode. The probability of recurrence of AS for those with one, two, and three predictive factors was 3.23%, 13.35%, and 22.85%, respectively. In addition, the age at onset was significantly lower in the ASwoGI group than in the ASwGI group during the first episode (p < .05). SIGNIFICANCE The risk of AS relapse after the initial CwG episode is low, and the majority of patients presented with gastroenteritis. The risk can be predicted by age at onset, repeated seizures over 24 h, and absence of fever during the first CwG episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Siqi Hong
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiannan Ma
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Liao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingsong Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Department of Rehabilitation, CHCMU, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University(CHCMU), Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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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Zaganas I, Vorgia P, Spilioti M, Mathioudakis L, Raissaki M, Ilia S, Giorgi M, Skoula I, Chinitrakis G, Michaelidou K, Paraskevoulakos E, Grafakou O, Kariniotaki C, Psyllou T, Zafeiris S, Tzardi M, Briassoulis G, Dinopoulos A, Mitsias P, Evangeliou A. Genetic cause of epilepsy in a Greek cohort of children and young adults with heterogeneous epilepsy syndromes. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 16:100477. [PMID: 34568804 PMCID: PMC8449081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100477] [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: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a cohort of 10 unrelated Greek patients (4 females, 6 males; median age 6.5 years, range 2-18 years) with heterogeneous epilepsy syndromes with a genetic basis. In these patients, causative genetic variants, including two novel ones, were identified in 9 known epilepsy-related genes through whole exome sequencing. A patient with glycine encephalopathy was a compound heterozygote for the p.Arg222Cys and the p.Ser77Leu AMT variant. A patient affected with Lafora disease carried the homozygous p.Arg171His EPM2A variant. A de novo heterozygous variant in the GABRG2 gene (p.Pro282Thr) was found in one patient and a pathogenic variant in the GRIN2B gene (p.Gly820Val) in another patient. Infantile-onset lactic acidosis with seizures was associated with the p.Arg446Ter PDHX gene variant in one patient. In two additional epilepsy patients, the p.Ala1662Val and the novel non-sense p.Phe1330Ter SCN1A gene variants were found. Finally, in 3 patients we observed a novel heterozygous missense variant in SCN2A (p.Ala1874Thr), a heterozygous splice site variant in SLC2A1 (c.517-2A>G), as a cause of Glut1 deficiency syndrome, and a pathogenic variant in STXBP1 (p.Arg292Leu), respectively. In half of our cases (patients with variants in the GRIN2B, SCN1A, SCN2A and SLC2A1 genes), a genetic cause with potential management implications was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Zaganas
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Pelagia Vorgia
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Martha Spilioti
- AHEPA General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lambros Mathioudakis
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Raissaki
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Stavroula Ilia
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Irene Skoula
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Kleita Michaelidou
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Olga Grafakou
- Pediatric Department, Venizelion General Hospital, Heraklio, Crete, Greece
| | - Chariklia Kariniotaki
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Thekla Psyllou
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Spiros Zafeiris
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Pathology Department, Medical School, University of Crete, Greece
| | - George Briassoulis
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Panayiotis Mitsias
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital/Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Athanasios Evangeliou
- Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Turkdogan D, Turkyilmaz A, Sager G, Ozturk G, Unver O, Say M. Chromosomal microarray and exome sequencing in unexplained early infantile epileptic encephalopathies in a highly consanguineous population. Int J Neurosci 2021:1-18. [PMID: 34380004 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1967349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To identify genetic causes for early infantile epileptic encephalopathies (EIEE) in Turkish children with mostly consanguineous parents. METHODS In a selected EIEE group (N = 59) based on results of nongenetic and initial genetic testing with unexplained etiology, 49 patients underwent array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and 49 patients underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) including 39 with negative aCGH results and 10 with WES-only. RESULTS Diagnostic yield of aCGH and WES for pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants was 14.3% and 38.8%, respectively. Including de novo variants of uncertain significance linked to compatible phenotypes, increased the diagnostic yield of WES to 61.2%. Out of 38 positive variants, 18 (47.4%) were novel and 16 (42.1%) were de novo. Twenty-one (56.8%) patients had recessive variants inherited from mostly consanguineous healthy parents (85.7%). Fourteen (37.8%) of patients with diagnostic results had positive variants in established EIEE genes. Seizures started during neonatal period in 32.4% patients. Posture or movement disorders were comorbid with EIEE in 40.5% of diagnosed patients. We identified treatable metabolic disorders in 8.1% of patients and pathogenic variants in genes which support using targeted medicine in 19% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Detailed electro-clinical phenotyping led to expansion of some of the known phenotypes with non-neurological and neurological findings in addition to seizures, as well as suggestion of candidate genes (SEC24B, SLC16A2 and PRICKLE2) and a copy number variant (microduplication of Xp21.1p11.4). The high ratio of recessive inheritance could be important for family counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilsad Turkdogan
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University, Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayberk Turkyilmaz
- Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Genetics, Marmara University, Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunes Sager
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University, Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulten Ozturk
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University, Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Olcay Unver
