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Liu YH, Liang JS, Chang MY, Hung PL, Tsai MH, Chou IJ, Hou JY, Lee WT, Lin KL. Dravet-like syndrome with PCDH19 mutations in Taiwan - A multicenter study. Pediatr Neonatol 2024:S1875-9572(24)00135-9. [PMID: 39187419 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) epilepsy is a rare female restricted epilepsy syndrome with early onset seizures and developmental delay caused by a change or mutation of the PCDH19 gene on the X chromosome. SCN1A-negative patients with a Dravet-like phenotype may have a gene mutation in PCDH19. The aim of this case series was to characterize the phenotype of epileptic patients according to PCDH19 mutations, antiseizure medications, brain images and mutation types in Taiwan. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with PCDH19 epilepsy from July 2017 to December 2021 from multiple centers in Taiwan. We analyzed the patients' clinical data and genetic reports. RESULTS Fifteen female patients (age 3-23 years) were enrolled. Seizure onset was at 4 months to 2 years 7 months of age with generalized tonic-clonic or focal seizures. Seizure frequency tended to be in clusters rather than single longer seizures. The patients had varying degrees of intellectual disability, however 3 had no impairment. Two patients had abnormal brain images including mesial temporal sclerosis, subcortical and periventricular white matter lesions. On average, the patients received 4 antiseizure medications (range 3-6), including 9 patients who were seizure free, and 3 who received sodium channel blockers without aggravation. Missense and truncating variants (frameshift and nonsense variants) accounted for 40% and 46.7% of all mutations. The mutations of 13 patients were located on EC1 to EC4, and EC5 to cytoplasmic domain in 2 patients. SIGNIFICANCE PCDH19 epilepsy has distinct phenotypes and an unusual X-linked pattern of expression in which females manifest core symptoms. Psychiatric and behavioral problems are frequently part of the clinical picture. Patients are usually treated with a wide array of standard antiseizure medications, with no preferred antiseizure medication class. No strong correlations between phenotype and location of variant mutations were found in our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Liu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jao-Shwann Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuh Chang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Lien Hung
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Han Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - I-Jun Chou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Yin Hou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Tso Lee
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Lin Lin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Chen Y, Liu A, Zhang X, Ma X, Sun D, Tian X, Wu W, Zeng Q, Jiang Y, Zhang Y. Seizure course of PCDH19 clustering epilepsy in female children: A multicentre cohort study in China. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:804-815. [PMID: 37960945 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the seizure course of PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) in a cohort of female children in China. METHOD This ambidirectional cohort study examined 113 female patients with PCDH19-CE through multicentre collaboration. Prognostic factors for seizure freedom were evaluated by multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS The median seizure course period from seizure onset was 6 years 6 months. Of 113 patients, 78% and 56% experienced seizure freedom for at least 1 year and at least 2 years respectively. In patients younger than 5 years (n = 30), 5 to 10 years (n = 52), and older than 10 years (n = 31), 57%, 81%, and 94% experienced at least 1 year of seizure freedom, and 32%, 52%, and 84% experienced at least 2 years of seizure freedom, respectively. However, 58% (65 out of 113) relapsed at least once after more than 1 year of seizure freedom without trigger exposure (40%) or because of common triggers, including fever (43%) and antiseizure medication (ASM) reduction (29%). There was an 84% risk of seizure relapse after ASM reduction attempts. The likelihood of seizure freedom decreased with early age at seizure onset and developmental delay. INTERPRETATION Patients with PCDH19-CE exhibit increasing seizure freedom with age, but there is a risk of relapse. ASM reduction in children younger than 10 years old requires caution. Patients with early seizure onset and developmental delay have a reduced chance of seizure freedom. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS The seizure freedom rate in PCDH19 clustering epilepsy gradually increases with age. The disease course is characterized by relapsing-remitting seizures. Antiseizure medication reduction requires caution for patients younger than 10 years of age. Patients with early seizure onset and developmental delay are less likely to achieve seizure freedom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aijie Liu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuwei Ma
