Disruption of Fgf13 causes synaptic excitatory-inhibitory imbalance and genetic epilepsy and febrile seizures plus.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
We identified a family in which a translocation between chromosomes X and 14 was associated with cognitive impairment and a complex genetic disorder termed "Genetic Epilepsy and Febrile Seizures Plus" (GEFS(+)). We demonstrate that the breakpoint on the X chromosome disrupted a gene that encodes an auxiliary protein of voltage-gated Na(+) channels, fibroblast growth factor 13 (Fgf13). Female mice in which one Fgf13 allele was deleted exhibited hyperthermia-induced seizures and epilepsy. Anatomic studies revealed expression of Fgf13 mRNA in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons of hippocampus. Electrophysiological recordings revealed decreased inhibitory and increased excitatory synaptic inputs in hippocampal neurons of Fgf13 mutants. We speculate that reduced expression of Fgf13 impairs excitability of inhibitory interneurons, resulting in enhanced excitability within local circuits of hippocampus and the clinical phenotype of epilepsy. These findings reveal a novel cause of this syndrome and underscore the powerful role of FGF13 in control of neuronal excitability.
Full Text
Duke Authors
- Lewis Jr., Darrell Vincent
- McNamara Sr., James O'Connell
- Puranam, Ram Sharma
- Rehder, Rebeccah Catherine
Cited Authors
- Puranam, RS; He, XP; Yao, L; Le, T; Jang, W; Rehder, CW; Lewis, DV; McNamara, JO
Published Date
- June 10, 2015
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 35 / 23
Start / End Page
- 8866 - 8881
PubMed ID
- 26063919
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC4461691
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1529-2401
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3470-14.2015
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States