Brugada综合征SCN5A基因的三个新突变

目的 研究Brugada综合征相关基因SCN5A突变情况。方法 以4例Brugada综合征患者和9例临床可疑Brugada综合征患者为研究对象,采用聚合酶链反应和双脱氧末端终止测序法对所有患者进行SCNSA基因扫描。对阳性结果者进行家系中其他成员的筛查。结果 在1个Brugada综合征家系发现两个杂合突变,即SCN5A基因第3外显子上发现一错义突变（G283A）,导致代表缬氨酸残基的第95位密码子突变为异亮氨酸残基（V95I）,第28外显子上也发现一错义突变（CA946T）,导致代表丙氨酸的第1649位密码子突变为缬氨酸（A1649V）。在1个临床可疑Brugada综合征家系发现一杂合突变,即SCN5A基因第28外显子缺失3个碱基（TCT）,导致代表苯丙氨酸残基的第1617位密码子缺失（delF1617）。结论 在Brugada综合征患者发现了3个SCN5A基因新突变（V95I、A1649V、delF1617）。     

中国一家系Brugada综合征相关基因SCN5A突变位点的检测

目的研究一个中国家系Brugada综合征相关基因SCNSA的突变情况。方法收集一个Brugada家系的临床资料,采用聚合酶链反应及直接测序法对该家系进行SCN5A基因突变检测,同时对136例家系外健康对照者的该位点进行单链构象多态性分析。结果在Brugada家系中发现了两个杂合变异,即SCN5A基因第二外显子上发现一个同义变异（A129G）,没有导致氨基酸的改变（A29A）;第26外显子发现一个错义变异（T4492A）,导致代表酪氨酸的1494位密码子突变为天门冬酰胺（Y1494N）。结论在中国人Brugada综合征患者的SCNSA基因上发现了一个已经报道的同义多态位点（A29A）及一个新的错义突变位点（Y1494N）。     

七例Brugada综合征患者SCN5A基因突变检测

目的 对7例Brugada综合征患者进行SCN5A基因突变检测,分析其分子遗传学特征. 方法 提取7例Brugada综合征患者外周血DNA样本,设计41对引物进行多聚核苷酸聚合酶链式反应,扩增SCN5A基因28对外显子,并采用双脱氧链终止法进行直接测序. 结果 SCN5A基因外显子部分未发现新的突变位点. 结论 Brugada综合征可能存在除SCN5A基因之外的其他相关基因突变.     

Identification of six novel SCN5A mutations in Japanese patients with Brugada syndrome

Mutations in SCN5A are linked to Brugada syndrome in approximately 20% of all cases (BrS1). Several dozen distinct SCN5A mutations in BrS1 have been associated with the increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. However, the genotype-phenotype relationship remains elusive. The current study analyzed the SCN5A gene to elucidate the potential variability of clinical features in Japanese BrS1 subjects. Subjects of the present study included 30 probands (25 male subjects, 45 ± 15 years of age) with Brugada-pattern ECG. Seven patients had been resuscitated from cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA group). Another 10 patients had a history of syncope (Sy group), and 13 more remain asymptomatic (Asy group). We identified 8 different SCN5A mutations, including 6 novel mutations (CPA group: 1/7, Sy group: 3/10, Asy group: 4/13). An A735E mutation (located at segment (S)1 in domain (D)2) was identified in the CPA group. A novel splice acceptor site mutation (c.393-1c>t), which may produce a prematurely truncated protein, was identified in the Sy group. An E1784K mutation (C-terminus) and a novel mutation V1951M (C-terminus) were also identified in the Sy group. Four novel missense mutations, A586T (D1-D2 linker), R689H (D1-D2 linker), S1553R (S1-S2 in D4), and Q1706H (S5-Pore in D4) were identified in the Asy group. These data may help us understand the genetic heterogeneity of BrS1, which is more prevalent in Japanese than in whites and other ethnic groups.     

Inherited arrhythmic disorders in Japan

The clinical and genetic characteristics of inherited arrhythmic disorders in Japan are briefly summarized. The incidence of hereditary long QT syndrome (LQTS) in Japan seems comparable to that in western countries. The genotypes are mainly LQT1 and LQT2; LQT3 and other types are rare. Mutations found in Japanese LQTS families are mostly novel compared to mutations reported in other countries and in different ethnic populations. Functional assays of the mutants in heterologous expression systems have disclosed novel mechanisms of current suppression in LQT1 and LQT2, and of gain of function in LQT3. Mutations in KCNJ2 may provide a new genotype (LQT7) of LQTS. In addition, mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms in the channel genes responsible for LQTS (KvLQT1, HERG, and SCN5A) may predispose to drug-induced LQTS. A relatively high prevalence of Brugada syndrome is suspected in the Japanese population, and 1 of approximately 2,000 asymptomatic individuals present Brugada-type ECG changes upon annual examination. Genetic screening of the symptomatic Brugada syndrome and suspected cases has revealed SCN5A mutations in only approximately 12%. Therefore, the genetic basis of the majority of cases is not known. The expressed Na+ current of SCN5A mutant channels showed the phenotype of decreased channel function commonly seen in Brugada mutations. A case of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation was found to have a novel mutation in SCN5A, in which the expressed current showed marked suppression of channel function.     

Exclusion of multiple candidate genes and large genomic rearrangements in SCN5A in a Dutch Brugada syndrome cohort.

BACKGROUND: The Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac electrical disorder associated with a high incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias. Screening for mutations in the cardiac Na+ channel-encoding gene SCN5A uncovers a mutation in approximately 20% of Brugada syndrome cases. Genetic heterogeneity and/or undetected SCN5A mutations, such as exon duplications and deletions, could be involved in the remaining 80% mutation-negative patients. OBJECTIVES: Thirty-eight SCN5A mutation-negative Dutch Brugada syndrome probands were studied. The SCN5A gene was investigated for exon duplication and deletion, and a number of candidate genes (Caveolin-3, Irx-3, Irx-4, Irx-5, Irx-6, Plakoglobin, Plakophilin-2, SCN1B, SCN2B, SCN3B, and SCN4B) were tested for the occurrence of point mutations and small insertions/deletions. METHODS: We used a quantitative multiplex approach to determine SCN5A exon copy numbers. Mutation analysis of the candidate genes was performed by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified coding regions. RESULTS: No large genomic rearrangements in SCN5A were identified. No mutations were found in the candidate genes. Twenty novel polymorphisms were identified in these genes. CONCLUSION: Large genomic rearrangements in SCN5A are not a common cause of Brugada syndrome. Similarly, the studied candidate genes are unlikely to be major causal genes of Brugada syndrome. Further studies are required to identify other genes responsible for this syndrome.     

Novel pore mutation in SCN5A manifests as a spectrum of phenotypes ranging from atrial flutter, conduction disease, and Brugada syndrome to sudden cardiac death

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and biophysical characteristics of a novel SCN5A mutation. BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome and isolated cardiac conduction defect have been linked to SCN5A mutations. METHODS: Eleven members of a western European family underwent electrophysiologic investigations and mutation analysis of the SCN5A gene. Wild-type and mutant SCN5A channels were expressed in HEK293 cells, and whole cell currents were studied using patch clamp procedures. RESULTS: A novel mutation, R376H, in the first pore segment of SCN5A variably causes Brugada syndrome and/or conduction disease in a single family. Biophysical analysis demonstrated a significant current reduction for the mutant, a pathophysiologic profile consistent with Brugada syndrome and isolated cardiac conduction defect. Among 11 family members, 9 were carriers of the mutation. The proband's initial presentation was a saddleback Brugada ECG, atrial flutter, and diffuse conduction disturbances. He had no inducible ventricular arrhythmias but experienced sudden cardiac death. His brother was affected by atrial flutter and had a clear conduction disorder, but he did not display baseline or evocable ECG signs of Brugada syndrome. He received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that delivered one appropriate shock after 1 year of follow-up. The phenotype in the family members was highly variable and ranged from noninducible and inducible asymptomatic carriers of the mutations to isolated conduction disease and to symptomatic Brugada syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the functional characterization of a novel SCN5A pore mutation, R376H, with variable clinical expression in the same family. Differentiating between electrophysiologic entities (Brugada syndrome-isolated cardiac conduction defect) is more challenging. Recognition of factors modifying the clinical presentation may be important for clinical decision making.     

