Purpose: Evaluation of the loci 2q36, 3q26, 5q34 and 14q23 in a German family with autosomal dominant idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE).
Methods: A linkage analysis was performed including 10 family members (six affected, three unaffected, one probably affected), for the loci 2q36, 3q26, 5q34 and 14q23. Subsequently, a sequence analysis of the inward rectifier potassium channel gene KCNJ13 at 2q37 was carried out.
Results: Suggestive linkage for IGE was found on 2q36-37 at D2S2308 and D2S2193. No mutations were identified in the coding or 5'-non-coding regions of the exons of candidate gene KCNJ13.
Conclusions: Our results corroborate former linkage findings on 2q36-2q37 and warrant further investigation of additional candidate genes within this chromosomal area in IGE.