Selectivity Filter KCND3 Variant Causes Spinocerebellar Ataxia 19/22 and K_V4.3 Functional Loss

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 19/22 (SCA19/22) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by KCND3 variants encoding the K_V4.3 potassium channel. While most pathogenic variants result in loss-of-function (LOF), no pathogenic variants were previously identified in the channel's selectivity filter, a critical domain for ion selectivity.

To elucidate the genetic cause and functional LOF mechanisms underlying severe early-onset cerebellar ataxia and neurodevelopmental impairment in monozygotic twins.

We evaluated twins presenting with early-onset cerebellar ataxia, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a KCND3 c.1103T>C (p.L368P) variant. Functional impacts were assessed through HEK293T cell protein expression, Xenopus oocyte electrophysiology, and structural homology modeling.

WES identified a heterozygous de novo p.L368P variant in the "TLGYG" selectivity filter sequence. Modeling predicted a pore radius reduction, blocking potassium permeation. Biochemical analyses revealed markedly reduced protein expression and impaired trafficking. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed complete potassium current loss and a strong dominant-negative effect on wild-type K_V4.3 currents. Clinically, the twins exhibited severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, and cerebellar atrophy with pontine flattening, without epilepsy.

Identifying the first pathogenic variant in the K_V4.3 selectivity filter highlights its critical role in channel proteostasis and ion conductance. The p.L368P variant produces a pronounced LOF phenotype and broadens the SCA19/22 clinical spectrum, indicating the filter's structural integrity is a key determinant of disease severity. © 2026 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.