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KCNQ2 Loss-of-Function variants disrupt neuronal maturation via early hyperexcitability followed by maladaptive network remodeling

Dirkx, N.; Kaji, M.; De Vriendt, E.; Carleo, G.; Miceli, F.; Asselbergh, B.; Verstraelen, P.; Carotenuto, L.; Dang, L. T.; Sommers, V.; Vlaemynck, E.; Lagae, L.; Ceulemans, B.; De Jonghe, P.; De Vos, W. H.; Taglialatela, M.; Weckhuysen, S.; Zonnekein, N.

2025-07-24 neuroscience
10.1101/2025.07.22.664856 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Loss-of-function (LOF) variants in the potassium channel subunit KCNQ2 cause a spectrum of neonatal epilepsies from self-limiting familial neonatal epilepsy (SeLFNE) to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). To dissect the developmental consequences of KCNQ2 LOF, we conducted a longitudinal and multimodal comparative analysis in a human neuronal model generated from patients with KCNQ2-DEE and KCNQ2-SeLFNE. KCNQ2-LOF induced a biphasic network dysfunction, with early Kv7-driven hyperexcitability rescued by acute Retigabine (RTG) treatment, followed by maladaptive remodeling in the opposite direction. Transcriptomic analysis mirrored this biphasic dynamic trajectory, revealing an initial upregulation followed by a subsequent downregulation of synaptic genes. Structural analysis showed a steeper decline in presynaptic density alongside a distal shift in the axon initial segment (AIS) throughout maturation, and impaired AIS plasticity at later stages. Overall, KCNQ2-LOF disrupts human neuronal maturation through dynamic, biphasic changes in function, gene expression and structure, offering insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic options.

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