Expanding spectrum of SCN1A-related phenotype with novel mutations

Mutations in the genes encoding voltage-gated sodium channels cause a variety of epilepsy syndromes, with most of the mutations occurring in SCN1A gene. It is one of the most well-researched epilepsy genes. The SCN1A gene, which seems to be a relevant regulator of excitability of the CNS, is implicated in various epilepsy phenotypes through various genetic mechanisms ranging from common variants to rare monogenic variants. It is known that SCN1A gene is tightly linked to severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI). However, its phenotypic spectrum is expanding. Here, we report clinical and genetic findings of 10 patients with SCN1A mutations where two of them were found to have novel mutations. Our findings support understanding and updating knowledge on the correlation between phenotype distribution and location and type of mutations in SCN1A-related disorders.