Pentanucleotide repeat familial adult myoclonus epilepsy is a mechanistically defined autosomal dominant FAME spectrum caused by intronic TTTTA repeat expansions that contain pathogenic TTTCA insertions across multiple loci. Clinically it is characterized by late-adolescent to adult onset tremorlike cortical myoclonus, infrequent generalized seizures, electrophysiologic evidence of cortical hyperexcitability, and variable cerebellar or mild cognitive features. This entry is intentionally scoped to the shared pentanucleotide repeat mechanism rather than the broader historical syndrome label.
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Conditions with similar clinical presentations that must be differentiated from Pentanucleotide Repeat Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy:
name: Pentanucleotide Repeat Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy
creation_date: "2026-04-17T15:32:01Z"
updated_date: "2026-04-18T01:50:05Z"
category: Mendelian
description: >-
Pentanucleotide repeat familial adult myoclonus epilepsy is a mechanistically
defined autosomal dominant FAME spectrum caused by intronic TTTTA repeat
expansions that contain pathogenic TTTCA insertions across multiple loci.
Clinically it is characterized by late-adolescent to adult onset tremorlike
cortical myoclonus, infrequent generalized seizures, electrophysiologic
evidence of cortical hyperexcitability, and variable cerebellar or mild
cognitive features. This entry is intentionally scoped to the shared
pentanucleotide repeat mechanism rather than the broader historical syndrome
label.
disease_term:
preferred_term: familial adult myoclonus epilepsy
term:
id: MONDO:0019448
label: benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy
synonyms:
- familial adult myoclonus epilepsy
- FAME
- benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy
- BAFME
- familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy
- FCMTE
- cortical tremor with epilepsy
parents:
- Epilepsy
- Movement Disorder
- Repeat Expansion Disorder
notes: >-
This entry lumps the clinically coherent FAME syndrome only when it is
grounded in the shared intronic TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat
mechanism. It does not absorb historical or controversial nonrepeat candidate
loci, does not represent the separate RAPGEF2-related neurodevelopmental
disorder caused by de novo coding variants, and excludes recently described
MARCHF6 repeat alleles that cause familial cortical myoclonus without
epilepsy. Clinically, the disorder remains under-recognized, occurs
worldwide, and shows regional clustering of individual repeat loci rather
than a single globally dominant gene.
mappings:
mondo_mappings:
- term:
id: MONDO:0019448
label: benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy
mapping_predicate: skos:closeMatch
mapping_source: MONDO
mapping_justification: >-
MONDO provides the closest historical syndrome term, but this dismech
entry is intentionally narrower and restricted to the established
pentanucleotide repeat subgroup.
has_subtypes:
- name: SAMD12 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: SAMD12
term:
id: hgnc:31750
label: SAMD12
description: >-
Canonical repeat-positive FAME1 locus and the most common established
disease form in East Asian pedigrees.
- name: STARD7 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: STARD7
term:
id: hgnc:18063
label: STARD7
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME2 locus within the same mechanistic family.
- name: MARCHF6 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: MARCHF6
term:
id: hgnc:30550
label: MARCHF6
description: >-
Classical repeat-positive FAME3 locus; this subtype is limited to the
epilepsy phenotype and excludes small-insertion MARCHF6 alleles associated
with familial cortical myoclonus without seizures.
- name: YEATS2 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: YEATS2
term:
id: hgnc:25489
label: YEATS2
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME4 locus within the shared TTTTA/TTTCA mechanism.
- name: TNRC6A repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: TNRC6A
term:
id: hgnc:11969
label: TNRC6A
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME6 locus discovered in families clinically similar to
canonical BAFME/FAME.
- name: RAPGEF2 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: RAPGEF2
term:
id: hgnc:16854
label: RAPGEF2
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME7 locus; kept distinct from the separate coding-variant
RAPGEF2 neurodevelopmental disorder.
- name: RAI1 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: RAI1
term:
id: hgnc:9834
label: RAI1
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME8 locus first described in a Malian family, extending
this repeat-expansion mechanism to an African pedigree.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal dominant
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal dominant inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000006
label: Autosomal dominant inheritance
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, and
repeat instability contributes to genetic and clinical anticipation in many
pedigrees.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40571639
reference_title: "[Molecular genetics of benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) is an autosomal
dominantly inherited disease characterized by infrequent seizures and
tremorous myoclonus.
explanation: >-
Supports autosomal dominant inheritance as the core inheritance pattern of
the repeat-positive FAME syndrome.
