Seizure-suppressor genes: can they help spearhead the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy?

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsies are disorders of neuronal excitability characterized by spontaneously recurrent focal and generalized seizures, some of which result from genetic mutations. Despite the availability of antiseizure medications, pharmaco-resistant epilepsy is seen in about 23% of epileptic patients worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for epilepsies. Several epilepsy-associated genes have been found in humans. Seizure susceptibility can also be induced in mutants, some showing features resembling human epilepsies. Interestingly, several second-site mutation gene products have been found to suppress seizure susceptibility in the seizure genetic model . Thus, these so-called 'seizure-suppressor' gene variants may lead to developing a novel class of antiseizure medications.

AREA COVERED

This review evaluates the potential therapeutic of seizure-suppressor gene variants.

EXPERT OPINION

Studies on epilepsy-associated genes have allowed analyses of mutations linked to human epilepsy by reproducing these mutations in using reverse genetics to generate potential antiseizure therapeutics. As a result, about fifteen seizure-suppressor gene mutants have been identified. Furthermore, some of these epilepsy gene mutations affect ligand-and voltage-gated ion channels. Therefore, a better understanding of the antiseizure activity of seizure-suppressor genes is essential in advancing gene therapy and precision medicine for epilepsy.