Brugada综合征相关基因SCN5A新突变位点的检测

目的 研究中国人Brugada综合征相关基因SCN5A突变情况。方法 利用多聚酶链反应及DNA测序对1个Brugada综合征家系SCN5A基因的全部28个外显子进行基因检测。结果 在国内外已知突变点均无突变，发现1个新的错义突变位点(A5471G)，其相应的氨基酸改变为N1774S。结论 在中国人Brugada综合征患者的SCN5A基因上发现1个新的突变位点。     

Genetic Modulation of Brugada Syndrome by a Common Polymorphism

Background: Brugada syndrome predisposes some subjects to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Mutations in SCN5A gene have been associated with ∼25% of Brugada syndrome patients. A common variant in SCN5A, H558R has shown to improve sodium channel activity in mutated channels. We studied whether common variant H558R has any clinical implications in the phenotype of Brugada syndrome.
Methods: Our study population consisted of Brugada syndrome subjects 75 with SCN5A mutation and 92 without SCN5A mutation. Their mean age was 39 ± 15 and 42 ± 17 years, and 65% and 86% were male, respectively. We measured PR-, QRS-, QTc-intervals from leads II and V2 of the 12-lead ECG. We also evaluated J-point amplitude from lead V2 and R'/S ratio from lead aVR (the "aVR sign"). The H558R (A→G) genotype was detected with direct sequencing of the SCN5A gene.
Results: The AA genotype carriers had longer QRS duration in lead II (P = 0.017) and higher J-point elevation in lead V2 (P = 0.013), higher "aVR sign" (P = 0.005) and a trend toward more subjects with symptoms (P = 0.067) than G allele carriers. None of the results were significant in Brugada syndrome subjects without SCN5A mutation.
Conclusion: The common variant H558R seems to be a genetic modulator of Brugada syndrome among carriers of a SCN5A mutation, in whom the presence of the less common allele G improves the ECG characteristics and clinical phenotype.     

Loss of function associated with novel mutations of the SCN5A gene in patients with Brugada syndrome

BACKGROUND: Ventricular fibrillation is one of the leading causes of death in North America. Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST segment elevation on the right precordial leads V1 through V3 and right bundle branch block, and may cause sudden death. Mutations in the SCN5A gene encoding the cardiac voltage-gated Na+ channel (hNav1.5) are associated with Brugada syndrome. OBJECTIVES: In this study, three novel mutations on the SCN5A gene were identified and characterized in different patients with Brugada syndrome. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from patients with Brugada syndrome for gene screening. Mutations found on the SCN5A gene in these patients were reproduced in vitro on hNav1.5 background. Wild type and mutant channels expressed in tsA201 cells were characterized using the patch clamp technique in whole cell configuration and/or confocal microscopy. RESULTS: No current could be recorded from cells expressing the hNav1.5/G1740R mutant, incubated at 37 degrees C. However, at a lower incubation temperature (22 degrees C), macroscopic Na+ currents were recorded. Confocal microscopy study confirmed that at 37 degrees C, hNav1.5/G1740R mutant channels were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. The E473X and N1774+12X mutants produced truncated proteins and did not express any currents; however, coexpression of each of these mutants with wild type channels shows 50% reduction of Na+ currents. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the loss of function of cardiac Na+ channels is the basis of the Brugada syndrome clinical phenotype.     

Electrophysiological characterization of SCN5A mutations causing long QT (E1784K) and Brugada (R1512W and R1432G) syndromes

Familial long QT syndrome (LQTS) and Brugada syndrome are two distinct human hereditary cardiac diseases known to cause ventricular tachyarrhythmias (torsade de pointes) and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, respectively, which can both lead to sudden death. OBJECTIVE: In this study we have identified and electrophysiologically characterized, in patients having either LQTS or Brugada syndrome, three mutations in SCN5A (a cardiac sodium channel gene). METHOD: The mutant channels were expressed in a mammalian expression system and studied by means of the patch clamp technique. RESULTS: The R1512W mutation found in our first patient diagnosed with Brugada syndrome produced a slowing of both inactivation and recovery from inactivation. The R4132G mutation found in our second patient who also presented Brugada syndrome, resulted in no measurable sodium currents. Both Brugada syndrome patients showed ST segment elevation and right bundle-branch block, and had experienced syncopes. The E1784K mutation found in the LQTS showed a persistent inward sodium current, a hyperpolarized shift of the steady-sate inactivation and a faster recovery from inactivation. CONCLUSION: The different clinical manifestations of these three mutations most probably originate from the distinct electrophysiological abnormalities of the mutant cardiac sodium channels reported in this study.     

