Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Phenotypes of X-Linked Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common and diverse set of chronic neurological disorders characterized by spontaneous, unprovoked, and recurrent epileptic seizures. Environmental factors and acquired disposition are proposed to play a role to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Genetic factors are important contributors as well. Comparing to the phenotype of epilepsy caused by mutation of single gene on an autosome, the phenotype of X-linked epilepsy is more complex. X-linked epilepsy usually manifests as part of a syndrome or epileptic encephalopathy, and the variability of clinical manifestations of X-linked epilepsy may be attributed to several factors including the type of genetic mutation, methylation, X chromosome random inactivation, and mosaic distribution. As a result, it is difficult to establish the genotype-phenotype correlation, diagnostic tests, and genetic counseling. In this review, we provide an overview of the X-linked epilepsy including responsible loci and genes, the molecular biology, the associated complex phenotypes, and the interference factors. This information may provide us a better understanding of the pathogenesis of X-linked epilepsy and may contribute to clinical diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.