Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1) is a rare human neurological syndrome characterized by continuous myokymia and attacks of generalized ataxia that can be triggered by abrupt movements, emotional stress and fatigue. An Italian family has been identified where related members displayed continuous myokymia, episodes of ataxia, attacks characterized by myokymia only, and neuromyotonia. A novel missense mutation (F414C), in the C-terminal region of the K(+) channel Kv1.1, was identified in the affected individuals. The mutant homotetrameric channels were non-functional in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In addition, heteromeric channels resulting from the co-expression of wild-type Kv1.1 and Kv1.1(F414C), or wild-type Kv1.2 and Kv1.1(F414C) subunits displayed reduced current amplitudes and altered gating properties. This indicates that the pathogenic effect of this KCNA1 mutation is likely to be related to the defective functional properties we have identified.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.09.022

Type

Journal article

Journal

Neuroscience

Publication Date

02/12/2008

Volume

157

Pages

577 - 587

Keywords

Adult, Animals, Ataxia, Biophysical Phenomena, Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12, Cysteine, DNA Mutational Analysis, Electric Stimulation, Family Health, Green Fluorescent Proteins, Humans, Italy, Kv1.1 Potassium Channel, Kv1.2 Potassium Channel, Male, Membrane Potentials, Microinjections, Models, Molecular, Mutation, Missense, Myokymia, Oocytes, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Phenylalanine, Xenopus Proteins, Xenopus laevis, Young Adult