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University, Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Say
- Bioinformatics, Private Practice, Kadıkoy, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ziobro JM, Eschbach K, Shellhaas RA. Novel Therapeutics for Neonatal Seizures. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1564-1581. [PMID: 34386906 PMCID: PMC8608938 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal seizures are a common neurologic emergency for which therapies have not significantly changed in decades. Improvements in diagnosis and pathophysiologic understanding of the distinct features of acute symptomatic seizures and neonatal-onset epilepsies present exceptional opportunities for development of precision therapies with potential to improve outcomes. Herein, we discuss the pathophysiology of neonatal seizures and review the evidence for currently available treatment. We present emerging therapies in clinical and preclinical development for the treatment of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. Lastly, we discuss the role of precision therapies for genetic neonatal-onset epilepsies and address barriers and goals for developing new therapies for clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Ziobro
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, 1540 E. Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Krista Eschbach
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Denver Anschutz School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, 1540 E. Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Di Re J, Hsu WCJ, Kayasandik CB, Fularczyk N, James TF, Nenov MN, Negi P, Marosi M, Scala F, Prasad S, Labate D, Laezza F. Inhibition of AKT Signaling Alters βIV Spectrin Distribution at the AIS and Increases Neuronal Excitability. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:643860. [PMID: 34276302 PMCID: PMC8278006 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.643860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a highly regulated subcellular domain required for neuronal firing. Changes in the AIS protein composition and distribution are a form of structural plasticity, which powerfully regulates neuronal activity and may underlie several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite its physiological and pathophysiological relevance, the signaling pathways mediating AIS protein distribution are still poorly studied. Here, we used confocal imaging and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology in primary hippocampal neurons to study how AIS protein composition and neuronal firing varied in response to selected kinase inhibitors targeting the AKT/GSK3 pathway, which has previously been shown to phosphorylate AIS proteins. Image-based features representing the cellular pattern distribution of the voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channel, ankyrin G, βIV spectrin, and the cell-adhesion molecule neurofascin were analyzed, revealing βIV spectrin as the most sensitive AIS protein to AKT/GSK3 pathway inhibition. Within this pathway, inhibition of AKT by triciribine has the greatest effect on βIV spectrin localization to the AIS and its subcellular distribution within neurons, a phenotype that Support Vector Machine classification was able to accurately distinguish from control. Treatment with triciribine also resulted in increased excitability in primary hippocampal neurons. Thus, perturbations to signaling mechanisms within the AKT pathway contribute to changes in βIV spectrin distribution and neuronal firing that may be associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Di Re
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Wei-Chun J. Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- M.D./Ph.D. Combined Degree Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Cihan B. Kayasandik
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Computer Engineering, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nickolas Fularczyk
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - T. F. James
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Miroslav N. Nenov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Pooran Negi
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mate Marosi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Federico Scala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Saurabh Prasad
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Demetrio Labate
- Department of Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Fernanda Laezza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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Evaluation of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist for Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 119:107958. [PMID: 33892287 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the suitability of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC)-a common measure used in clinical trials for treatment of challenging behaviors of autism-as an outcome measure for pharmacological and behavioral interventions for young people with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs). METHODS We assessed score profiles on the ABC in a sample of 122 young people with DEEs, including Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, and KCNQ2- SCN2A-, and KCNB1-associated disorders. Then we examined its internal structure using item cluster analysis. We used both unrestricted item cluster analysis to determine the number of item clusters that maximize reliability and restricted analyses in which we pre-specified models with 5-, 6-, and 7-clusters, to examine consistency with previous factor analytic studies. We also conducted validity analysis on the various scoring methods with age, sex, and autism spectrum screening measure scores. RESULTS Unrestricted item cluster analysis suggested that three clusters maximized reliability of ABC scores. These broadly represented other-directed behaviors (i.e., "externalizing"), self-directed behaviors (i.e., "internalizing"), and inappropriate speech. Restricted models separated item clusters for stereotypy from other self-directed problem behaviors, and self-injurious behaviors from the other externalizing behaviors. Validity analysis also supported these structures. Overall, all scores were low, and less than 20% of DEE participants had symptoms severe enough to qualify for most randomized trials of behavioral therapies. SIGNIFICANCE These results are broadly consistent with the extant ABC scoring algorithms. They suggest a high internal consistency reliability, which may support the use of the ABC in future clinical trials in patients with DEEs who exhibit the behaviors assessed by the ABC. Alternatively, concerns about overall low scores raise cautions about using the ABC as a measure of behavior in unselected populations with DEE.