- reference: PMID:33040085
reference_title: "DNA analysis of benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy reveals associations between the pathogenic TTTCA repeat insertion in SAMD12 and the nonpathogenic TTTTA repeat expansion in TNRC6A."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Genetic and clinical anticipation was observed.
explanation: >-
Supports clinically relevant anticipation in repeat-positive FAME
pedigrees.
progression:
- phase: Tremorlike cortical myoclonus onset
age_range: second to third decade
notes: >-
Tremorlike distal cortical myoclonus is usually the presenting feature and
often begins in the hands.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
The key clinical manifestations include an autosomal dominant family
history, tremorlike cortical myoclonus, generalized tonic-clonic
seizures, photosensitivity, mild cognitive impairment, and other
associated symptoms.
explanation: >-
Supports tremorlike cortical myoclonus as the signature presenting feature
of FAME.
- reference: PMID:32194077
reference_title: "Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy: TTTCA/TTTTA repeat expansions and expanding phenotype in two Chinese families."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
All seven affected living patients had cortical tremor with a median age
at onset of 16.4 years (range, 10-22 years).
explanation: >-
Provides cohort-level support that myoclonus/tremor often begins in late
adolescence or early adulthood.
- phase: Later epileptic manifestations
notes: >-
Generalized seizures are often less frequent than myoclonus, typically begin
several years after cortical tremor, and are usually rare or occasional
rather than frequent.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32194077
reference_title: "Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy: TTTCA/TTTTA repeat expansions and expanding phenotype in two Chinese families."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Convulsions occurred in 5 of 7 with a median age at onset of 32.4 years
(range, 10-42 years).
explanation: >-
Supports the typical temporal ordering in which seizures are later and
less constant than cortical tremor/myoclonus.
- reference: PMID:38059543
reference_title: "Seizures and electrophysiological features in familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy 1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The seizures onset age was 36.5 ± 9.0 years, which was 6.9 years later
than cortical tremors. The seizures were largely rare (<1/year, 58.8%)
and occasional (1-6/year, 37.1%).
explanation: >-
Provides quantitative evidence that seizures generally follow cortical
tremor and are usually infrequent.
- phase: Insidious later progression
notes: >-
Although the epilepsy course is typically benign, some older individuals
develop slowly progressive cognitive or cerebellar features that can
contribute to misdiagnosis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36751956
reference_title: "Differential diagnosis of familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Recognition of FAME will inform prognostic and genetic counseling and
diagnosis of the insidious progression, which may occur in older
individuals who show mild cognitive deterioration.
explanation: >-
Supports a slowly progressive later phase with mild cognitive
deterioration in a subset of older individuals.
genetic:
- name: Multilocus TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion architecture
association: Positive
presence: Positive
notes: >-
The causative architecture is an inserted pathogenic TTTCA repeat within an
expanded intronic TTTTA tract across at least seven established loci.
Repeat-positive pedigrees show marked somatic and germline instability,
genotype-phenotype correlation with repeat size, and regional clustering of
specific loci.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37021642
reference_title: "Genetics of familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: From linkage studies to noncoding repeat expansions."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
FAME occurs worldwide; however, repeat expansions in particular genes
have regional geographical distributions.
explanation: >-
Supports worldwide occurrence together with regional clustering of
individual FAME loci.
- reference: PMID:39569876
reference_title: "(TTTCA)exp Drives the Genotype-Phenotype Correlation and Genetic Anticipation in FCMTE1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
(TTTCA)exp counts were inversely correlated with the age at onset for
cortical tremor (Spearman's rho = -0.348, P = 0.005) and epilepsy
(Spearman's rho = -0.424, P = 0.003).
explanation: >-
Shows that longer pathogenic TTTCA tracts correlate with earlier onset of
both tremor and epilepsy.
- reference: PMID:40503331
reference_title: "Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of familial adult myoclonus epilepsy in a Chinese case series."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The number of pentanucleotide repeats was extremely unstable, with median
TTTCA repeat sizes ranging from 10 to 647 in the affected members of our
case series under a mean sequence depth of coverage above 50 000.
explanation: >-
Provides direct human evidence for substantial somatic repeat instability
within affected families.
variants:
- name: SAMD12 intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the SAMD12 locus in
which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: SAMD12
term:
id: hgnc:31750
label: SAMD12
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports SAMD12 as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion
loci within FAME.
- name: STARD7 intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the STARD7 locus in
which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: STARD7
term:
id: hgnc:18063
label: STARD7
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports STARD7 as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion
loci within FAME.
- name: MARCHF6 intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the MARCHF6 locus
in which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: MARCHF6
term:
id: hgnc:30550
label: MARCHF6
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports MARCHF6 as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion
loci within FAME.
- name: YEATS2 intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the YEATS2 locus in
which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: YEATS2
term:
id: hgnc:25489
label: YEATS2
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports YEATS2 as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion
loci within FAME.
- name: TNRC6A intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the TNRC6A locus in
which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: TNRC6A
term:
id: hgnc:11969
label: TNRC6A
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports TNRC6A as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion
loci within FAME.