- Department of Neurology, Bayi Children's Hospital, General Military Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Tian
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Kowkabi S, Yavarian M, Kaboodkhani R, Mohammadi M, Shervin Badv R. PCDH19-clustering epilepsy, pathophysiology and clinical significance. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 154:109730. [PMID: 38521028 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is an X-linked epilepsy disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID) and behavioral disturbances, which is caused by PCDH19 gene variants. PCDH19 pathogenic variant leads to epilepsy in heterozygous females, not in hemizygous males and the inheritance pattern is unusual. The hypothesis of cellular interference was described as a key pathogenic mechanism. According to that, males do not develop the disease because of the uniform expression of PCDH19 (variant or wild type) unless they have a somatic variation. We conducted a literature review on PCDH19-CE pathophysiology and concluded that other significant mechanisms could contribute to pathogenesis including: asymmetric cell division and heterochrony, female-related allopregnanolone deficiency, altered steroid gene expression, decreased Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA) function, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Being aware of these mechanisms helps us when we should decide which therapeutic option is more suitable for which patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Kowkabi
- Child Neurology Division and Children's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Majid Yavarian
- Hematology Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | - Mahmood Mohammadi
- Child Neurology Division and Children's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Shervin Badv
- Child Neurology Division and Children's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kovačević M, Milićević O, Branković M, Janković M, Novaković I, Sokić D, Ristić A, Shamsani J, Vojvodić N. Novel variants in established epilepsy genes in focal epilepsy. Seizure 2023; 110:146-152. [PMID: 37390664 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.005] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Next generation sequencing (NGS) has greatly expanded our understanding of genetic contributors in multiple epilepsy syndromes, including focal epilepsy. Describing the genetic architecture of common syndromes promises to facilitate the diagnostic process as well as aid in the identification of patients who stand to benefit from genetic testing, but most studies to date have been limited to examining children or adults with intellectual disability. Our aim was to determine the yield of targeted sequencing of 5 established epilepsy genes (DEPDC5, LGI1, SCN1A, GRIN2A, and PCHD19) in an extensively phenotyped cohort of focal epilepsy patients with normal intellectual function or mild intellectual disability, as well as describe novel variants and determine the characteristics of variant carriers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Targeted panel sequencing was performed on 96 patients with a strong clinical suspicion of genetic focal epilepsy. Patients had previously gone through a comprehensive diagnostic epilepsy evaluation in The Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia. Variants of interest (VOI) were classified using the American College of Medical Genetics and the Association for Molecular Pathology criteria. RESULTS Six VOI in eight (8/96, 8.3%) patients were found in our cohort. Four likely pathogenic VOI were determined in six (6/96, 6.2%) patients, two DEPDC5 variants in two patients, one SCN1A variant in two patients and one PCDH19 variant in two patients. One variant of unknown significance (VUS) was found in GRIN2A in one (1/96, 1.0%) patient. Only one VOI in GRIN2A was classified as likely benign. No VOI were detected in LGI1. CONCLUSION Sequencing of only five known epilepsy genes yielded a diagnostic result in 6.2% of our cohort and revealed multiple novel variants. Further research is necessary for a better understanding of the genetic basis in common epilepsy syndromes in patients with normal intellectual function or mild intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Kovačević
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | | | | | - Milena Janković
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Novaković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Sokić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Ristić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nikola Vojvodić
