Loss-of-function variants in the cardiac K v 11.1 channel as a genetic biomarker for SUDEP

Objective To compare the frequency and impact on channel function of KCNH2 variants in SUDEP patients with epilepsy controls comprising patients older than 50 years, a group with low SUDEP risk, and establish loss-of-function KCNH2 variants as predictive biomarkers of SUDEP risk. Methods We searched for KCNH2 variants with a minor allele frequency of < 5%. Functional analysis in Xenopus laevis oocytes was performed for all KCNH2 variants identified. Results KCNH2 variants were found in 11.1% (10/90) of SUDEP individuals compared to 6.0% (20/332) of epilepsy controls ( p = 0.11). Loss-of-function KCNH2 variants, defined as causing > 20% reduction in maximal amplitude, were observed in 8.9% (8/90) SUDEP patients compared to 3.3% (11/332) epilepsy controls suggesting about three-fold enrichment (nominal p = 0.04). KCNH2 variants that did not change channel function occurred at a similar frequency in SUDEP (2.2%; 2/90) and epilepsy control (2.7%; 9/332) cohorts ( p > 0.99). Rare KCNH2 variants (< 1% allele frequency) associated with greater loss of function and an ∼11-fold enrichment in the SUDEP cohort (nominal p = 0.03). In silico tools were unable to predict the impact of a variant on function highlighting the need for electrophysiological analysis. Conclusions These data show that loss-of-function KCNH2 variants are enriched in SUDEP patients and suggest that cardiac mechanisms contribute to SUDEP risk. We propose that genetic screening in combination with functional analysis can identify loss-of-function KCNH2 variants that could act as biomarkers of an individual’s SUDEP risk.