Spectrum of K V 2.1 Dysfunction in KCNB1-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2019

Identifier

DOI: 10.1002/ana.25607

Abstract

Objective: Pathogenic variants in KCNB1, encoding the voltage-gated potassium channel KV 2.1, are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Previous functional studies on a limited number of KCNB1 variants indicated a range of molecular mechanisms by which variants affect channel function, including loss of voltage sensitivity, loss of ion selectivity, and reduced cell-surface expression.

Methods: We evaluated a series of 17 KCNB1 variants associated with DEE or other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) to rapidly ascertain channel dysfunction using high-throughput functional assays. Specifically, we investigated the biophysical properties and cell-surface expression of variant KV 2.1 channels expressed in heterologous cells using high-throughput automated electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry-flow cytometry.

Results: Pathogenic variants exhibited diverse functional defects, including altered current density and shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and/or inactivation, as homotetramers or when coexpressed with wild-type KV 2.1. Quantification of protein expression also identified variants with reduced total KV 2.1 expression or deficient cell-surface expression.

Interpretation: Our study establishes a platform for rapid screening of KV 2.1 functional defects caused by KCNB1 variants associated with DEE and other NDDs. This will aid in establishing KCNB1 variant pathogenicity and the mechanism of dysfunction, which will enable targeted strategies for therapeutic intervention based on molecular phenotype. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:899-912.

Journal Title

Annals of neurology

Volume

86

Issue

6

First Page

899

Last Page

912

MeSH Keywords

Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Genetic Variation; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Protein Structure, Secondary; Shab Potassium Channels

Keywords

Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Genetic Variation; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Protein Structure, Secondary; Shab Potassium Channels

Link to Full Text
Library Record

Share

COinS