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Miao P, Tang S, Ye J, Tang J, Wang J, Zheng C, Li Y, Feng J. Differential Functional Changes of Nav1.2 Channel Causing SCN2A-Related Epilepsy and Status Epilepticus During Slow Sleep. Front Neurol 2021; 12:653517. [PMID: 34093402 PMCID: PMC8170409 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.653517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nav1.2 encoded by the SCN2A gene is a brain-expressed voltage-gated sodium channel known to be associated with neurodevelopment disorders ranging from benign familial neonatal infantile seizures (BFIS) to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) and autism spectrum disorder. Interestingly, status epilepticus during slow sleep (ESES), which aggravates cognitive impairment, has been found in SCN2A-related epilepsy. However, the functional features and the relationship between SCN2A and ESES have not been researched. Method: We herein investigated the functional consequences of an unpublished de novo V911A and the other two published variants in patients with SCN2A-related disorder and ESES by whole-cell patch-clamp studies in transfected HEK293T cells. Results: The unpublished V911A and published K1933M variants detected in patients with DEE exhibited a profound gain-of-functional (GOF) change. Another published BFIS variant S863F significantly reduced current density as a loss-of-functional (LOF) change. The refractory epilepsy in the patient with V911A was controlled by using the precise treatment of oxcarbazepine (OXC) since the age of 3 months. ESES was found at 18 months during the seizure-free period. We finally chose an aggressive treatment for eliminating ESES by using methylprednisolone combined with levetiracetam and nitrazepam instead of the precise treatment of OXC. Conclusion: Both GOF and LOF variants in the SCN2A gene can lead to ESES among the phenotypes of DEE and BFIS. We should monitor the electroencephalogram regularly in the patients with SCN2A-related epilepsy even during their seizure-free period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Miao
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyang Tang
- National Health Center and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Ye
- National Health Center and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jihong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianda Wang
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaoguang Zheng
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuezhou Li
- National Health Center and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Sofou K, Meier K, Sanderson LE, Kaminski D, Montoliu‐Gaya L, Samuelsson E, Blomqvist M, Agholme L, Gärtner J, Mühlhausen C, Darin N, Barakat TS, Schlotawa L, van Ham T, Asin Cayuela J, Sterky FH. Bi-allelic VPS16 variants limit HOPS/CORVET levels and cause a mucopolysaccharidosis-like disease. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13376. [PMID: 33938619 PMCID: PMC8103096 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases, including mucopolysaccharidoses, result from genetic defects that impair lysosomal catabolism. Here, we describe two patients from two independent families presenting with progressive psychomotor regression, delayed myelination, brain atrophy, neutropenia, skeletal abnormalities, and mucopolysaccharidosis-like dysmorphic features. Both patients were homozygous for the same intronic variant in VPS16, a gene encoding a subunit of the HOPS and CORVET complexes. The variant impaired normal mRNA splicing and led to an ~85% reduction in VPS16 protein levels in patient-derived fibroblasts. Levels of other HOPS/CORVET subunits, including VPS33A, were similarly reduced, but restored upon re-expression of VPS16. Patient-derived fibroblasts showed defects in the uptake and endosomal trafficking of transferrin as well as accumulation of autophagosomes and lysosomal compartments. Re-expression of VPS16 rescued the cellular phenotypes. Zebrafish with disrupted vps16 expression showed impaired development, reduced myelination, and a similar accumulation of lysosomes and autophagosomes in the brain, particularly in glia cells. This disorder resembles previously reported patients with mutations in VPS33A, thus expanding the family of mucopolysaccharidosis-like diseases that result from mutations in HOPS/CORVET subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Sofou
- Department of PaediatricsInstitute of Clinical SciencesUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Kolja Meier
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineUniversity Medical Center GoettingenGoettingenGermany
| | - Leslie E Sanderson
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Debora Kaminski
- Department of Laboratory MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical ChemistrySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Laia Montoliu‐Gaya
- Department of Laboratory MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Emma Samuelsson
- Department of Clinical ChemistrySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Maria Blomqvist
- Department of Laboratory MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical ChemistrySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Lotta Agholme
- Department of Clinical ChemistrySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Jutta Gärtner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineUniversity Medical Center GoettingenGoettingenGermany
| | - Chris Mühlhausen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineUniversity Medical Center GoettingenGoettingenGermany
| | - Niklas Darin
- Department of PaediatricsInstitute of Clinical SciencesUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Tahsin Stefan Barakat
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Lars Schlotawa
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineUniversity Medical Center GoettingenGoettingenGermany
| | - Tjakko van Ham
- Department of Clinical GeneticsErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jorge Asin Cayuela
- Department of Laboratory MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical ChemistrySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Fredrik H Sterky
