Forkhead. In our Epilepsiome series we are reviewing all major epilepsy genes. This week, we discuss FOXG1, a gene previously described as the cause for a congenital variant of Rett Syndrome. However, since its initial discovery in 2008, a much broader spectrum has been recognized. FOXG1 syndrome typically includes developmental delay and microcephaly. Many patients have severe, early-onset epilepsy and a prominent hyperkinetic movement disorder. In addition, some patients have brain malformations. Here is a brief introduction to our Epilepsiome review of FOXG1, an epilepsy gene that stands out from other causes of genetic epilepsies given its prominent role in forebrain development.
Tag Archives: FOXG1
The novel gene dilemma
N-of-1. The use of whole exome sequencing has led to many of the recent genes discovered in the epilepsy field. However, in contrast to established genes or emerging genes that are found in several patients, there is a significant proportion of patients who carry de novo mutations in novel genes. In many cases, these novel genes look very suspicious. One aspect of a recent publication in Genetics in Medicine was to assess how these suspicious candidates convert to established genes over time. Continue reading
Less is more – gene identification in epileptic encephalopathies through targeted resequencing
Exome no more. Over the last 15 months, we have repeatedly discussed how exome sequencing or genome sequencing is applied to neurodevelopmental disorders in order to discover new candidate genes and to assess the role of known candidate genes. We have also wondered sometimes whether exome sequencing is the most straightforward approach. Now – outpacing the two large international consortia using exome sequencing in epileptic encephalopathies – a recent study in Nature Genetics uses a different approach to uncover the genetic basis in 10% of patients with epileptic encephalopathies. Targeted resequencing or gene panel analysis is a hybrid technology between candidate gene sequencing and next generation sequencing and focuses only on a subset of candidate genes. While their study provides a comprehensive overview over the genetics of rare epilepsy syndromes, it raises the question whether the era of large-scale exome sequencing is coming to a natural end. Continue reading
