Loss-of-Function and Gain-of-Function Mutations in KCNQ5 Cause Intellectual Disability or Epileptic Encephalopathy

KCNQ5 is a highly conserved gene encoding an important channel for neuronal function; it is widely expressed in the brain and generates M-type current. Exome sequencing identified de novo heterozygous missense mutations in four probands with intellectual disability, abnormal neurological findings, and treatment-resistant epilepsy (in two of four). Comprehensive analysis of this potassium channel for the four variants expressed in frog oocytes revealed shifts in the voltage dependence of activation, including altered activation and deactivation kinetics.

Source: The American Journal of Human Genetics - June 29, 2017 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Anna Lehman, Samrat Thouta, Grazia M.S. Mancini, Sakkubai Naidu, Marjon van Slegtenhorst, Kirsty McWalter, Richard Person, Jill Mwenifumbo, Ramona Salvarinova, CAUSES Study, EPGEN Study, Ilaria Guella, Marna B. McKenzie, Anita Datta, Mary B. Connolly, Som Tags: Article Source Type: research