- Department of Laboratory MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical ChemistrySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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A De Novo Missense Variant of SCN2A: Implications and Limitations for Understanding Clinical Phenotype and Treatment Recommendations. Clin Neuropharmacol 2021; 44:138-140. [PMID: 33901038 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a variety of genetic findings. We report a heterozygous de novo missense variant of SCN2A, the gene coding a voltage-gated sodium ion channel enriched in the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier of "immature" neocortical pyramidal neurons. With further understanding of the neurodevelopmental and functional effects of this missense variant on neuronal excitability and neocortical circuitry, there may be targeted pharmacotherapeutic interventions, potentially with "disease-modifying effects."
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Specchio N, Curatolo P. Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: what we do and do not know. Brain 2021; 144:32-43. [PMID: 33279965 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental encephalopathies, including intellectual disability and autistic spectrum disorder, are frequently associated with infant epilepsy. Epileptic encephalopathy is used to describe an assumed causal relationship between epilepsy and developmental delay. Developmental encephalopathies pathogenesis more independent from epilepsy is supported by the identification of several gene variants associated with both developmental encephalopathies and epilepsy, the possibility for gene-associated developmental encephalopathies without epilepsy, and the continued development of developmental encephalopathies even when seizures are controlled. Hence, 'developmental and epileptic encephalopathy' may be a more appropriate term than epileptic encephalopathy. This update considers the best studied 'developmental and epileptic encephalopathy' gene variants for illustrative support for 'developmental and epileptic encephalopathy' over epileptic encephalopathy. Moreover, the interaction between epilepsy and developmental encephalopathies is considered with respect to influence on treatment decisions. Continued research in genetic testing will increase access to clinical tests, earlier diagnosis, better application of current treatments, and potentially provide new molecular-investigated treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Piazza S, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Systems Medicine Department, Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Praticò AD, Giallongo A, Arrabito M, D'Amico S, Gauci MC, Lombardo G, Polizzi A, Falsaperla R, Ruggieri M. SCN2A and Its Related Epileptic Phenotypes. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractEpilepsies due to SCN2A mutations can present with a broad range of phenotypes that are still not fully understood. Clinical characteristics of SNC2A-related epilepsy may vary from neonatal benign epilepsy to early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, including Ohtahara syndrome and West syndrome, and epileptic encephalopathies occurring at later ages (usually within the first 10 years of life). Some patient may present with intellectual disability and/or autism or movement disorders and without epilepsy. The heterogeneity of the phenotypes associated to such genetic mutations does not always allow the clinician to address his suspect on this gene. For this reason, diagnosis is usually made after a multiple gene panel examination through next generation sequencing (NGS) or after whole exome sequencing (WES) or whole genome sequencing (WGS). Subsequently, confirmation by Sanger sequencing can be obtained. Mutations in SCN2A are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Most individuals diagnosed with SCN2A–benign familial neonatal-infantile seizures (BFNIS) have an affected parent; however, hypothetically, a child may present SCN2A-BNFNIS as the result of a de novo pathogenic variant. Almost all individuals with SCN2A and severe epileptic encephalopathies have a de novo pathogenic variant. SNC2A-related epilepsies have not shown a clear genotype–phenotype correlation; in some cases, a same variant may lead to different presentations even within the same family and this could be due to other genetic factors or to environmental causes. There is no “standardized” treatment for SCN2A-related epilepsy, as it varies in relation to the clinical presentation and the phenotype of the patient, according to its own gene mutation. Treatment is based mainly on antiepileptic drugs, which include classic wide-spectrum drugs, such as valproic acid, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine. However, specific agents, which act directly modulating the sodium channels activity (phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbamazepine, lamotrigine, and zonisamide), have shown positive result, as other sodium channel blockers (lidocaine and mexiletine) or even other drugs with different targets (phenobarbital).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Praticò
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giallongo
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marta Arrabito
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia D'Amico
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gauci
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Lombardo
- Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Polizzi
