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Di Matteo F, Mancuso F, Turcio R, Ciaglia T, Stagno C, Di Chio C, Campiglia P, Bertamino A, Giofrè SV, Ostacolo C, Iraci N. KCNT1 Channel Blockers: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. Molecules 2024; 29:2940. [PMID: 38931004 PMCID: PMC11206332 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels have recently emerged as suitable target for the treatment of epileptic diseases. Among potassium channels, KCNT1 channels are the most widely characterized as responsible for several epileptic and developmental encephalopathies. Nevertheless, the medicinal chemistry of KCNT1 blockers is underdeveloped so far. In the present review, we describe and analyse the papers addressing the issue of KCNT1 blockers' development and identification, also evidencing the pros and the cons of the scientific approaches therein described. After a short introduction describing the epileptic diseases and the structure-function of potassium channels, we provide an extensive overview of the chemotypes described so far as KCNT1 blockers, and the scientific approaches used for their identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Matteo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy (R.T.); (T.C.)
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rita Turcio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy (R.T.); (T.C.)
| | - Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy (R.T.); (T.C.)
| | - Claudio Stagno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carla Di Chio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy (R.T.); (T.C.)
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy (R.T.); (T.C.)
| | - Salvatore Vincenzo Giofrè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy (R.T.); (T.C.)
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Elkhateeb N, Issa MY, Elbendary HM, Elnaggar W, Ramadan A, Rafat K, Kamel M, Abdel-Ghafar SF, Amer F, Hassaan HM, Trunzo R, Pereira C, Abdel-Hamid MS, D'Arco F, Bauer P, Bertoli-Avella AM, Girgis M, Gleeson JG, Zaki MS, Selim L. The clinical and genetic landscape of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies in Egyptian children. Clin Genet 2024; 105:510-522. [PMID: 38221827 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14481] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a heterogeneous group of epilepsies characterized by early-onset, refractory seizures associated with developmental regression or impairment, with a heterogeneous genetic landscape including genes implicated in various pathways and mechanisms. We retrospectively studied the clinical and genetic data of patients with genetic DEE who presented at two tertiary centers in Egypt over a 10-year period. Exome sequencing was used for genetic testing. We report 74 patients from 63 unrelated Egyptian families, with a high rate of consanguinity (58%). The most common seizure type was generalized tonic-clonic (58%) and multiple seizure types were common (55%). The most common epilepsy syndrome was early infantile DEE (50%). All patients showed variable degrees of developmental impairment. Microcephaly, hypotonia, ophthalmological involvement and neuroimaging abnormalities were common. Eighteen novel variants were identified and the phenotypes of five DEE genes were expanded with novel phenotype-genotype associations. Obtaining a genetic diagnosis had implications on epilepsy management in 17 patients with variants in 12 genes. In this study, we expand the phenotype and genotype spectrum of DEE in a large single ethnic cohort of patients. Reaching a genetic diagnosis guided precision management of epilepsy in a significant proportion of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Elkhateeb
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Y Issa
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hasnaa M Elbendary
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa Elnaggar
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Areef Ramadan
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Karima Rafat
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Kamel
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif F Abdel-Ghafar
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fawzia Amer
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah M Hassaan
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Genetics Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Mohamed S Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Felice D'Arco
- Radiology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | | | | | - Marian Girgis
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Maha S Zaki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laila Selim
