Abstract 5317: Identification and Characterization of a Novel Susceptibility Gene,
SCN3B,
for Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
Background: Mutations in the Na V 1.5 sodium channel macromolecular complex have been identified in some cases classified as idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF). IVF and Brugada syndrome (BrS) are partially overlapping syndromes. Here, we report a mutation in SCN3B- encoded sodium channel β3 subunit as a novel pathogenic mechanism for IVF. Methods: Comprehensive open reading frame mutational analysis of SCN5A, GPD1L, and the beta subunit genes ( SCN1–4B ) was performed using PCR, DHPLC, and direct DNA sequencing of DNA extracted from a 20-year-old patient diagnosed with IVF. The SCN3B mutation was made by site directed mutagenesis and co-transfected with SCN5A into HEK-293 cells for functional chraracterization using the patch clamp technique. Results: A novel missense mutation, V54G-SCN3B, was identified in a 20-year-old male following collapse and external defibrillation from VF. After recovery, there was no detectable electrocardiographic abnormality. Imaging studies demonstrated a structurally normal heart, and the patient was diagnosed with IVF. The mutation was absent in 800 reference alleles and involved a highly conserved residue in the extracellular domain of the beta 3 subunit. No other mutations were identified in the 5 other genes. HEK cells expressing SCN5A and either WT-, or V54G-SCN3B were studied 24 hours after transfection. Cells expressing V54G-SCN3B showed significant decrease in sodium current density of 60±20 pA/pF compared to 203±35 pA/pF in WT-SCN3B (n=14–19). In addition V54G-SCN3B significantly shifted the activation curve +5 mV without affecting inactivation. Conclusions: This study provides the first molecular and cellular evidence implicating SCN3B in IVF. Given the marked loss-of-function to the sodium channel by V54G-SCN3B and the overlap between IVF and BrS, it will be interesting to determine whether mutations in SCN3B explain some cases of genotype negative Brugada syndrome.