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Zhou W, Ouyang Y, Ji Y, Xi Q, Zhao L. Genetic variants and phenotype analysis in a five-generation Chinese pedigree with PCDH19 female-limited epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1107904. [PMID: 36970538 PMCID: PMC10034091 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1107904] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Albeit the gene of PCDH19-FE was ascertained, the correlation of gene mutation, PCDH19 protein structure, and phenotype heterogeneity remained obscure. This study aimed to report a five-generation pedigree of seven female patients of PCDH19-FE and tried to explore whether two variants were correlated with PCDH19 protein structure and function alteration, and PCDH19-FE phenotype. Methods We analyzed the clinical data and genetic variants of a PCDH19-FE pedigree, to explore the phenotype heterogeneity of PCDH19-FE and underlying mechanisms. In addition to the clinical information of family members, next-generation sequencing was adopted to detect the variant sites of probands with validation by sanger sequencing. And the sanger sequencing was conducted in other patients in this pedigree. The biological conservation analysis and population polymorphism analysis of variants were also performed subsequently. The structure alteration of mutated PCDH19 protein was predicted by AlphaFold2. Results Based on a five-generation pedigree of PCDH19-FE, missense variants of c.695A>G and c.2760T>A in the PCDH19 gene were found in the heterozygous proband (V:1), which resulted in the change of amino acid 232 from Asn to Ser (p.Asn232Ser) and amino acid 920 from Asp to Glu (p.Asp920Glu) influencing PCDH19 function. The other six females in the pedigree (II:6, II:8, IV:3, IV:4, IV:5, IV:11) exhibited different clinical phenotypes but shared the same variant. Two males with the same variant have no clinical manifestations (III:3, III:10). The biological conservation analysis and population polymorphism analysis demonstrated the highly conservative characteristics of these two variants. AlphaFold2 predicted that the variant, p.Asp920Glu, led to the disappearance of the hydrogen bond between Asp at position 920 and His at position 919. Furthermore, the hydrogen bond between Asp920 and His919 also disappeared when the Asn amino acid mutated to Ser at position 232. Conclusion A strong genotype-phenotype heterogeneity was observed among female patients with the same genotype in our PCDH19-FE pedigree. And two missense variants, c.695A > G and c.2760T>A in the PCDH19 gene, have been identified in our pedigree. The c.2760T>A variant was a novel variant site probably related to the PCDH19-FE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhou
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjuan Zhou
| | - Yuzhen Ouyang
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqiao Ji
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiong Xi
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Lingling Zhao
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Chen Y, Yang X, Chen J, Yang X, Yang Y, Liu A, Zhang X, Wu W, Sun D, Yang Z, Jiang Y, Zhang Y. PCDH19-related epilepsy in mosaic males: The phenotypic implication of genotype and variant allele frequency. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1041509. [PMID: 36408521 PMCID: PMC9669318 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1041509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the genotypes and phenotypes of mosaic male patients with PCDH19-related epilepsy (PCDH19-RE) and explore the correlation between genotype, variant allele frequency (VAF), and phenotypic severity. METHODS Clinical data and peripheral blood samples of 11 male mosaic patients were collected and analyzed in our study. The VAF of the PCDH19 gene from peripheral blood was quantified using amplicon-based deep sequencing. Additional 20 mosaic male patients with PCDH19-RE were collected from the published literature, with 10 patients whose VAFs of the PCDH19 gene were available for analytic purposes. RESULTS In our cohort of 11 patients, 10 variants were identified, and four were novel. The VAF of the PCDH19 gene from peripheral blood ranged from 27 to 90%. The median seizure onset age was 6 months (range: 4-9 months). Clinical manifestations included cluster seizures (100%), fever sensitivity (73%), focal seizures (91%), developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID, 82%), and autistic features (45%). Thirty-one mosaic male patients collected from our cohort and the literature developed seizures mostly (87%) within one year of age. Variant types included missense variants (42%), truncating variants (52%), splice variants (3%), and whole PCDH19 deletion (3%). Among 21 patients with a definite VAF from our cohort and the literature, nine had a low VAF ( ≤ 50%) and 12 had a high VAF (> 50%). Seventy-five percent of variants from the high VAF group were missense, whereas 89% of those from the low VAF group were truncations. The median seizure onset age was 6 months in the low VAF group and 9 months in the high VAF group (p = 0.018). Forty-four percent (4/9) of patients from the low VAF group achieved seizure-free for ≥1 year, whereas none of the 12 patients from the high VAF group did (p = 0.021). DD/ID was present in 83% (10/12) of the high VAF group and 56% (5/9) of the low VAF group (p = 0.331). CONCLUSION The predominant variant types were truncating and missense variants. Missense variants tended to have higher VAFs. Patients with a high VAF were more likely to have a more severe epileptic phenotype. Our findings shed light on the phenotypic implications of VAF in mosaic males with PCDH19-RE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxu Yang
