Progress in Understanding and Treating SCN2A-Mediated Disorders

Trends Neurosci. 2018 Jul;41(7):442-456. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.03.011. Epub 2018 Apr 23.

Abstract

Advances in gene discovery for neurodevelopmental disorders have identified SCN2A dysfunction as a leading cause of infantile seizures, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. SCN2A encodes the neuronal sodium channel NaV1.2. Functional assays demonstrate strong correlation between genotype and phenotype. This insight can help guide therapeutic decisions and raises the possibility that ligands that selectively enhance or diminish channel function may improve symptoms. The well-defined function of sodium channels makes SCN2A an important test case for investigating the neurobiology of neurodevelopmental disorders more generally. Here, we discuss the progress made, through the concerted efforts of a diverse group of academic and industry scientists as well as policy advocates, in understanding and treating SCN2A-related disorders.

Keywords: Na(V)1.2; autism spectrum disorder; developmental delay; epilepsy; intellectual disability; neurodevelopment; neurodevelopmental disorder; sodium channel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • NAV1.2 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel / genetics*
  • NAV1.2 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel / metabolism*
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / genetics*
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / metabolism*

Substances

  • NAV1.2 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
  • SCN2A protein, human