1
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Brun L, Borloz E, Felix MS, Louis Durand J, Villard L. Ultrasound-induced seizures in a mouse model of KCNQ2-NEO-DEE. Epilepsy Res 2023; 193:107160. [PMID: 37187037 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107160] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE KCNQ2 neonatal developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (NEO-DEE) is characterized by intractable seizures accompanied by an abnormal neurodevelopment. In a mouse model of NEO-DEE carrying the p.(Thr274Met) variant of Kcnq2, spontaneous generalized seizures occur unexpectedly preventing controlled studies and highlighting the necessity for a customized setup to trigger seizures on demand. We aimed to obtain a stable and objective read-out to control the efficacy of new antiepileptic drugs or to test seizure susceptibility. We developed a protocol to trigger ultrasound-induced seizures (UIS) on demand in this model. METHODS We tested the ability of our protocol to induce seizures at four developmental stages in the Kcnq2p.(Thr274Met/+) mouse model. We mapped the activated brain regions using c-fos protein labeling 2 h after seizure induction. RESULTS We show that the UIS have the same phenotypic expression and the same severity as spontaneous generalized seizures (SGS) in the Kcnq2-NEO-DEE mouse model. The developmental period during which mice exhibit SGS corresponds to the period during which Kcnq2p.(Thr274Met/+) mice are the most susceptible to US. C-fos labeling reveals a subset of 6 brain regions activated 2 h after the induction of the seizure. The same regions were identified in the context of seizure induction in other rodent models. CONCLUSION This study provides a non-invasive and easy to use method to induce seizures in a Kcnq2-NEO-DEE mouse model and documents early neuronal activation in specific brain regions. This method can be used to test the efficacy of new antiepileptic approaches for this intractable form of genetic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Brun
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Laurent Villard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France; Service de Génétique Médicale, AP-HM, Hôpital de La Timone, Marseille, France.
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2
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Brun L, Viemari J, Villard L. Mouse models of Kcnq2 dysfunction. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2813-2826. [PMID: 36047730 PMCID: PMC9828481 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17405] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Variants in the Kv7.2 channel subunit encoded by the KCNQ2 gene cause epileptic disorders ranging from a benign form with self-limited epileptic seizures and normal development to severe forms with intractable epileptic seizures and encephalopathy. The biological mechanisms involved in these neurological diseases are still unclear. The disease remains intractable in patients affected by the severe form. Over the past 20 years, KCNQ2 models have been developed to elucidate pathological mechanisms and to identify new therapeutic targets. The diversity of Kcnq2 mouse models has proven invaluable to access neuronal networks and evaluate the associated cognitive deficits. This review summarizes the available models and their contribution to our current understanding of KCNQ2 epileptic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Brun
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMGMarseilleFrance
| | | | - Laurent Villard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMGMarseilleFrance,Service de Génétique Médicale, AP‐HM, Hôpital de La TimoneMarseilleFrance
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3
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Tian F, Cao B, Xu H, Zhan L, Nan F, Li N, Taglialatela M, Gao Z. Epilepsy phenotype and response to KCNQ openers in mice harboring the Kcnq2 R207W voltage-sensor mutation. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105860. [PMID: 36113748 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105860] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
KCNQ2-encoded Kv7.2 subunits play a critical role in balancing neuronal excitability. Mutations in KCNQ2 are responsible for highly-heterogenous epileptic and neurodevelopmental phenotypes ranging from self-limited familial neonatal epilepsy (SeLFNE) to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Pathogenic KCNQ2 variants cluster at the voltage sensor domain (VSD), the pore domain, and the C-terminal tail. Although several knock-in mice harboring Kcnq2 pore variants have been developed, no mouse line carrying Kcnq2 voltage-sensor mutations has been described. KCNQ2-R207W is an epilepsy-causing mutation located in the VSD, mainly affecting voltage-dependent channel gating. To study the physiological consequence of Kcnq2 VSD dysfunction, we generated a Kcnq2-R207W mouse line and analyzed the pathological and pharmacological phenotypes of mutant mice. As a result, both homozygous (Kcnq2RW/RW) and heterozygous (Kcnq2RW/+) mice were viable. While Kcnq2RW/RW mice displayed a short lifespan, growth retardation, and spontaneous seizures, Kcnq2RW/+ mice survived and developed normally, although only a fraction (9/64; 14%) of them showed behavioral- and ECoG-confirmed spontaneous seizures. Kcnq2RW/+ mice displayed increased susceptibility to evoked seizures, which was dramatically ameliorated by treatment with the novel KCNQ opener pynegabine (HN37). Our results show that the Kcnq2-R207W mouse line, the first harboring a Kcnq2 voltage-sensor mutation, exhibits a unique epileptic phenotype with both spontaneous seizures and increased susceptibility to evoked seizures. In Kcnq2-R207W mice, the potent KCNQ opener HN37, currently in clinical phase I, shows strong anticonvulsant activity, suggesting it may represent a valuable option for the severe phenotypes of KCNQ2-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyun Tian
- Zhongshan Institute of Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China; Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Birong Cao
- Zhongshan Institute of Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China; Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhan
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fajun Nan
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Li
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, 518057 Shenzhen, China
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- Zhongshan Institute of Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China; Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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4
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Kim EC, Zhang J, Tang AY, Bolton EC, Rhodes JS, Christian-Hinman CA, Chung HJ. Spontaneous seizure and memory loss in mice expressing an epileptic encephalopathy variant in the calmodulin-binding domain of K v7.2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2021265118. [PMID: 34911751 PMCID: PMC8713762 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021265118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epileptic encephalopathy (EE) is characterized by seizures that respond poorly to antiseizure drugs, psychomotor delay, and cognitive and behavioral impairments. One of the frequently mutated genes in EE is KCNQ2, which encodes the Kv7.2 subunit of voltage-gated Kv7 potassium channels. Kv7 channels composed of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 are enriched at the axonal surface, where they potently suppress neuronal excitability. Previously, we reported that the de novo dominant EE mutation M546V in human Kv7.2 blocks calmodulin binding to Kv7.2 and axonal surface expression of Kv7 channels via their intracellular retention. However, whether these pathogenic mechanisms underlie epileptic seizures and behavioral comorbidities remains unknown. Here, we report conditional transgenic cKcnq2+/M547V mice, in which expression of mouse Kv7.2-M547V (equivalent to human Kv7.2-M546V) is induced in forebrain excitatory pyramidal neurons and astrocytes. These mice display early mortality, spontaneous seizures, enhanced seizure susceptibility, memory impairment, and repetitive behaviors. Furthermore, hippocampal pathology shows widespread neurodegeneration and reactive astrocytes. This study demonstrates that the impairment in axonal surface expression of Kv7 channels is associated with epileptic seizures, cognitive and behavioral deficits, and neuronal loss in KCNQ2-related EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eung Chang Kim
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Jiaren Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Andy Y Tang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Eric C Bolton
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Justin S Rhodes
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Catherine A Christian-Hinman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Hee Jung Chung
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801;
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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5
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Dirkx N, Miceli F, Taglialatela M, Weckhuysen S. The Role of Kv7.2 in Neurodevelopment: Insights and Gaps in Our Understanding. Front Physiol 2020; 11:570588. [PMID: 33192566 PMCID: PMC7657400 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.570588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kv7.2 subunits encoded by the KCNQ2 gene constitute a critical molecular component of the M-current, a subthreshold voltage-gated potassium current controlling neuronal excitability by dampening repetitive action potential firing. Pathogenic loss-of-function variants in KCNQ2 have been linked to epilepsy since 1998, and there is ample functional evidence showing that dysfunction of the channel indeed results in neuronal hyperexcitability. The recent description of individuals with severe developmental delay with or without seizures due to pathogenic variants in KCNQ2 (KCNQ2-encephalopathy) reveals that Kv7.2 channels also have an important role in neurodevelopment. Kv7.2 channels are expressed already very early in the developing brain when key developmental processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and synaptogenesis play a crucial role in brain morphogenesis and maturation. In this review, we will discuss the available evidence for a role of Kv7.2 channels in these neurodevelopmental processes, focusing in particular on insights derived from KCNQ2-related human phenotypes, from the spatio-temporal expression of Kv7.2 and other Kv7 family member, and from cellular and rodent models, highlighting critical gaps and research strategies to be implemented in the future. Lastly, we propose a model which divides the M-current activity in three different developmental stages, correlating with the cell characteristics during these particular periods in neuronal development, and how this can be linked with KCNQ2-related disorders. Understanding these mechanisms can create opportunities for new targeted therapies for KCNQ2-encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dirkx
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Hirose S, Tanaka Y, Shibata M, Kimura Y, Ishikawa M, Higurashi N, Yamamoto T, Ichise E, Chiyonobu T, Ishii A. Application of induced pluripotent stem cells in epilepsy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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7
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Nappi P, Miceli F, Soldovieri MV, Ambrosino P, Barrese V, Taglialatela M. Epileptic channelopathies caused by neuronal Kv7 (KCNQ) channel dysfunction. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:881-898. [PMID: 32506321 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Seizures are the most common neurological manifestation in the newborn period, with an estimated incidence of 1.8-3.5 per 1000 live births. Prolonged or intractable seizures have a detrimental effect on cognition and brain function in experimental animals and are associated with adverse long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae and an increased risk of post-neonatal epilepsy in humans. The developing brain is particularly susceptible to the potentially severe effects of epilepsy, and epilepsy, especially when refractory to medications, often results in a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) with developmental arrest or regression. DEEs can be primarily attributed to genetic causes. Given the critical role of potassium (K+) currents with distinct subcellular localization, biophysical properties, modulation, and pharmacological profile in regulating intrinsic electrical properties of neurons and their responsiveness to synaptic inputs, it is not too surprising that genetic research in the past two decades has identified several K+ channel genes as responsible for a large fraction of DEE. In the present article, we review the genetically determined epileptic channelopathies affecting three members of the Kv7 family, namely Kv7.2 (KCNQ2), Kv7.3 (KCNQ3), and Kv7.5 (KCNQ5); we review the phenotypic spectrum of Kv7-related epileptic channelopathies, the different genetic and pathogenetic mechanisms, and the emerging genotype-phenotype correlations which may prove crucial for prognostic predictions, disease management, parental counseling, and individually tailored therapeutic attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Nappi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Barrese
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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8
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Milh M, Roubertoux P, Biba N, Chavany J, Spiga Ghata A, Fulachier C, Collins SC, Wagner C, Roux JC, Yalcin B, Félix MS, Molinari F, Lenck-Santini PP, Villard L. A knock-in mouse model for KCNQ2-related epileptic encephalopathy displays spontaneous generalized seizures and cognitive impairment. Epilepsia 2020; 61:868-878. [PMID: 32239694 PMCID: PMC7317210 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Early onset epileptic encephalopathy with suppression‐burst is one of the most severe epilepsy phenotypes in human patients. A significant proportion of cases have a genetic origin, and the most frequently mutated gene is KCNQ2, encoding Kv7.2, a voltage‐dependent potassium channel subunit, leading to so‐called KCNQ2‐related epileptic encephalopathy (KCNQ2‐REE). To study the pathophysiology of KCNQ2‐REE in detail and to provide a relevant preclinical model, we generated and described a knock‐in mouse model carrying the recurrent p.(Thr274Met) variant. Methods We introduced the p.(Thr274Met) variant by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells, injected into C57Bl/6N blastocysts and implanted in pseudopregnant mice. Mice were then bred with 129Sv Cre‐deleter to generate heterozygous mice carrying the p.