Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
LGI proteins and epilepsy in pets - what to know
By Pakozdy, A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2015·University Clinic of Small Animals·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: LGI Proteins and Epilepsy in Human and Animals.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Recent research has focused on a group of proteins called LGI proteins, which were originally thought to help prevent some types of cancer. It turns out these proteins are also important for how nerve cells communicate, and problems with them can lead to increased brain activity, which may cause seizures. In humans, a genetic change in the LGI1 protein has been linked to a specific type of epilepsy, while a similar mutation in the LGI2 protein has been found in Lagotto Romagnolo dogs with a different form of epilepsy. Additionally, some cats with a type of epilepsy may also have issues related to these proteins. This research highlights the significance of LGI proteins in various seizure disorders in both pets and people.
Abstract
Leucine-rich glioma-inactivated (LGI) protein was first thought to have a suppressor effect in the formation of some cancers. Developments in physiology and medicine made it possible to characterize the function of the LGI protein family and its crucial role in different conditions more precisely. These proteins play an important role in synaptic transmission, and dysfunction may cause hyperexcitability. Genetic mutation of LGI1 was confirmed to be the cause of autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy in humans. The LGI2 mutation was identified in benign familial juvenile epilepsy in Lagotto Romagnolo (LR) dogs. Cats with familial spontaneous temporal lobe epilepsy have been reported, and the etiology might be associated with LGI protein family dysfunction. In addition, an autoimmune reaction against LGI1 was detected in humans and cats with limbic encephalitis. These advances prompted a review of LGI protein function and its role in different seizure disorders.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26032921/