Array-comparative genomic hybridization analysis of a cohort of Saudi patients with epilepsy.

Specific genetic anomalies or non-genetic factors could lead to epilepsy, but in various cases the underlying cause is unknown. Novel technologies, such as array comparative genomic hybridization, may reveal the copy number variants (CNVs), established as significant risk factor for epilepsy. This study carried out a high-density whole genome array- comparative genomic hybridization analysis with blood DNA samples from a cohort of twenty epilepsy patients to search for CNVs associated with epilepsy. Microdeletion of 14q31.1 was observed in four patients including two from the same family with loss of the NRXN3 gene; microdeletion of 15q12 in one patient with loss of the GABRG3 gene, and microduplication of 20q13.33 in three patients with loss of the gene group CHRNA4, KCNQ2, EEF1A2 and PPDPF were also found. These CNV findings were confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We have described, for the first time, numerous potential CNVs/genes implicated in epilepsy in the Saudi population. The study presents a better description of the genetic variations in epilepsy, and would eventually enable us to provide a foundation for understanding the critical genome regions which might be involved in the development of epilepsy.