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaoyang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aijie Liu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Chen G, Zhou H, Lu Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Xue J, Cheng K, Huang R, Han J. Case report: A novel mosaic nonsense mutation of PCDH19 in a Chinese male with febrile epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:992781. [PMID: 36247776 PMCID: PMC9556843 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.992781] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical features of the PCDH19 gene mutation include febrile epilepsy ranging from mild to severe, with or without intellectual disability, cognitive impairment, and psych-behavioral disorders, but there has been little research on males with the mosaic mutation of PCDH19. This study reported a novel, de novo, and mosaic PCDH19 nonsense mutation (NM_001184880: c.840C > A, p. Tyr280*) from a Chinese male in early middle childhood by trio whole-exome sequence (Trio-WES) and confirmed by Sanger sequence. The proportion of the mosaic mutation (c.840C > A, p. Tyr280*) in PCDH19 was 27.9% in, buccal mucosal cells, 48.3% in exfoliated cells in the urine, and 50.6% in peripheral blood of proband. He had the first onset of seizures in toddlerhood with febrile epilepsy, mild impaired cognitive psychological, and behavioral abnormalities. The electroencephalography (EEG) exhibited sharp waves and sharp slow complex waves in the bilateral parietal, occipital, and posterior temporal regions during the interictal period. Pinpoint white matter lesions in the periventricular white matter and slightly bulging bilateral ventricles appeared on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With Depakine and Keppra he gained good control over his epilepsy. This study might expand the genotypes and broaden the spectrums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Chen
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - You Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingsi Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Xue
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ken Cheng
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruibin Huang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Han
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jin Han
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Dell'Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Fattorusso A, Tascini G, Prontera P, Imperatore V, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Expanding the genetic and clinical characteristics of Protocadherin 19 gene mutations. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:181. [PMID: 35978409 PMCID: PMC9386923 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PCDH19-related epilepsy is a rare X-linked type of epilepsy caused by genomic variants of the Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene. The clinical characteristics of PCDH19-related epilepsy are epileptic and non-epileptic symptoms with highly variable severity among patients. Case presentation We present a case of a 4-year old female with PCDH19-related epilepsycaused by new variants in the PCDH19 gene. Our patient was admitted for the first time at the age of 12 months for seizure clusters arising under condition of apyrexia. The electroencephalography (EEG) showed frontal paroxysmal activity. The genetic analysis identified the two variants c.1006G > A (p.Val336Met) and c.1014C > A (p.Asp338Glu) in the gene PCDH19. The patient was treated with Carbamazepine and Clonazepam achieving the disappearance of seizures. During the follow-up, the neurological examination was persistently normal with neither cognitive impairment nor behavior disturbances. From 2 years of age EEG controls were persistently normal. Conclusion This patient presents two novel variants of the PCDH19 gene associated with a mild form of epilepsy with normal cognitive development with an apparently better prognosis. According to our experience, the dual therapy with Carbamazepine and Clonazepam has led to a good control of seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Battista Dell'Isola
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Mencaroni
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Fattorusso
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Tascini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
