Abstract
Epilepsy is a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. The etiologies of idiopathic epilepsy commonly have a genetic basis. Gene mutations causing several of the inherited epilepsies have been mapped. In this review, the authors summarize the available information on the genetic basis of human epilepsies and epilepsy syndromes, emphasizing how genetic defects may correlate with the pathophysiological mechanisms of brain hyperexcitability and gene defects can lead to epilepsy by altering multiple and diverse aspects of neuronal function.
MeSH terms
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Epilepsy / genetics*
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Humans
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KCNQ2 Potassium Channel
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Mutation
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NAV1.1 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Potassium Channels / genetics
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Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated
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Receptors, Nicotinic / genetics
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Research / trends*
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Research Design
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Sodium Channels / genetics
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Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel beta-1 Subunit
Substances
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KCNQ2 Potassium Channel
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KCNQ2 protein, human
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NAV1.1 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Potassium Channels
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Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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SCN1A protein, human
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SCN1B protein, human
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Sodium Channels
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Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel beta-1 Subunit
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nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha4 subunit