SCN5A基因移码突变导致Brugada综合征

目的：检测Brugada综合征的致病基因突变位点。方法：对1个Brugada综合征家系11名成员和20名正常人的DNA样本应用双脱氧链终止基因测序法进行心脏钠离子通道α亚单位（voltage-gated sodium channel type V,SCN5A)基因测序。结果：SCN5A基因测序发现Brugada综合征家系第22个外显子存在1个杂合基因移码突变位点，经克隆传代后测序发现该突变为4087insC。该突变使通道蛋白1314－1317位氨基酸发生改变并在1318位终止，导致钠离子通道第3结构域S4结构变化，S5－6及第4结构域全部缺失。该突变在Brugada综合征家系中分布符合常染色体显性分布规律。对照组未发现相同突变。结论：SCN5A基因4087insC是国内首次发现的导致Brugada 综合征的基因突变位点，也是国际上发现的第2个引起Brugada综合征的SCN5A基因移码突变     

High risk for bradyarrhythmic complications in patients with Brugada syndrome caused by SCN5A gene mutations.

OBJECTIVES: We carried out a complete screening of the SCN5A gene in 38 Japanese patients with Brugada syndrome to investigate the genotype-phenotype relationship. BACKGROUND: The gene SCN5A encodes the pore-forming alpha-subunit of voltage-gated cardiac sodium (Na) channel, which plays an important role in heart excitation/contraction. Mutations of SCN5A have been identified in 15% of patients with Brugada syndrome. METHODS: In 38 unrelated patients with clinically diagnosed Brugada syndrome, we screened for SCN5A gene mutations using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing, and conducted a functional assay for identified mutations using whole-cell patch-clamp in heterologous expression system. RESULTS: Four heterozygous mutations were identified (T187I, D356N, K1578fs/52, and R1623X) in 4 of the 38 patients. All of them had bradyarrhythmic complications: three with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and the other (D356N) with paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block. SCN5A-linked Brugada patients were associated with a higher incidence of bradyarrhythmia (4 of 4) than non-SCN5A-linked Brugada patients (2 of 34). Families with T187I and K1578fs/52 had widespread penetrance of SSS. Notably, the patient with K1578fs/52, who had been diagnosed as having familial SSS without any clinical signs of Brugada syndrome, showed a Brugada-type ST-segment elevation after intravenous administration of pilsicainide and programmed electrical stimulation-induced ventricular tachycardia. All of the mutations encoded non-functional Na channels, and thus were suggested to cause impulse propagation defect underlying bradyarrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that loss-of-function SCN5A mutations resulting in Brugada syndrome are distinguished by profound bradyarrhythmias.     

Novel brugada SCN5A mutation leading to ST segment elevation in the inferior or the right precordial leads

Mutations in the SCN5A gene can lead to the Brugada syndrome, a genetically inherited form of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation that has a characteristic ECG phenotype usually restricted to precordial leads V1-V3. We identified a novel G752R SCN5A missense mutation leading to various degrees of the Brugada ECG phenotype in members of a French family. In the proband, the G752R mutation produced ST segment elevation and prominent J wave in leads II, III, and aVF. In four other relatives, ST segment elevation in the right precordial but not in the inferior leads was observed either spontaneously or under flecainide challenge. Recombinant G752R mutant exhibited a markedly reduced Na+ current amplitude and a voltage shift in both activation and inactivation curves. The mutant was found in all affected but not in nonaffected family members. One additional gene-carrier had an almost normal ECG (silent gene-carrier). We provide genetic demonstration that Brugada ECG anomalies related to a unique SCN5A mutation can be observed either in the inferior or the right precordial leads.     

Phenotypic characterization of a large European family with Brugada syndrome displaying a sudden unexpected death syndrome mutation in SCN5A:

