Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv7.2

Title: Structural and mutational analysis of KCNQ2, the major gene locus for benign familial neonatal convulsions.

Authors: C Biervert, O K Steinlein

Journal, date & volume: Hum. Genet., 1999 Mar , 104, 234-40

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10323247

Abstract
Mutations in the voltage-gated potassium channel gene KCNQ2 on chromosome 20q13.3 are responsible for benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC), a rare monogenic idiopathic epilepsy. Here we report the determination of the detailed genomic structure of KCNQ2, and use of this information in mutational analysis. There are at least 18 exons, occupying more than 50 kb of genomic DNA. Several formerly unknown polymorphisms and splice variants as well as a new single base pair deletion mutation of unusual localization are described. In addition to facilitating more effective mutation detection among BFNC patients, the results presented here provide the basis for analysing the role of KCNQ2 in other types of epilepsy.