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Moncayo JA, Vargas MN, Castillo I, Granda PV, Duque AM, Argudo JM, Matcheswalla S, Lopez Dominguez GE, Monteros G, Andrade AF, Ojeda D, Yepez M. Adjuvant Treatment for Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) Syndrome. Cureus 2022; 14:e27154. [PMID: 36004035 PMCID: PMC9392850 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) syndrome is inherited as an X-linked pattern and affects mainly females. This syndrome is caused by a mutation in the PCDH19 gene encoding for the protocadherin protein. It is characterized by refractory seizures during febrile episodes with neuropsychiatric manifestations. There is no consensus on the treatment of PCDH19. We conducted a literature review to investigate the main drugs used for this syndrome, and to evaluate the best possible course of adjuvant treatment for these patients. We used an advanced PubMed search strategy with the following inclusion criteria: a) full-text papers, b) English Language, and c) studies conducted in humans. Exclusion criteria: a) literature reviews, b) systematic reviews, and c) metanalysis. We gathered 26 observational papers to conduct this literature review on clobazam and bromide which have been shown to reduce seizures by 50%. Corticosteroids improved neurological symptoms during the episodes in a few patients. Nevertheless, they recurred after a few months. Preliminary results of ganaxolone, which is still under study, demonstrated a reduction of 60% in seizure episodes. A ketogenic diet has been studied to treat several refractory epilepsies, including PCDH19; it has promising results as effective adjuvant therapy in the resolution of status epilepticus, suggesting it could be used as part of the treatment in early childhood. Stiripentol was given as adjuvant therapy in a patient with PCDH19 epilepsy resulting in the most extended period of seizure-free episodes, but more studies must be performed to assess its efficacy.
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Sharkov A, Sparber P, Stepanova A, Pyankov D, Korostelev S, Skoblov M. Case Report: Phenotype-Driven Diagnosis of Atypical Dravet-Like Syndrome Caused by a Novel Splicing Variant in the SCN2A Gene. Front Genet 2022; 13:888481. [PMID: 35711923 PMCID: PMC9194094 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.888481] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Febrile-associated epileptic encephalopathy is a large genetically heterogeneous group that is associated with pathogenic variants in SCN1A, PCDH19, SCN2A, SCN8A, and other genes. The disease onset ranges from neonatal or early-onset epileptic encephalopathy to late-onset epilepsy after 18 months. Some etiology-specific epileptic encephalopathies have target therapy which can serve as a clue for the correct genetic diagnosis. We present genetic, clinical, electroencephalographic, and behavioral features of a 4-year-old girl with epileptic encephalopathy related to a de novo intronic variant in the SCN2A gene. Initial NGS analysis revealed a frameshift variant in the KDM6A gene and a previously reported missense variant in SCN1A. Due to lack of typical clinical signs of Kabuki syndrome, we performed X-chromosome inactivation that revealed nearly complete skewed inactivation. Segregation analysis showed that the SCN1A variant was inherited from a healthy father. The proband had resistance to multiple antiseizure medications but responded well to sodium channel inhibitor Carbamazepine. Reanalysis of NGS data by a neurogeneticist revealed a previously uncharacterized heterozygous variant c.1035-7A>G in the SCN2A gene. Minigene assay showed that the c.1035-7A>G variant activates a cryptic intronic acceptor site which leads to 6-nucleotide extension of exon 9 (NP_066287.2:p.(Gly345_Gln346insTyrSer). SCN2A encephalopathy is a recognizable severe phenotype. Its electro-clinical and treatment response features can serve as a hallmark. In such a patient, reanalysis of genetic data is strongly recommended in case of negative or conflicting results of DNA analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Sharkov
- Genomed Ltd., Moscow, Russia.,Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Sparber
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Moncayo JA, Ayala IN, Argudo JM, Aguirre AS, Parwani J, Pachano A, Ojeda D, Cordova S, Mora MG, Tapia CM, Ortiz JF. Understanding Protein Protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) Syndrome: A Literature Review of the Pathophysiology. Cureus 2022; 14:e25808. [PMID: 35822151 PMCID: PMC9271214 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PCDH19 syndrome is a monogenic epilepsy related to the protein protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) gene, which encodes for a protein important for brain development. The protein also seems to regulate gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA(A)(R)). The disease presents with refractory epilepsy that is characterized by seizures occurring in clusters. Till now, the pathophysiology of the disease is mainly unknown, so we conducted a literature review to elucidate the pathophysiology of PCDH19-related epilepsy. We used two databases to investigate this literature review (Google Scholar and PubMed). We selected full-text papers that are published in the English language and published after the year 2000. We selected initially 64 papers and ended up with 29 to conduct this literature review. We found four main theories for the pathophysiology of PCDH19-related epilepsy: GABA(A)(R) dysregulation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, cellular interference, and the AKR1C1-3 gene product deficiency. GABA(A)(R) dysfunction and expression cause decreased effective inhibitory currents predisposing patients to epilepsy. BBB dysfunction allows the passage of methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor antibodies (abs-NR) through the BBB susceptible membrane. The cellular interference hypothesis establishes that the mutant and non-mutant cells interfere with each other’s communication within the same tissue. Women are more susceptible to being affected by this hypothesis as men only have one copy of the x gene and interference is mediated by this gene, meaning that it cannot occur in them. Finally, downregulation and deficiency of the AKR1C3/AKR1C2 products lead to decreasing levels of allopregnanolone, which diminish the regulation of GABA(A)(R).
