Dog epilepsy gene discovery is a landmark

By discovering a gene in truffle dogs, scientists have identified a possible mechanism for childhood epilepsy.

Research on Lagotto Romagnolo dogs has shed light on a new epilepsy gene, LGI2, which has now presented a new candidate gene to explain human benign childhood epilepsies which are characterised by seizure remission.

Published by PlosGenetics and undertaken by Helsingin yliopisto (University of Helsinki), the research provides new insight into the development of a child's brain and the remission mechanisms in childhood epilepsies, as the condition is common in two to ten-year olds, when brain nerve development is at its strongest.

"With this study, we gain crucial insight into the pathways and mechanisms that control the development of a child's brain, optimising its structure for electrical stability and seizure-freedom in the rest of adult life. This study will open vast avenues of research," Dr Berge Minassian, senior co-author of the study and a senior scientist and pediatric epileptologist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, told the source.

Epilepsy in Lagotto puppies is similar to the human childhood condition as it sets in at around four weeks and disappears after one to two months.