(Thr274Met), and animals were maintained on the 129Sv genetic background. We studied the development of this new model and performed in vivo electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, neuroanatomical studies at different time points, and multiple behavioral tests. Results The Kcnq2Thr274Met/+ mice are viable and display generalized spontaneous seizures first observed between postnatal day 20 (P20) and P30. In vivo EEG recordings show that the paroxysmal events observed macroscopically are epileptic seizures. The brain of the Kcnq2Thr274Met/+ animals does not display major structural defects, similar to humans, and their body weight is normal. Kcnq2Thr274Met/+ mice have a reduced life span, with a peak of unexpected death occurring for 25% of the animals by 3 months of age. Epileptic seizures were generally not observed when animals grew older. Behavioral characterization reveals important deficits in spatial learning and memory in adults but no gross abnormality during early neurosensory development. Significance Taken together, our results indicate that we have generated a relevant model to study the pathophysiology of KCNQ2‐related epileptic encephalopathy and perform preclinical research for that devastating and currently intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Milh
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France
| | | | - Najoua Biba
- Aix-Marseille University, Inmed, Inserm, U1249, Marseille, France
| | - Julie Chavany
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Florence Molinari
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, Inmed, Inserm, U1249, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurent Villard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Genetics, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France
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9
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Uchida T, Lossin C, Ihara Y, Deshimaru M, Yanagawa Y, Koyama S, Hirose S. Abnormal γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission in aKcnq2model of early onset epilepsy. Epilepsia 2017; 58:1430-1439. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.13807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taku Uchida
- Central Research Institute for the Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy; Fukuoka University; Fukuoka Japan
- Department of Neuroscience; Section of Integrative Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; Miyazaki Japan
| | - Christoph Lossin
- Department of Neurology; University of California, Davis; Sacramento California U.S.A
| | - Yukiko Ihara
- Department of Pediatrics; Fukuoka University School of Medicine; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Masanobu Deshimaru
- Department of Chemistry; Faculty of Science; Fukuoka University; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience; Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine; Maebashi Japan
| | - Susumu Koyama
- Department of Advanced Pharmacology; Daiichi University of Pharmacy; Fukuoka Japan
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- Central Research Institute for the Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy; Fukuoka University; Fukuoka Japan
- Department of Pediatrics; Fukuoka University School of Medicine; Fukuoka Japan
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10
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Millichap JJ, Miceli F, De Maria M, Keator C, Joshi N, Tran B, Soldovieri MV, Ambrosino P, Shashi V, Mikati MA, Cooper EC, Taglialatela M. Infantile spasms and encephalopathy without preceding neonatal seizures caused by KCNQ2 R198Q, a gain-of-function variant. Epilepsia 2016; 58:e10-e15. [PMID: 27861786 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Variants in KCNQ2 encoding for Kv 7.2 neuronal K+ channel subunits lead to a spectrum of neonatal-onset epilepsies, ranging from self-limiting forms to severe epileptic encephalopathy. Most KCNQ2 pathogenic variants cause loss-of-function, whereas few increase channel activity (gain-of-function). We herein provide evidence for a new phenotypic and functional profile in KCNQ2-related epilepsy: infantile spasms without prior neonatal seizures associated with a gain-of-function gene variant. With use of an international registry, we identified four unrelated patients with the same de novo heterozygous KCNQ2 c.593G>A, p.Arg198Gln (R198Q) variant. All were born at term and discharged home without seizures or concern of encephalopathy, but developed infantile spasms with hypsarrhythmia (or modified hypsarrhythmia) between the ages of 4 and 6 months. At last follow-up (ages 3-11 years), all patients were seizure-free and had severe developmental delay. In vitro experiments showed that Kv7.2 R198Q subunits shifted current activation gating to hyperpolarized potentials, indicative of gain-of-function; in neurons, Kv 7.2 and Kv 7.2 R198Q subunits similarly populated the axon initial segment, suggesting that gating changes rather than altered subcellular distribution contribute to disease molecular pathogenesis. We conclude that KCNQ2 R198Q is a model for a new subclass of KCNQ2 variants causing infantile spasms and encephalopathy, without preceding neonatal seizures. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Millichap
- Epilepsy Center and Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A
| | - Francesco Miceli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Michela De Maria
- Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Cynthia Keator
- Jane and John Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Nishtha Joshi
