GRIN2A mutation and early-onset epileptic encephalopathy: personalized therapy with memantine

OBJECTIVE: Early-onset epileptic encephalopathies have been associated with de novo mutations of numerous ion channel genes. We employed techniques of modern translational medicine to identify a disease-causing mutation, analyze its altered behavior, and screen for therapeutic compounds to treat the proband. METHODS: Three modern translational medicine tools were utilized: (1) high-throughput sequencing technology to identify a novel de novo mutation; (2) in vitro expression and electrophysiology assays to confirm the variant protein's dysfunction; and (3) screening of existing drug libraries to identify potential therapeutic compounds. RESULTS: A de novo GRIN2A missense mutation (c.2434C>A; p.L812M) increased the charge transfer mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAs) containing the mutant GluN2A-L812M subunit. In vitro analysis with NMDA receptor blockers indicated that GLuN2A-L812M-containing NMDARs retained their sensitivity to the use-dependent channel blocker memantine; while screening of a previously reported GRIN2A mutation (N615K) with these compounds produced contrasting results. Consistent with these data, adjunct memantine therapy reduced our proband's seizure burden. INTERPRETATION: This case exemplifies the potential for personalized genomics and therapeutics to be utilized for the early diagnosis and treatment of infantile-onset neurological disease.