Title: Rasmussen encephalitis associated with SCN 1 A mutation.

Authors: Iori Ohmori, Mamoru Ouchida, Katsuhiro Kobayashi, Yoshimi Jitsumori, Takushi Inoue, Kenji Shimizu, Hideki Matsui, Yoko Ohtsuka, Yoshihiro Maegaki

Journal, date & volume: Epilepsia, 2008 Mar , 49, 521-6

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18031552

Abstract
Mutations in the SCN 1 A gene, encoding the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel alpha1 subunit, cause SMEI, GEFS+, and related epileptic syndromes. We herein report the R1575C-SCN 1 A mutation identified in a patient with Rasmussen encephalitis. R1575C were constructed in a recombinant human SCN 1 A and then heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells along with the human beta1 and beta2 sodium channel accessory subunits. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to define biophysical properties. The R1575C channels exhibited increased channel availability and an increased persistent sodium current in comparison to the wild-type. These defects of electrophysiological properties can result in neuronal hyperexitability. The seizure susceptibility allele may influence the pathogenesis of Rasmussen encephalitis in this case.