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Houdayer C, Phillips AM, Chabbert M, Bourreau J, Maroofian R, Houlden H, Richards K, Saadi NW, Dad'ová E, Van Bogaert P, Rupin M, Keren B, Charles P, Smol T, Riquet A, Pais L, O'Donnell-Luria A, VanNoy GE, Bayat A, Møller RS, Olofsson K, Abou Jamra R, Syrbe S, Dasouki M, Seaver LH, Sullivan JA, Shashi V, Alkuraya FS, Poss AF, Spence JE, Schnur RE, Forster IC, Mckenzie CE, Simons C, Wang M, Snell P, Kothur K, Buckley M, Roscioli T, Elserafy N, Dauriat B, Procaccio V, Henrion D, Lenaers G, Colin E, Verbeek NE, Van Gassen KL, Legendre C, Bonneau D, Reid CA, Howell KB, Ziegler A, Legros C. Mono and biallelic variants in HCN2 cause severe neurodevelopmental disorders. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.19.24303984. [PMID: 38562733 PMCID: PMC10984036 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.24303984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization activated Cyclic Nucleotide (HCN) gated channels are crucial for various neurophysiological functions, including learning and sensory functions, and their dysfunction are responsible for brain disorders, such as epilepsy. To date, HCN2 variants have only been associated with mild epilepsy and recently, one monoallelic missense variant has been linked to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Here, we expand the phenotypic spectrum of HCN2- related disorders by describing twenty-one additional individuals from fifteen unrelated families carrying HCN2 variants. Seventeen individuals had developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), two had borderline DD/ID, and one had borderline DD. Ten individuals had epilepsy with DD/ID, with median age of onset of 10 months, and one had epilepsy with normal development. Molecular diagnosis identified thirteen different pathogenic HCN2 variants, including eleven missense variants affecting highly conserved amino acids, one frameshift variant, and one in-frame deletion. Seven variants were monoallelic of which five occurred de novo, one was not maternally inherited, one was inherited from a father with mild learning disabilities, and one was of unknown inheritance. The remaining six variants were biallelic, with four homozygous and two compound heterozygous variants. Functional studies using two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes were performed on three monoallelic variants, p.(Arg324His), p.(Ala363Val), and p.(Met374Leu), and three biallelic variants, p.(Leu377His), p.(Pro493Leu) and p.(Gly587Asp). The p.(Arg324His) variant induced a strong increase of HCN2 conductance, while p.(Ala363Val) and p.(Met374Leu) displayed dominant negative effects, leading to a partial loss of HCN2 channel function. By confocal imaging, we found that the p.(Leu377His), p.(Pro493Leu) and p.(Gly587Asp) pathogenic variants impaired membrane trafficking, resulting in a complete loss of HCN2 elicited currents in Xenopus oocytes. Structural 3D-analysis in depolarized and hyperpolarized states of HCN2 channels, revealed that the pathogenic variants p.(His205Gln), p.(Ser409Leu), p.(Arg324Cys), p.(Asn369Ser) and p.(Gly460Asp) modify molecular interactions altering HCN2 function. Taken together, our data broadens the clinical spectrum associated with HCN2 variants, and disclose that HCN2 is involved in developmental encephalopathy with or without epilepsy.
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Chen C, Ziobro J, Robinson-Cooper L, Hodges SL, Chen Y, Edokobi N, Lopez-Santiago L, Habig K, Moore C, Minton J, Bramson S, Scheuing C, Daddo N, Štěrbová K, Weckhuysen S, Parent JM, Isom LL. Epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in a mouse model of human SCN1B-linked developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad283. [PMID: 38425576 PMCID: PMC10903178 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channel β1 subunits are essential proteins that regulate excitability. They modulate sodium and potassium currents, function as cell adhesion molecules and regulate gene transcription following regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Biallelic pathogenic variants in SCN1B, encoding β1, are linked to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 52, with clinical features overlapping Dravet syndrome. A recessive variant, SCN1B-c.265C>T, predicting SCN1B-p.R89C, was homozygous in two children of a non-consanguineous family. One child was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, while the other had a milder phenotype. We identified an unrelated biallelic SCN1B-c.265C>T patient with a clinically more severe phenotype than Dravet syndrome. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock-in SCN1B-p.R89C to the mouse Scn1b locus (Scn1bR89/C89). We then rederived the line on the C57BL/6J background to allow comparisons between Scn1bR89/R89 and Scn1bC89/C89 littermates with Scn1b+/+ and Scn1b-/- mice, which are congenic on C57BL/6J, to determine whether the SCN1B-c.265C>T variant results in loss-of-function. Scn1bC89/C89 mice have normal body weights and ∼20% premature mortality, compared with severely reduced body weight and 100% mortality in Scn1b-/- mice. β1-p.R89C polypeptides are expressed in brain at comparable levels to wild type. In heterologous cells, β1-p.R89C localizes to the plasma membrane and undergoes regulated intramembrane proteolysis similar to wild type. Heterologous expression of β1-p.R89C results in sodium channel α subunit subtype specific effects on sodium current. mRNA abundance of Scn2a, Scn3a, Scn5a and Scn1b was increased in Scn1bC89/C89 somatosensory cortex, with no changes in Scn1a. In contrast, Scn1b-/- mouse somatosensory cortex is haploinsufficient for Scn1a, suggesting an additive mechanism for the severity of the null model via disrupted regulation of another Dravet syndrome gene. Scn1bC89/C89 mice are more susceptible to hyperthermia-induced seizures at post-natal Day 15 compared with Scn1bR89/R89 littermates. EEG recordings detected epileptic discharges in young adult Scn1bC89/C89 mice that coincided with convulsive seizures and myoclonic jerks. We compared seizure frequency and duration in a subset of adult Scn1bC89/C89 mice that had been exposed to hyperthermia at post-natal Day 15 versus a subset that were not hyperthermia exposed. No differences in spontaneous seizures were detected between groups. For both groups, the spontaneous seizure pattern was diurnal, occurring with higher frequency during the dark cycle. This work suggests that the SCN1B-c.265C>T variant does not result in complete loss-of-function. Scn1bC89/C89 mice more accurately model SCN1B-linked variants with incomplete loss-of-function compared with Scn1b-/- mice, which model complete loss-of-function, and thus add to our understanding of disease mechanisms as well as our ability to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Julie Ziobro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Samantha L Hodges
