Association of a functional deficit of the BKCa channel, a synaptic regulator of neuronal excitability, with autism and mental retardation

Objective: Autism is a complex, largely genetic psychiatric disorder. In the majority of cases, the cause of autism is not known, but there is strong evidence for a genetic etiology. To identify candidate genes, the physical mapping of balanced chromosomal aberrations is a powerful strategy, since several genes have been characterized in numerous disorders. In this study, the authors analyzed a balanced reciprocal translocation arising de novo in a subject with autism and mental retardation. Method: The authors performed the physical mapping of the balanced 9q23/ 10q22 translocation by fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments using bacterial artificial chromosome clones covering the areas of interest. Results: Findings revealed that the KCNMA1 gene, which encodes the alpha-subunit of the large conductance Ca2+- activated K+ (BKCa) channel, a synaptic regulator of neuronal excitability, is physically disrupted. Further molecular and functional analyses showed the haploinsufficiency of this gene as well as decreased activity of the coded BKCa channel. This activity can be enhanced in vitro by addition of a BKCa channel opener (BMS-204352). Further mutational analyses on 116 autistic subjects led to the identification of an amino acid substitution located in a highly conserved domain of the protein not found in comparison subjects. Conclusions: These results suggest a possible association between a functional defect of the BKCa channel and autistic disorder and raise the hypothesis that deficits in synaptic transmission may contribute to the physiopathology of autism and mental deficiency.