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neonatal Intensive Care and Neonatology, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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de Gusmão CM, Garcia L, Mikati MA, Su S, Silveira-Moriyama L. Paroxysmal Genetic Movement Disorders and Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:648031. [PMID: 33833732 PMCID: PMC8021799 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.648031] [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: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paroxysmal movement disorders include paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia, and episodic ataxias. In recent years, there has been renewed interest and recognition of these disorders and their intersection with epilepsy, at the molecular and pathophysiological levels. In this review, we discuss how these distinct phenotypes were constructed from a historical perspective and discuss how they are currently coalescing into established genetic etiologies with extensive pleiotropy, emphasizing clinical phenotyping important for diagnosis and for interpreting results from genetic testing. We discuss insights on the pathophysiology of select disorders and describe shared mechanisms that overlap treatment principles in some of these disorders. In the near future, it is likely that a growing number of genes will be described associating movement disorders and epilepsy, in parallel with improved understanding of disease mechanisms leading to more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio M. de Gusmão
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Universidade 9 de Julho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohamad A. Mikati
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Samantha Su
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Laura Silveira-Moriyama
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Universidade 9 de Julho, São Paulo, Brazil
- Education Unit, University College London Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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48
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Morrison-Levy N, Borlot F, Jain P, Whitney R. Early-Onset Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies of Infancy: An Overview of the Genetic Basis and Clinical Features. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 116:85-94. [PMID: 33515866 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of genetically determined forms of epilepsy has shortened the diagnostic pathway usually experienced by the families of infants diagnosed with early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Genetic causes can be found in up to 80% of infants presenting with early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, often in the context of an uneventful perinatal history and with no clear underlying brain abnormalities. Although current disease-specific therapies remain limited and patient outcomes are often guarded, a genetic diagnosis may lead to early therapeutic intervention using new and/or repurposed therapies. In this review, an overview of epilepsy genetics, the indications for genetic testing in infants, the advantages and limitations of each test, and the challenges and ethical implications of genetic testing are discussed. In addition, the following causative genes associated with early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathies are discussed in detail: KCNT1, KCNQ2, KCNA2, SCN2A, SCN8A, STXBP1, CDKL5, PIGA, SPTAN1, and GNAO1. The epilepsy phenotypes, comorbidities, electroencephalgraphic findings, neuroimaging findings, and potential targeted therapies for each gene are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felippe Borlot
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Hanly C, Shah H, Au PYB, Murias K. Description of neurodevelopmental phenotypes associated with 10 genetic neurodevelopmental disorders: A scoping review. Clin Genet 2021; 99:335-346. [PMID: 33179249 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of conditions including intellectual disability, global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Advances in genetic diagnostic technology have led to the identification of a number of NDD-associated genes, but reports of cognitive and developmental outcomes in affected individuals have been variable. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize available information pertaining to the developmental outcomes of individuals with pathogenic variants in ten emerging recurrent NDD-associated genes identified from large scale sequencing studies; ADNP, ANKRD11, ARID1B, CHD2, CHD8, CTNNB1, DDX3X, DYRK1A, SCN2A, and SYNGAP1. After a comprehensive search, 260 articles were selected that reported on neurodevelopmental measures or diagnoses. We identify the spectrum of developmental outcomes for each genetic NDD, including prevalence of intellectual disability, frequency of co-morbid NDDs such as ADHD and autism, and commonly reported medical issues that can help inform diagnosis and treatment. There are significant gaps in our understanding of the natural history of these conditions. Future research focusing on barriers to assessment, the development of modified assessment tools appropriate for long-term outcomes in genetic NDD, and collection of longitudinal data will increase understanding of prognosis in these conditions and inform evaluations of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Hanly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Harshil Shah
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ping Yee Billie Au
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Kara Murias
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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50
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Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit genes comprise a highly conserved gene family. Mutations of three of these genes, SCN1A, SCN2A and SCN8A, are responsible for a significant burden of neurological disease. Recent progress in identification and functional characterization of patient variants is generating new insights and novel approaches to therapy for these devastating disorders. Here we review the basic elements of sodium channel function that are used to characterize patient variants. We summarize a large body of work using global and conditional mouse mutants to characterize the in vivo roles of these channels. We provide an overview of the neurological disorders associated with mutations of the human genes and examples of the effects of patient mutations on channel function. Finally, we highlight therapeutic interventions that are emerging from new insights into mechanisms of sodium channelopathies.
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