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nnamdi Edokobi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Luis Lopez-Santiago
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Karl Habig
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chloe Moore
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Joe Minton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina Bramson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Caroline Scheuing
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Noor Daddo
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Katalin Štěrbová
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charles University and Motol Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Universiteitsplein 1 B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jack M Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Zeka N, Zeka E, Zhubi E, Hoxha I. Case report: Diagnosis of a patient with Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome, development and epileptic encephalopathy-14, and medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1230056. [PMID: 37732012 PMCID: PMC10507246 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1230056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is generally recognized that genetic metabolic disorders can result in neurological symptoms such as seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Heterogeneous clinical presentations make the diagnosis challenging. Case presentation In this case report, we present a unique and complex genetic disorder observed in a female patient who exhibited three pathogenic gene variants in the KCNT1, ACADM, and CHD4 genes. The convergence of these variants resulted in a multifaceted clinical presentation characterized by severe seizures of combined focal and generalized onset, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The identification and functional characterization of these gene variants shed light on the intricate interplay between these genes and the patient's phenotype. EEG revealed an epileptiform abnormality which presented in the inter-ictal period from the left frontal-central area and in the ictal period from the left mid-temporal area. The brain MRI revealed volume loss in the posterior periventricular area and parietal parenchyma, myelin destruction with no sign of hypoxic involvement, and left dominant enlargement of the lateral ventricles secondary to loss of central parenchyma. The patient was diagnosed through exome sequencing with Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome, development and epileptic encephalopathy-14, and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. An antiseizure medication regimen with valproic acid, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and clonazepam was initiated. However, this led to only partial control of the seizures. Conclusion Clinical follow-up of the patient will further define the clinical spectrum of KCNT1, ACADM, and CHD4 gene variants. It will also determine the long-term efficacy of the treatment of seizures and the development of precision medicine for epilepsy syndromes due to gain-of-function variants. Special emphasis should be put on the role and importance of large-scale genomic testing in understanding and diagnosing complex phenotypes and atypical epileptic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Zeka
- Pediatric Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Eris Zeka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Esra Zhubi
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Prishtina, Kosovo
- Janos Szentagothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ilir Hoxha
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Prishtina, Kosovo
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Research Unit, Heimerer College, Prishtina, Kosovo
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Rusina E, Simonti M, Duprat F, Cestèle S, Mantegazza M. Voltage-gated sodium channels in genetic epilepsy: up and down of excitability. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37654020 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The past two decades have witnessed a wide range of studies investigating genetic variants of voltage-gated sodium (NaV ) channels, which are involved in a broad spectrum of diseases, including several types of epilepsy. We have reviewed here phenotypes and pathological mechanisms of genetic epilepsies caused by variants in NaV α and β subunits, as well as of some relevant interacting proteins (FGF12/FHF1, PRRT2, and Ankyrin-G). Notably, variants of all these genes can induce either gain- or loss-of-function of NaV leading to either neuronal hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability. We present the results of functional studies obtained with different experimental models, highlighting that they should be interpreted considering the features of the experimental system used. These systems are models, but they have allowed us to better understand pathophysiological issues, ameliorate diagnostics, orientate genetic counseling, and select/develop therapies within a precision medicine framework. These studies have also allowed us to gain insights into the physiological roles of different NaV channels and of the cells that express them. Overall, our review shows the progress that has been made, but also the need for further studies on aspects that have not yet been clarified. Finally, we conclude by highlighting some significant themes of general interest that can be gleaned from the results of the work of the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniia Rusina
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Martina Simonti
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Fabrice Duprat
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- Inserm, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Sandrine Cestèle
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- University Cote d'Azur, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
- Inserm, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis, France
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Grinton BE, Robertson E, Fearnley LG, Scheffer IE, Marson AG, O'Brien TJ, Pickrell WO, Rees MI, Sisodiya SM, Balding DJ, Bennett MF, Bahlo M, Berkovic SF, Oliver KL. A founder event causing a dominant childhood epilepsy survives 800 years through weak selective pressure. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:2080-2087. [PMID: 36288729 PMCID: PMC9674963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.10.004] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is an autosomal dominant familial epilepsy syndrome characterized by distinctive phenotypic heterogeneity within families. The SCN1B c.363C>G (p.Cys121Trp) variant has been identified in independent, multi-generational families with GEFS+. Although the variant is present in population databases (at very low frequency), there is strong clinical, genetic, and functional evidence to support pathogenicity. Recurrent variants may be due to a founder event in which the variant has been inherited from a common ancestor. Here, we report evidence of a single founder event giving rise to the SCN1B c.363C>G variant in 14 independent families with epilepsy. A common haplotype was observed in all families, and the age of the most recent common ancestor was estimated to be approximately 800 years ago. Analysis of UK Biobank whole-exome-sequencing data identified 74 individuals with the same variant. All individuals carried haplotypes matching the epilepsy-affected families, suggesting all instances of the variant derive from a single mutational event. This unusual finding of a variant causing an autosomal dominant, early-onset disease in an outbred population that has persisted over many generations can be attributed to the relatively mild phenotype in most carriers and incomplete penetrance. Founder events are well established in autosomal recessive and late-onset disorders but are rarely observed in early-onset, autosomal dominant diseases. These findings suggest variants present in the population at low frequencies should be considered potentially pathogenic in mild phenotypes with incomplete penetrance and may be more important contributors to the genetic landscape than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn E Grinton
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Erandee Robertson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Liam G Fearnley
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Anthony G Marson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - W Owen Pickrell
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; Department of Neurology, Morriston Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mark I Rees
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire HP11 2FZ, UK; Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - David J Balding
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, School of BioSciences and School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mark F Bennett
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
| | - Karen L Oliver
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Zhu Z, Bolt E, Newmaster K, Osei-Bonsu W, Cohen S, Cuddapah VA, Gupta S, Paudel S, Samanta D, Dang LT, Carney PR, Naik S. SCN1B Genetic Variants: A Review of the Spectrum of Clinical Phenotypes and a Report of Early Myoclonic Encephalopathy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101507. [PMID: 36291443 PMCID: PMC9600564 DOI: 10.3390/children9101507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pathogenic variants in SCN1B, the gene encoding voltage-gated sodium channel b1/b1B subunits are associated with a spectrum of epileptic disorders. This study describes a child with early myoclonic encephalopathy and a compound heterozygous variant in the SCN1B gene (p.Arg85Cys and c.3G>C/p.Met1), along with the child’s clinical response to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and the ketogenic diet. We reviewed the current clinical literature pertinent to SCN1B-related epilepsy. Methods: We described the evaluation and management of a patient with SCN1B-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). We used the Medline and Pubmed databases to review the various neurological manifestations associated with SCN1B genetic variants, and summarize the functional studies performed on SCN1B variants. Results: We identified 20 families and six individuals (including the index case described herein) reported to have SCN1B-related epilepsy. Individuals with monoallelic pathogenic variants in SCN1B often present with genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), while those with biallelic pathogenic variants may present with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Individuals with DEE present with seizures of various semiologies (commonly myoclonic seizures) and status epilepticus at early infancy and are treated with various antiseizure medications. In our index case, adjunctive fenfluramine was started at 8 months of age at 0.2 mg/kg/day with gradual incremental increases to the final dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day over 5 weeks. Fenfluramine was effective in the treatment of seizures, resulting in a 50% reduction in myoclonic seizures, status epilepticus, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, as well as a 70−90% reduction in focal seizures, with no significant adverse effects. Following the initiation of fenfluramine at eight months of age, there was also a 50% reduction in the rate of hospitalizations. Conclusions: SCN1B pathogenic variants cause epilepsy and neurodevelopmental impairment with variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance. The severity of disease is associated with the zygosity of the pathogenic variants. Biallelic variants in SCN1B can result in early myoclonic encephalopathy, and adjunctive treatment with fenfluramine may be an effective treatment for SCN1B-related DEE. Further research on the efficacy and safety of using newer ASMs, such as fenfluramine in patients under the age of 2 years is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zhu
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bolt
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Kyra Newmaster
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Wendy Osei-Bonsu
- College of Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Stacey Cohen
- Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative, Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vishnu Anand Cuddapah
- Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative, Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Siddharth Gupta
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sita Paudel
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State Health Milton Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Debopam Samanta
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Louis T. Dang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paul R. Carney
- Pediatric Neurology Division, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Correspondence: (P.R.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Sunil Naik
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn State Health Milton Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Correspondence: (P.R.C.); (S.N.)
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Mangano GD, Fontana A, Antona V, Salpietro V, Mangano GR, Giuffrè M, Nardello R. Commonalities and distinctions between two neurodevelopmental disorder subtypes associated with SCN2A and SCN8A variants and literature review. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1911. [PMID: 35348308 PMCID: PMC9034667 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1911] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to analyze the commonalities and distinctions of voltage‐gated sodium channels, Nav1.2, Nav1.6, in neurodevelopmental disorders. An observational study was performed including two patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. The demographic, electroclinical, genetic, and neuropsychological characteristics were analyzed and compared with each other and then with the subjects carrying the same genetic variants reported in the literature. The clinical features of one of them argued for autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay, the other for intellectual disability, diagnoses confirmed by the neuropsychological assessment. The first patient was a carrier of SCN2A (p.R379H) variant while the second was carrier of SCN8A (p.E936K) variant, both involving the pore loop of the two channels. The results of this study suggest that the neurodevelopmental disorders without overt epilepsy of both patients can be the consequences of loss of function of Nav1.2/Nav1.6 channels. Notably, the SCN2A variant, with an earlier expression timing in brain development, resulted in a more severe phenotype as autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay, while the SCN8A variant, with a later expression timing, resulted in a less severe phenotype as intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Donato Mangano
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Fontana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Antona
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Renata Mangano
- Department of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Giuffrè
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Nardello
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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