KCNJ11 mutations cause sever neuropsychological deficits

Abstract

KCNJ11 encodes Kir6.2, the pore-forming subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel present in brain regions including the hypothalamus, neocortex and cerebellum. Its neurological function is uncertain. KCNJ11 activating mutations cause neonatal diabetes (ND) as it is also expressed in the pancreas. This provides a unique opportunity to study the role of the channel in the human brain. We evaluated the neuropsychological features in patients with ND due to KCNJ11 mutations.