0000000000354433
AUTHOR
Elena Gennaro
Lack of SCN1A Mutations in Familial Febrile Seizures
Summary: Purpose: Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel subunit gene SCN1A have been associated with febrile seizures (FSs) in autosomal dominant generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) families and severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy. The present study assessed the role of SCN1A in familial typical FSs. Methods: FS families were selected throughout a collaborative study of the Italian League Against Epilepsy. For each index case, the entire coding region of SCN1A was screened by denaturant high-performance liquid chromatography. DNA fragments showing variant chromatograms were subsequently sequenced. Results: Thirty-two FS families accounting for 91 affected indiv…
A novel mutation in KCNQ3-related benign familial neonatal epilepsy: electroclinical features and neurodevelopmental outcome.
Benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) is caused, in about 5% of families, by mutations in the KCNQ3 gene encoding voltage-gated potassium channel subunits. Usually, newborns with BFNE show a normal neurological outcome, but recently, refractory seizures and/or developmental disability have been reported suggesting phenotype variability associated with KCNQ3-related BFNE. Here, we describe a proband from a BFNE family carrying a novel variant in the KCNQ3 gene. Regarding the paucity of data in the literature, we describe the presented case with a view to further establishing: (1) a genotype/phenotype correlation in order to define a BFNE phenotype associated with favourable outcome; (2) a…
Linkage analysis and disease models in benign familial infantile seizures: a study of 16 families.
Summary: Purpose: Benign familial infantile seizures (BFIS) is a genetically heterogeneous condition characterized by partial seizures, onset age from 3 to 9 months, and favorable outcome. BFIS loci were identified on chromosomes 19q12-13.1 and 16p12-q12, allelic to infantile convulsions and choreathetosis. The identification of SCN2A mutations in families with only infantile seizures indicated that BFNIS and BFIS may show overlapping clinical features. Infantile seizures also were in a family with familial hemiplegic migraine and mutations in the ATP1A2 gene. We have examined the heterogeneous genetics of BFIS by means of linkage analysis. Methods: Sixteen families were examined. Probands …
Two distinct phenotypes, hemiplegic migraine and episodic Ataxia type 2, caused by a novel common CACNA1A variant
Abstract Background To investigate the genetic and environmental factors responsible for phenotype variability in a family carrying a novel CACNA1A missense mutation. Mutations in the CACNA1A gene were identified as responsible for at least three autosomal dominant disorders: FHM1 (Familial Hemiplegic Migraine), EA2 (Episodic Ataxia type 2), and SCA6 (Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 6). Overlapping clinical features within individuals of some families sharing the same CACNA1A mutation are not infrequent. Conversely, reports with distinct phenotypes within the same family associated with a common CACNA1A mutation are very rare. Case presentation A clinical, molecular, neuroradiological, neuropsy…