Variants in γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor genes cause different forms of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders. To date, GABRA4, encoding the α4‐subunit, has not been associated with a monogenic condition.… Click to show full abstract
Variants in γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor genes cause different forms of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders. To date, GABRA4, encoding the α4‐subunit, has not been associated with a monogenic condition. However, preclinical evidence points toward seizure susceptibility. Here, we report a de novo missense variant in GABRA4 (c.899C>T, p.Thr300Ile) in an individual with early‐onset drug‐resistant epilepsy and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. An electrophysiological characterization of the variant, which is located in the pore‐forming domain, shows accelerated desensitization and a lack of seizure‐protective neurosteroid function. In conclusion, our findings strongly suggest an association between de novo variation in GABRA4 and a neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.