A <i>KCNC1</i> variant linked to Rett syndrome disrupts ER to Golgi trafficking of Kv3.1 channel.

Abstract

Intrinsic neuronal excitability, defined by the balance between input and output signals, is crucial to neural function, and its disruption underlies various neurological diseases. Kv3.1 channels, encoded by <i>KCNC1</i>, are essential for high-frequency action potential firing. Variants in these channels are associated with several subtypes of epilepsy. We report a patient with developmental regression and epilepsy, meeting Rett syndrome criteria, who carries a <i>KCNC1</i> variant encoding the S474C substitution in Kv3.1 (Kv3.1^S474C). Electrophysiological and biochemical assays reveal that Kv3.1^S474C reduces channel presence in the plasma membrane and is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. In murine primary cortical neuron cultures expressing Kv3.1^S474C, we observed reduced neuronal firing frequency and exclusion of the channel from the axon initial segment. Consistently, we found a decreased firing frequency using a conductance-based computational neuronal model. In summary, this study identifies a link between a <i>KCNC1</i> variant and Rett syndrome, highlighting the importance of S474 residue in Kv3.1 channel trafficking and function in neurons.