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12
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Hieu NLT, Thu NTM, Ngan LTA, Van LTK, Huy DP, Linh PTT, Mai NTQ, Hien HTD, Hang DTT. Genetic analysis using targeted exome sequencing of 53 Vietnamese children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:2048-2060. [PMID: 35365919 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62741] [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: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) refers to a group of rare and severe neurodevelopmental disorders where genetic etiologies can play a major role. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic etiologies of a cohort of 53 Vietnamese patients with DEE. All patients were classified into known electroclinical syndromes where possible. Exome sequencing (ES) followed by a targeted analysis on 294 DEE-related genes was then performed. Patients with identified causative variants were followed for 6 months to determine the impact of genetic testing on their treatment. The diagnostic yield was 38.0% (20/53), which was significantly higher in the earlier onset group (<12 months) than in the later onset group (≥12 months). The 19 identified variants belonged to 11 genes with various cellular functions. Genes encoding ion channels especially sodium voltage-gated channel were the most frequently involved. Most variants were missense variants and located in key protein functional domains. Four variants were novel and four had been reported previously but in different phenotypes. Within 6 months of further follow-up, treatment changes were applied for six patients based on the identified disease-causing variants, with five patients showing a positive impact. This is the first study in Vietnam to analyze the genetics of DEE. This study confirms the strong involvement of genetic etiologies in DEE, especially early onset DEE. The study also contributes to clarify the genotype-phenotype correlations of DEE and highlights the efficacy of targeted ES in the diagnosis and treatment of DEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Le Trung Hieu
- Neurology Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Le Tran Anh Ngan
- Neurology Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Le Thi Khanh Van
- Neurology Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Do Phuoc Huy
- Medical Genetics Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Pham Thi Truc Linh
- Functional Genomic Unit, DNA Medical Technology Company, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Quynh Mai
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Huynh Thi Dieu Hien
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Do Thi Thu Hang
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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13
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Dell'Isola GB, Vinti V, Fattorusso A, Tascini G, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. The Broad Clinical Spectrum of Epilepsies Associated With Protocadherin 19 Gene Mutation. Front Neurol 2022; 12:780053. [PMID: 35111125 PMCID: PMC8801579 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.780053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene is one of the most common genes involved in epilepsy syndromes. According to literature data PCDH19 is among the 6 genes most involved in genetic epilepsies. PCDH19 is located on chromosome Xq22.1 and is involved in neuronal connections and signal transduction. The most frequent clinical expression of PCDH19 mutation is epilepsy and mental retardation limited to female (EFMR) characterized by epileptic and non-epileptic symptoms affecting mainly females. However, the phenotypic spectrum of these mutations is considerably variable from genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus to epileptic encephalopathies. The peculiar exclusive involvement of females seems to be caused by a cellular interference in heterozygosity, however, affected mosaic-males have been reported. Seizure types range from focal seizure to generalized tonic-clonic, tonic, atonic, absences, and myoclonic jerks. Treatment of PCDH19-related epilepsy is limited by drug resistance and by the absence of specific treatment indications. However, seizures become less severe with adolescence and some patients may even become seizure-free. Non-epileptic symptoms represent the main disabilities of adult patients with PCDH19 mutation. This review aims to analyze the highly variable phenotypic expression of PCDH19 gene mutation associated with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerio Vinti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Tascini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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14
