Title:The Impact of Altered HCN1 Expression on Brain Function and Its Relationship
with Epileptogenesis
Volume: 21
Issue: 10
Author(s): Ke Zhao, Yinchao Li, Xiaofeng Yang*Liemin Zhou*
Affiliation:
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affliated Hospital of Sun Yet-sen University, No. 628, Zhenyuan Road, Xinhu
Street, Guangming District, Shenzhen, China
Keywords:
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 1, epilepsy, epileptogenesis, Ih current, seizure threshold, pyramidal neurons.
Abstract: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 1 (HCN1) is predominantly
expressed in neurons from the neocortex and hippocampus, two important regions related to epilepsy.
Both animal models for epilepsy and epileptic patients show decreased HCN1 expression and
HCN1-mediated Ih current. It has been shown in neuroelectrophysiological experiments that a decreased
Ih current can increase neuronal excitability. However, some studies have shown that blocking
the Ih current in vivo can exert antiepileptic effects. This paradox raises an important question regarding
the causal relationship between HCN1 alteration and epileptogenesis, which to date has not been
elucidated. In this review, we summarize the literature related to HCN1 and epilepsy, aiming to find a
possible explanation for this paradox, and explore the correlation between HCN1 and the mechanism
of epileptogenesis. We analyze the alterations in the expression and distribution of HCN1 and the corresponding
impact on brain function in epilepsy. In addition, we also discuss the effect of blocking Ih
on epilepsy symptoms. Addressing these issues will help to inspire new strategies to explore the relationship
between HCN1 and epileptogenesis, and ultimately promote the development of new targets
for epilepsy therapy.