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular, and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Baouyen Tran
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular, and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, U.S.A
| | | | - Paolo Ambrosino
- Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Mohamad A Mikati
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Edward C Cooper
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular, and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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11
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Greene DL, Hoshi N. Modulation of Kv7 channels and excitability in the brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 74:495-508. [PMID: 27645822 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal Kv7 channels underlie a voltage-gated non-inactivating potassium current known as the M-current. Due to its particular characteristics, Kv7 channels show pronounced control over the excitability of neurons. We will discuss various factors that have been shown to drastically alter the activity of this channel such as protein and phospholipid interactions, phosphorylation, calcium, and numerous neurotransmitters. Kv7 channels locate to key areas for the control of action potential initiation and propagation. Moreover, we will explore the dynamic surface expression of the channel modulated by neurotransmitters and neural activity. We will also focus on known principle functions of neural Kv7 channels: control of resting membrane potential and spiking threshold, setting the firing frequency, afterhyperpolarization after burst firing, theta resonance, and transient hyperexcitability from neurotransmitter-induced suppression of the M-current. Finally, we will discuss the contribution of altered Kv7 activity to pathologies such as epilepsy and cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek L Greene
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, 360 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Naoto Hoshi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, 360 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, USA.
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12
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Ihara Y, Tomonoh Y, Deshimaru M, Zhang B, Uchida T, Ishii A, Hirose S. Retigabine, a Kv7.2/Kv7.3-Channel Opener, Attenuates Drug-Induced Seizures in Knock-In Mice Harboring Kcnq2 Mutations. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150095. [PMID: 26910900 PMCID: PMC4766199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hetero-tetrameric voltage-gated potassium channel Kv7.2/Kv7.3, which is encoded by KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, plays an important role in limiting network excitability in the neonatal brain. Kv7.2/Kv7.3 dysfunction resulting from KCNQ2 mutations predominantly causes self-limited or benign epilepsy in neonates, but also causes early onset epileptic encephalopathy. Retigabine (RTG), a Kv7.2/ Kv7.3-channel opener, seems to be a rational antiepileptic drug for epilepsies caused by KCNQ2 mutations. We therefore evaluated the effects of RTG on seizures in two strains of knock-in mice harboring different Kcnq2 mutations, in comparison to the effects of phenobarbital (PB), which is the first-line antiepileptic drug for seizures in neonates. The subjects were heterozygous knock-in mice (Kcnq2Y284C/+ and Kcnq2A306T/+) bearing the Y284C or A306T Kcnq2 mutation, respectively, and their wild-type (WT) littermates, at 63–100 days of age. Seizures induced by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA, 12mg/kg) were recorded using a video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring system. Effects of RTG on KA-induced seizures of both strains of knock-in mice were assessed using seizure scores from a modified Racine’s scale and compared with those of PB. The number and total duration of spike bursts on EEG and behaviors monitored by video recording were also used to evaluate the effects of RTG and PB. Both Kcnq2Y284C/+ and Kcnq2A306T/+ mice showed significantly more KA-induced seizures than WT mice. RTG significantly attenuated KA-induced seizure activities in both Kcnq2Y284C/+ and Kcnq2A306T/+ mice, and more markedly than PB. This is the first reported evidence of RTG ameliorating KA-induced seizures in knock-in mice bearing mutations of Kcnq2, with more marked effects than those observed with PB. RTG or other Kv7.2-channel openers may be considered as first-line antiepileptic treatments for epilepsies resulting from KCNQ2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ihara
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuko Tomonoh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masanobu Deshimaru
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taku Uchida
- Central Research Institute for the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka City, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Central Research Institute for the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka City, Japan
- * E-mail:
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