Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.3 , Kv11.1 , Kv7.1

Title: Novel mutation in the Per-Arnt-Sim domain of KCNH2 causes a malignant form of long-QT syndrome.

Authors: Tom Rossenbacker, Kanigula Mubagwa, Roselie J Jongbloed, Johan Vereecke, Koen Devriendt, Marc Gewillig, Edward Carmeliet, Désiré Collen, Hein Heidbüchel, Peter Carmeliet

Journal, date & volume: Circulation, 2005 Mar 1 , 111, 961-8

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15699249

Abstract
It has been proposed that the highest risk for cardiac events in patients with long-QT syndrome subtype 2 (LQT2) is related to mutations in the pore region of the KCNH2 channel. It has also been suggested that a subpopulation of LQT2 patients may benefit from pharmacological therapy with modified KCNH2 channel-blocking drugs.In a large LQT2 family (n=33), we have identified a novel nonpore missense mutation (K28E) in the Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain of the KCNH2 channel associated with a malignant phenotype: One third of the suspected gene carriers experienced a major cardiac event. Wild-type and K28E-KCNH2 channels were transiently transfected in HEK293 cells. For the mutant channel, whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed a reduced current density, a negative shift of voltage-dependent channel availability, and an increased rate of deactivation. Western blot analysis and confocal imaging revealed a trafficking deficiency for the mutant channel that could be rescued by the K+ channel blocker E-4031. In cells containing both wild-type and mutant channels, deactivation kinetics were normal. In these cells, reduced current density was restored with E-4031.Our data suggest that besides pore mutations, mutations in the PAS domain may also exhibit a malignant outcome. Pharmacological restoration of current density is promising as a mutation-specific therapy for patients carrying this trafficking-defective mutant.