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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Vankateswara Ramesh, Professor Michael Hanna
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Background The genetic basis of most common forms of human paroxysmal disorders of the central nervous system, such as epilepsy, remains unidentified. Several animal models of absence epilepsy, commonly accompanied by ataxia, are caused by mutations in the brain P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channel. We aimed to determine whether the P/Q-type Ca2+ channel is associated with both epilepsy and episodic ataxia type 2 in human beings. Methods We identified an 11-year-old boy with a complex phenotype comprising primary generalised epilepsy, episodic and progressive ataxia, and mild learning difficulties. We sequenced the entire coding region of the gene encoding the voltage-gated P/Q-type Ca2+ channel (CACNA1A) on chromosome 19. We then introduced the newly identified heterozygous mutation into the full-length rabbit cDNA and did detailed electrophysiological expression studies of mutant and wild type Ca2+ channels. Findings We identified a previously undescribed heterozygous point mutation (C5733T) in CACNA1A. This mutation introduces a premature stop codon (RI820stop) resulting in complete loss of the C terminal region of the pore-forming subunit of this Ca 2 channel. Expression studies provided direct evidence that this mutation impairs Ca2+ channel function. Mutant/wild-type co-expression studies indicated a dominant negative effect. Interpretation Human absence epilepsy can be associated with dysfunction of the brain P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca 2 channel. The phenotype in this patient has striking parallels with the mouse absence epilepsy models.
Author(s): Jouvenceau A, Eunson LH, Spauschus A, Ramesh V, Zuberi SM, Kullmann DM, Hanna MG
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Lancet
Year: 2001
Volume: 358
Issue: 9284
Pages: 801-807
ISSN (print): 0140-6736
ISSN (electronic): 1474-547X
Publisher: The Lancet Publishing Group
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(01)05971-2
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)05971-2
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