Variant-specific response of KCNT1 gain-of-function mutations to quinidine

Pathogenic KCNT1 variants such as F346L and R961H engender distinct clinical phenotypes and therapeutic responses. We investigated their electrophysiological properties and sensitivity to the potassium-channel blocker quinidine in an in vitro expression system. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from CHO cells expressing wild-type (WT) or variant KCNT1 constructs showed that both F346L and R961H conferred gain-of-function phenotypes, with current densities significantly greater than WT. Quinidine suppressed R961H-mediated currents across multiple tested concentrations, whereas F346L currents did not show consistent quinidine-mediated suppression. AlphaFold 3-based structural mapping provided spatial context for this divergent pharmacological response. These in vitro findings paralleled the clinical courses of the respective patients: seizures decreased in the individual carrying R961H but remained unchanged in the patient with F346L.