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Nagarajan L, Ghosh S, Dyke J, Lee S, Silberstein J, Azmanov D, Richard W. Epilepsy surgery in PCDH 19 related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: A case report. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2022; 19:100560. [PMID: 35856042 PMCID: PMC9287778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2022.100560] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PCDH19 pathogenic variants may be associated with DEE in females. Epilepsy Surgery may be an option for PCDH19 related drug-resistant epilepsy.
We report a female child with PCDH19 related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with drug-resistant seizures, cognitive and language impairment, autism spectrum disorder and sleep dysfunction. Her seizures, which started at 10 months of age, were resistant to multiple anti-seizure medications. Developmental stagnation followed by regression occurred after the onset of recurrent seizures. Her ictal EEGS suggested left temporal lobe origin for her recorded seizures. MRI upon expert re-review showed a subtle abnormality in the left temporal lobe. In view of the severe nature and frequency of her seizures, a left temporal lobectomy was undertaken at the age of 2 years and 3 months. Though her seizure outcome was Engel class 3, her seizure frequency and severity were significantly reduced. She has been seizure-free for 10 months at her last outpatient assessment when she was 4 years and 8 months of age (2 years and 5 months after epilepsy surgery). However she recently had an admission for COVID19 infection, with a breakthrough cluster of seizures. Her developmental trajectory changed, though she is making good progress with her cognitive and language skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Nagarajan
- Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
- Corresponding author at: Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia. WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jason Dyke
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
- PathWest Neuropathology, Royal Perth Hospital, Victoria Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
| | - Sharon Lee
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
- Dept of Neurosurgery, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jonathan Silberstein
- Children’s Neuroscience Service, Dept of Neurology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Dimitar Azmanov
- Dept of Neurosurgery, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Warne Richard
- WA State Wide Neurosurgery Service, WA 6009, Australia
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15
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Orland MD, Giampietro PF. 50 Years Ago in TheJournalofPediatrics: Unique X-Linked Mutation Associated with Female-Specific Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability. J Pediatr 2021; 238:144. [PMID: 34702493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip F Giampietro
- Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Illinois-Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, Chicago, Illinois
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16
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Carpenter JC, Lignani G. Gene Editing and Modulation: the Holy Grail for the Genetic Epilepsies? Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1515-1523. [PMID: 34235638 PMCID: PMC8608979 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder for which there are a large number of monogenic subtypes. Monogenic epilepsies are often severe and disabling, featuring drug-resistant seizures and significant developmental comorbidities. These disorders are potentially amenable to a precision medicine approach, of which genome editing using CRISPR/Cas represents the holy grail. Here we consider mutations in some of the most 'common' rare epilepsy genes and discuss the different CRISPR/Cas approaches that could be taken to cure these disorders. We consider scenarios where CRISPR-mediated gene modulation could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy and discuss whether a single gene corrective approach could hold therapeutic potential in the context of homeostatic compensation in the developing, highly dynamic brain. Despite an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of the genetic epilepsies and current limitations of gene editing tools, CRISPR-mediated approaches have game-changing potential in the treatment of genetic epilepsy over the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Carpenter
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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