Epilepsy-associated SCN2A-L1342P mutation drives network hyperexcitability and widespread transcriptomic changes in human cortical organoids.

Objective

SCN2A pathogenic mutations, such as the recurrent heterozygous Nav1.2-L1342P, are monogenic causes of epilepsy. In this human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived model system, we aim to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying SCN2A-L1342P-associated pathology.

Methods

Using a human male induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reference line (KOLF) carrying the Nav1.2-L1342P mutation, we generated three-dimensional (3D) cortical organoids for functional studies. Patch-clamp, multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings, immunocytochemistry, and RNA sequencing were used to characterize the disease phenotypes.

Results

Nav1.2-L1342P organoid neurons displayed increased intrinsic excitability and amplified excitatory post-synaptic currents, which are consistent with an increase in excitatory synapse formation revealed by SYN1/PSD95 immunostaining. Moreover, elevated network firing activity, as demonstrated by MEA, indicates a pronounced network hyperexcitability. Transcriptomic profiling of organoids carrying the Nav1.2-L1342P mutation further revealed significant alterations in synaptic, glutamatergic, developmental, and senescence/apoptotic pathways.

Significance

Our findings demonstrate that the Nav1.2-L1342P mutation drives a multifaceted disease phenotype, including network hyperexcitability and disruption of pathways related to neuronal and synaptic functions. These results advance our understanding of SCN2A-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), laying a foundation for personalized interventions.