INTRODUCTION: Brugada syndrome is characterized by sudden death secondary to malignant arrhythmias and the presence of ST segment elevation in leads V(1) to V(3) of patients with structurally normal hearts. This ECG pattern often is concealed but can be unmasked using potent sodium channel blockers. Like congenital long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) and sudden unexpected death syndrome, Brugada syndrome has been linked to mutations in SCN5A. METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened a large European family with Brugada syndrome. Three members (two female) had suffered malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Ten members showed an ECG pattern characteristic of Brugada syndrome at baseline, and eight showed the pattern only after administration of ajmaline (total 12 female). Haplotype analysis revealed that all individuals with positive ECG at baseline shared the SCN5A locus. Sequencing of SCN5A identified a missense mutation, R367H, previously associated with sudden unexpected death syndrome. Two of the eight individuals who displayed a positive ECG after the administration of ajmaline, but not before, did not have the R367H mutation, and sequencing analysis failed to identify any other mutation in SCN5A. The R367H mutation failed to generate any current when heterologously expressed in HEK cells. CONCLUSION: Our results support the hypothesis that (1) sudden unexpected death syndrome and Brugada syndrome are the same disease; (2) male predominance of the phenotype observed in sudden unexpected death syndrome does not apply to this family, suggesting that factors other than the specific mutation determine the gender distinction; and (3) ajmaline may provide false-positive results. These findings have broad implications relative to the diagnosis and risk stratification of family members of patients with the Brugada syndrome.     

Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of Brugada syndrome caused by a missense mutation in the S5-pore site of SCN5A

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac disorder caused by mutations in the SCN5A gene encoding the cardiac sodium channel alpha-subunit, and potentially leads to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. We report a case of a novel SCN5A mutation associated with Brugada syndrome. A 51-year-old man suffered from recurrent nocturnal syncopal attacks due to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. His electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in V1-V3 leads, but there was no evidence of structural heart disease. DNA sequence analysis of SCN5A in this patient revealed a missense mutation (R282H) in the S5-pore region of domain I. This mutational change was not present in 100 healthy Japanese controls. In the patient's family, a 36-year-old brother had died suddenly. Genetic analysis identified two other carriers of the R282H mutation, who had ST-segment elevation and slightly increased QRS widths, but they experienced no syncopal episodes or ventricular fibrillation. Electrophysiological investigation of the R282H mutant channel expressed in cultured cells showed a severe reduction in sodium current density and a mild positive shift of activation curve. R282H did not enhance intermediate inactivation. Single-channel conductance of R282H was slightly decreased compared with WT. The electrophysiological characteristics of the R282H channel are suggested to be closely related to the clinical phenotype of Brugada syndrome.     

Lidocaine-induced Brugada syndrome phenotype linked to a novel double mutation in the cardiac sodium channel

Brugada syndrome has been linked to mutations in SCN5A. Agents that dissociate slowly from the sodium channel such as flecainide and ajmaline unmask the Brugada syndrome electrocardiogram and precipitate ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. Lidocaine, an agent with rapid dissociation kinetics, has previously been shown to exert no effect in patients with Brugada syndrome. We characterized a novel double mutation of SCN5A (V232I in DI-S4+L1308F in DIII-S4) identified in a rare case of lidocaine (1 mg/kg)-induced Brugada syndrome. We studied lidocaine blockade of I(Na) generated by wild-type and V232I+L1308F mutant cardiac sodium channels expressed in mammalian TSA201 cells using patch clamp techniques. Despite no significant difference in steady-state gating parameters between V232I+L1308F and wild-type sodium currents at baseline, use-dependent inhibition of I(Na) by lidocaine was more pronounced in V232I+L1308F versus wild-type (73.0+/-0.1% versus 18.23+/-0.04% at 10 micromol/L measured at 10 Hz, respectively). A dose of 10 micromol/L lidocaine also caused a more negative shift of steady-state inactivation in V232I+L1308F versus wild-type (-14.1+/-0.3 mV and -4.8+/-0.3 mV, respectively). The individual mutations produced a much less accentuated effect. We report the first case of lidocaine-induced Brugada electrocardiogram phenotype. The double mutation in SCN5A, V232I, and L1308F alters the affinity of the cardiac sodium channel for lidocaine such that the drug assumes Class IC characteristics with potent use-dependent block of the sodium channel. Our results demonstrate an additive effect of the 2 missense mutations to sensitize the sodium channel to lidocaine. These findings suggest caution when treating patients carrying such genetic variations with Class I antiarrhythmic drugs.     