- name: RAPGEF2 intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the RAPGEF2 locus
in which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: RAPGEF2
term:
id: hgnc:16854
label: RAPGEF2
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports RAPGEF2 as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion
loci within FAME.
- name: RAI1 intronic TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion
description: >-
Pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion at the RAI1 locus in
which an expanded TTTTA tract contains inserted TTTCA motifs.
gene:
preferred_term: RAI1
term:
id: hgnc:9834
label: RAI1
clinical_significance: PATHOGENIC
type: intronic_pentanucleotide_repeat_expansion
functional_effects:
- function: transcribed repeat RNA behavior
description: >-
Pathogenic TTTCA-containing expansion gives rise to toxic UUUCA repeat
RNA foci rather than a simple host-gene dosage defect.
type: toxic RNA gain-of-function
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
To date, intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in at least seven
genes, including SAMD12, TNRC6A, YEATS2, MARCHF6, STARD7, RAPGEF2, and
RAI1, have been reported as causative.
explanation: >-
Supports RAI1 as one of the established pathogenic repeat-expansion loci
within FAME.
pathophysiology:
- name: SAMD12 locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The SAMD12 repeat-positive subtype is driven by a SAMD12 intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- SAMD12 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: SAMD12
term:
id: hgnc:31750
label: SAMD12
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: STARD7 locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The STARD7 repeat-positive subtype is driven by a STARD7 intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- STARD7 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: STARD7
term:
id: hgnc:18063
label: STARD7
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: MARCHF6 locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The MARCHF6 repeat-positive subtype is driven by a MARCHF6 intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- MARCHF6 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: MARCHF6
term:
id: hgnc:30550
label: MARCHF6
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: YEATS2 locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The YEATS2 repeat-positive subtype is driven by a YEATS2 intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- YEATS2 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: YEATS2
term:
id: hgnc:25489
label: YEATS2
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: TNRC6A locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The TNRC6A repeat-positive subtype is driven by a TNRC6A intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- TNRC6A repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: TNRC6A
term:
id: hgnc:11969
label: TNRC6A
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: RAPGEF2 locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The RAPGEF2 repeat-positive subtype is driven by a RAPGEF2 intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- RAPGEF2 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: RAPGEF2
term:
id: hgnc:16854
label: RAPGEF2
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: RAI1 locus-specific repeat expansion
description: >-
The RAI1 repeat-positive subtype is driven by a RAI1 intronic
TTTCA-containing pentanucleotide repeat expansion.
role: trigger
subtypes:
- RAI1 repeat form
genes:
- preferred_term: RAI1
term:
id: hgnc:9834
label: RAI1
downstream:
- target: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
- name: TTTCA-containing intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion
description: >-
The core molecular lesion is an intronic TTTTA expansion containing
pathogenic TTTCA insertions in one of the established FAME loci: SAMD12,
STARD7, MARCHF6, YEATS2, TNRC6A, RAPGEF2, or RAI1.
conforms_to: "fame_pentanucleotide_repeat_rna_toxicity#Pathogenic TTTCA-Containing Pentanucleotide Repeat Expansion"
role: trigger
mechanisms:
- repeat expansion
- toxic RNA gain-of-function
genes:
- preferred_term: SAMD12
term:
id: hgnc:31750
label: SAMD12
- preferred_term: STARD7
term:
id: hgnc:18063
label: STARD7
- preferred_term: MARCHF6
term:
id: hgnc:30550
label: MARCHF6
- preferred_term: YEATS2
term:
id: hgnc:25489
label: YEATS2
- preferred_term: TNRC6A
term:
id: hgnc:11969
label: TNRC6A
- preferred_term: RAPGEF2
term:
id: hgnc:16854
label: RAPGEF2
- preferred_term: RAI1
term:
id: hgnc:9834
label: RAI1
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40200849
reference_title: "Repeat Expansions with Small TTTCA Insertions in MARCHF6 Cause Familial Myoclonus without Epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
FAME is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by the same intronic
TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion in seven distinct genes. TTTTA-only
expansions are benign, whereas those containing TTTCA insertions are
pathogenic.
explanation: >-
Supports the shared mechanistic lesion across the currently established
FAME loci.
