Differential DNA Methylation Patterns in Patients with Epilepsy due to Malformations of Cortical Development: A Pilot Study

Objective: To study the DNA methylation profiles in brain tissue of patients with refractory epilepsy due to malformations of cortical development (MCDs). Materials and Methods: Clinical, neuroimaging, and pathology characteristics were defined for 13 patients who underwent resective surgery for epilepsy. Methylation analysis was performed using Illumina (R) 450k Methylation Microarray. Data analysis was completed, and pathway identification was done using the R/Bioconductor package. Results: Genes associated with Ephrin-Reelin pathway, potassium channels, and glutathione metabolism were differentially methylated in the MCD group when compared with patients who had no evidence of MCD. Conclusions: Our preliminary data reveal that epigenetic pathways may have a role in the pathobiogenesis of MCDs.