Genotype-phenotype relationship in Brugada syndrome: electrocardiographic features differentiate SCN5A-related patients from non-SCN5A-related patients

OBJECTIVES: We have tested whether a genotype-phenotype relationship exists in Brugada syndrome (BS) by trying to distinguish BS patients with (carriers) and those without (non-carriers) a mutation in the gene encoding the cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A) using clinical parameters. BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac disease characterized by a varying degree of ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads and (non)specific conduction disorders. In a minority of patients, SCN5A mutations can be found. Genetic heterogeneity has been demonstrated, but other causally related genes await identification. If a genotype-phenotype relationship exists, this might facilitate screening. METHODS: In a multi-center study, we have collected data on demographics, clinical history, family history, electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, His to ventricle interval (HV), and ECG parameters after pharmacologic challenge with I(Na) blocking drugs for BS patients with (n = 23), or those without (n = 54), an identified SCN5A mutation. RESULTS: No differences were found in demographics, clinical history, or family history. Carriers had a significantly longer PQ interval on the baseline ECG and a significantly longer HV time. A PQ interval of > or =210 ms and an HV interval > or =60 ms seem to be predictive for the presence of an SCN5A mutation. After I(Na) blocking drugs, carriers had significantly longer PQ and QRS intervals and more increase in QRS duration. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significantly longer conduction intervals on baseline ECG in patients with established SCN5A mutations (PQ and HV interval and, upon class I drugs, more QRS increase). These results concur with the observed loss of function of mutated BS-related sodium channels. Brugada syndrome patients with, and those without, an SCN5A mutation can be differentiated by phenotypical differences.     

Novel SCN5A mutation (Q55X) associated with age-dependent expression of Brugada syndrome presenting as neurally mediated syncope.

BACKGROUND: An association between Brugada syndrome and neurally mediated syncope has been described. Although mutations in SCN5A have been identified in Brugada syndrome, the genetic link between Brugada syndrome and neurally mediated syncope has not been determined. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to clinically and genetically characterize a man with recurrent syncope that originally was diagnosed as neurally mediated syncope at age 8 years but subsequently manifested as Brugada syndrome at age 17 years. METHODS: The proband underwent clinical examination, which included head-up tilt test, sodium channel provocation test, and electrophysiologic study. Genetic screening of SCN5A was performed for the proband and his family members. The biophysical properties of a mutant SCN5A channel in a heterologous expression system were studied using whole-cell, patch clamp technique. RESULTS: The proband showed positive head-up tilt test, coved-type ST elevation recorded from the third intercostal space, and positive pilsicainide provocation test. Ventricular fibrillation was inducible at programmed electrical stimulation, consistent with characteristics of both Brugada syndrome and neurally mediated syncope. A novel nonsense SCN5A mutation (Q55X) was identified in the proband, his mother, and his asymptomatic brother. The heterologously expressed mutant channel was nonfunctional. CONCLUSION: We genetically determined an SCN5A mutation in a patient showing the combined phenotype of neurally mediated syncope and Brugada syndrome. Neurally mediated syncope and Brugada syndrome may share, at least in part, a common pathophysiologic mechanism.     

A novel missense mutation in the SCN5A gene associated with Brugada syndrome bidirectionally affecting blocking actions of antiarrhythmic drugs

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac disorder caused by mutations in the SCN5A gene encoding the cardiac sodium channel alpha subunit, which can lead ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. Inattentive use of antiarrhythmic drugs potentially triggers fatal cardiac arrhythmias through further reduction of sodium current (I(Na)). We studied the molecular mechanism underlying a case of Brugada syndrome that showed no response to a class Ic antiarrhythmic drug. Molecular genetic studies of a patient with Brugada syndrome identified a novel mutation in SCN5A, which causes substitution of serine for asparagine (N406S) in S6 of domain I (IS6). The provocation test with pilsicainide, a class Ic antiarrhythmic drug, failed to exacerbate ST-segment elevation in this case. Electrophysiological analyses of the N406S-mutant channel expressed together with the beta1 subunit in HEK293 cells showed that the voltage dependence of activation was positively shifted by 16 mV and that intermediate inactivation was enhanced. Whereas tonic block by pilsicainide was not changed in the N406S channel, use-dependent block by pilsicainide was almost completely abolished, consistent with the clinical findings of the negative provocation test. In contrast, the N406S channel showed stronger use-dependent block by quinidine than the wild-type channel. We demonstrate a novel Brugada mutation N406S, which is associated with the discordant effects on blocking actions of antiarrhythmic drugs as well as the multiple channel gating defects. We emphasis that an antiarrhythmic drug may exert unpredicted effects in patients with channel mutations.