title: A novel Kir2.6 mutation associated with hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
abstract: Mutations in KCNJ18, which encodes the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.6, have rarely been reported in hypokalemic periodic paralysis. We describe the clinical phenotype of a novel KCNJ18 gene mutation and perform functional characterization of this mutant Kir2.6.
  
  
  
  A long-term exercise test (ET) was conducted based on the McManis method. Whole-cell currents were recorded using patch clamp, and the HEK293 cells were transfected with wild-type or/and mutant Kir2.6 cDNA.
  
  
  
  A de novo conserved heterozygous mutation in Kir2.6, G169R, was found in a hypokalemic periodic paralysis patient. ET led to a decrease in the amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) by 64%. Patch clamp results showed that the potassium inward and outward current densities of the G169R mutant were, respectively, reduced by 65.6% and 84.7%; for co-expression with wild type, which more closely resembles the physiological conditions in vitro, the inward and outward current densities decreased, respectively, by 48.2% and 47.4%.
  
  
  
  A novel KCNJ18 mutation, G169R, was first reported to be associated with hypokalemic periodic paralysis without hyperthyroidism. Electrophysiological results demonstrated a significant functional defect of this mutant, which may predispose patients with this mutation to paralysis.
  
  
  
  This new G169R mutation of the potassium channel Kir2.6 provides insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neuromuscular Disorders and Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
authors.forename: Jinfan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neuromuscular Disorders and Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
authors.forename: Zonglai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neuromuscular Disorders and Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
authors.forename: Fuchen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Brain Science Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
authors.forename: Yuanyuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Brain Science Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China. Electronic address: lpfsdu@foxmail.com.
authors.forename: Pengfei
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Brain Science Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China. Electronic address: chuanzhuyan@163.com.
authors.forename: Chuanzhu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yan
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D019556:COS Cells; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D020513:Paralysis, Hyperkalemic Periodic / Q000235:genetics*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: C546860:KCNJ18 protein, human; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
keywords: Gene mutation; Hypokalemic periodic paralysis; KCNJ18 gene; Kir2.6; Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis