Characterization of a novel SCN5A genetic variant A1294G associated with mixed clinical phenotype

Abstract

Mutations in gene SCN5A, which encodes cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.5, are associated with multiple clinical phenotypes. Here we describe a novel A1294G genetic variant detected in a male patient with combined clinical phenotype including atrioventricular II block, Brugada-like ECG, septal fibrosis, right ventricular dilatation and decreased left ventricular contractility. Residue A1294 is located in the IIIS3–S4 extracellular loop, in proximity to several residues whose mutations are associated with sodium channelopathies. The wild-type channel Nav1.5 and mutant Nav1.5-A1294G were expressed in the CHO–K1 and HEK293T cells and whole-cell sodium currents were recorded using the patch-clamp method. The A1294G channels demonstrated a negative shift of steady-state inactivation, accelerated fast and slow inactivation and decelerated recovery from intermediate inactivation. Our study reveals biophysical mechanism of the Nav1.5-A1294G dysfunction, which may underlie the combined phenotypic manifestation observed in the patient.