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Updated: May 6, 2026

Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
Drug-induced long-QT syndrome associated with a subclinical SCN5A mutation
Naomasa Makita1, Minoru Horie, Takeshi Nakamura
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan. makitan@med.hokudai.ac.jp
Background:
Subclinical mutations in genes associated with the congenital long-QT syndromes (LQTS) have been suggested as a risk factor for drug-induced LQTS and accompanying life-threatening arrhythmias. Recent studies have identified genetic variants of the cardiac K+ channel genes predisposing affected individuals to acquired LQTS. We have identified a novel Na+ channel mutation in an individual who exhibited drug-induced LQTS.
Methods And Results:
An elderly Japanese woman with documented QT prolongation and torsade de pointes during treatment with the prokinetic drug cisapride underwent mutational analysis of LQTS-related genes. A novel missense mutation (L1825P) was identified within the C-terminus region of the cardiac Na+ channel (SCN5A). The L1825P channel heterologously expressed in tsA-201 cells showed Na+ current with slow decay and a prominent tetrodotoxin-sensitive noninactivating component, similar to the gain-of-function phenotype most commonly observed for SCN5A-associated congenital LQTS (LQT3). In addition, L1825P exhibited loss of function Na+ channel features characteristic of Brugada syndrome. Peak Na+ current density observed in cells expressing L1825P was significantly diminished, and the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation was shifted toward more positive and negative potentials, respectively.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that subclinical mutations in the LQTS-related gene SCN5A may predispose certain individuals to drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias.
Insights
Subclinical mutations in the SCN5A gene can increase the risk of drug-induced long-QT syndrome (LQTS) and dangerous arrhythmias. This study identified a novel mutation predisposing an individual to acquired LQTS.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Molecular Cardiology
- Pharmacogenomics
Background:
- Congenital long-QT syndromes (LQTS) are linked to mutations in cardiac ion channel genes.
- Subclinical genetic variants may increase susceptibility to acquired LQTS and arrhythmias.
- Investigating novel mutations in LQTS-related genes is crucial for understanding drug-induced arrhythmias.
Observation:
- A novel missense mutation, L1825P, was identified in the SCN5A gene of a patient experiencing drug-induced torsade de pointes.
- The L1825P mutation in the cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A) exhibited dual gain-of-function and loss-of-function properties.
- Functional analysis revealed altered Na+ current decay, a noninactivating component, and diminished peak current density.
Findings:
- The identified L1825P mutation in SCN5A presents a unique phenotype with characteristics of both LQT3 and Brugada syndrome.
- This mutation significantly alters cardiac sodium channel function, affecting activation and inactivation properties.
- The study confirms a link between subclinical SCN5A mutations and acquired LQTS.
Implications:
- Subclinical SCN5A mutations represent a significant risk factor for developing drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias.
- Genetic screening for SCN5A variants may be beneficial in patients at risk for acquired LQTS.
- Understanding these genetic predispositions can guide personalized medicine approaches in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy.
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