Characterization of the GABRB2-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Ann Neurol
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the phenotypic spectrum and functional consequences associated with variants in the gene GABRB2, coding for the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA ) receptor subunit β2.

METHODS: We recruited and systematically evaluated 25 individuals with variants in GABRB2, 17 of whom are newly described and 8 previously reported with additional clinical data. Functional analysis was performed using a Xenopus laevis oocyte model system.

RESULTS: Our cohort of 25 individuals from 22 families with variants in GABRB2 demonstrated a range of epilepsy phenotypes from genetic generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Fifty-eight percent of individuals had pharmacoresistant epilepsy; response to medications targeting the GABAergic pathway was inconsistent. Developmental disability (present in 84%) ranged from mild intellectual disability to severe global disability; movement disorders (present in 44%) included choreoathetosis, dystonia, and ataxia. Disease-associated variants cluster in the extracellular N-terminus and transmembrane domains 1-3, with more severe phenotypes seen in association with variants in transmembrane domains 1 and 2 and the allosteric binding site between transmembrane domains 2 and 3. Functional analysis of 4 variants in transmembrane domains 1 or 2 (p.Ile246Thr, p.Pro252Leu, p.Ile288Ser, p.Val282Ala) revealed strongly reduced amplitudes of GABA-evoked anionic currents.

INTERPRETATION: GABRB2-related epilepsy ranges broadly in severity from genetic generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Developmental disability and movement disorder are key features. The phenotypic spectrum is comparable to other GABA receptor-encoding genes. Phenotypic severity varies by protein domain. Experimental evidence supports loss of GABAergic inhibition as the mechanism underlying GABRB2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:573-586.

Year of Publication
2021
Journal
Ann Neurol
Volume
89
Issue
3
Pages
573-586
Date Published
2021 03
ISSN
1531-8249
DOI
10.1002/ana.25985
PubMed ID
33325057
Links
Grant list
K23 NS107646 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
5K12NS079414-02 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
R01NS069605 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States