- reference: PMID:37994247
reference_title: "Pentanucleotide Repeat Insertions in RAI1 Cause Benign Adult Familial Myoclonic Epilepsy Type 8."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We identified TTTTA repeat expansions and TTTCA repeat insertions in
intron 4 of the RAI1 gene that co-segregated with disease status in this
family.
explanation: >-
Extends the same molecular mechanism to the seventh currently established
locus and supports locus heterogeneity within a single repeat-driven
disease unit.
downstream:
- target: UUUCA repeat RNA toxicity
- name: UUUCA repeat RNA toxicity
description: >-
The leading shared mechanism is toxicity from transcribed UUUCA repeat RNA
with nuclear foci formation, rather than a simple consequence of altered
host-gene dosage.
conforms_to: "fame_pentanucleotide_repeat_rna_toxicity#UUUCA Repeat RNA Toxicity"
role: central_effector
mechanisms:
- toxic RNA gain-of-function
cell_types:
- preferred_term: neuron
term:
id: CL:0000540
label: neuron
- preferred_term: Purkinje cell
term:
id: CL:0000121
label: Purkinje cell
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41850906
reference_title: "RNA Toxicity and Interacting RNA-Binding Protein NOVA2 of (UUUCA)exp RNA Foci in Familial Cortical Myoclonic Tremor with Epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
First, (TTTCA)exp insertion neither altered SAMD12 expression nor
translates into repeat peptides. Second, (UUUCA)exp RNA foci were
detected in both the constructed cell line and iPSC-neurons, and
presented toxicity effects.
explanation: >-
Supports host-gene-independent RNA-foci toxicity while arguing against
repeat peptide production in iPSC-neuron models.
- reference: PMID:37994247
reference_title: "Pentanucleotide Repeat Insertions in RAI1 Cause Benign Adult Familial Myoclonic Epilepsy Type 8."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
CONCLUSIONS: These findings establish a new type of BAFME, BAFME8, in an
African family and suggest that haploinsufficiency is unlikely to be the
main pathomechanism of BAFME.
explanation: >-
Supports a host-gene-independent disease mechanism and argues against
simple haploinsufficiency as the common explanation.
downstream:
- target: NOVA2-mediated neuronal alternative splicing dysregulation
description: >-
UUUCA repeat RNA can bind the neuronal splice regulator NOVA2 and disrupt
downstream neuronal splicing programs.
- target: Cerebellocortical circuit dysfunction
- name: NOVA2-mediated neuronal alternative splicing dysregulation
description: >-
UUUCA repeat RNA interacts with NOVA2, disturbs its nuclear distribution,
and disrupts neuronal alternative splicing in patient-derived neurons.
role: amplifier
genes:
- preferred_term: NOVA2
term:
id: hgnc:7887
label: NOVA2
cell_types:
- preferred_term: neuron
term:
id: CL:0000540
label: neuron
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: RNA splicing
term:
id: GO:0008380
label: RNA splicing
modifier: DYSREGULATED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41850906
reference_title: "RNA Toxicity and Interacting RNA-Binding Protein NOVA2 of (UUUCA)exp RNA Foci in Familial Cortical Myoclonic Tremor with Epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Third, NOVA2, a neuron-specific splicing regulator, was identified as
the key RNA-binding protein interacting with (UUUCA)exp RNA.
explanation: >-
Identifies NOVA2 as the key RNA-binding protein linking UUUCA RNA foci to
downstream neuronal dysfunction.
- reference: PMID:41850906
reference_title: "RNA Toxicity and Interacting RNA-Binding Protein NOVA2 of (UUUCA)exp RNA Foci in Familial Cortical Myoclonic Tremor with Epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Shared synaptic-related pathways of alternative splicing events were
observed in both FCMTE1-iPSC-neurons and NOVA target genes.
explanation: >-
Supports a downstream effect of the NOVA2 defect on synapse-related
transcript programs.
downstream:
- target: Synapse-related transcript isoform dysregulation
description: >-
NOVA2 disruption changes isoform usage among transcripts encoding
synaptic proteins.
- name: Synapse-related transcript isoform dysregulation
description: >-
The neuronal splicing defect preferentially affects transcripts encoding
synaptic proteins, altering the isoform composition of synapse-associated
gene products rather than implying that splicing itself occurs at the
synapse.
role: amplifier
cell_types:
- preferred_term: neuron
term:
id: CL:0000540
label: neuron
cellular_components:
- preferred_term: synapse
term:
id: GO:0045202
label: synapse
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41850906
reference_title: "RNA Toxicity and Interacting RNA-Binding Protein NOVA2 of (UUUCA)exp RNA Foci in Familial Cortical Myoclonic Tremor with Epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Shared synaptic-related pathways of alternative splicing events were
observed in both FCMTE1-iPSC-neurons and NOVA target genes.
explanation: >-
Supports a downstream defect in splice isoforms of synapse-related
transcripts, linking the nuclear NOVA2 defect to synaptic gene programs.
downstream:
- target: Cerebellocortical circuit dysfunction
- target: Cortical hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility
- name: Cerebellocortical circuit dysfunction
description: >-
Repeat-positive FAME is not purely cortical; available human data support a
combined cortex-cerebellum disorder in which cerebellar dysfunction may
shape or amplify cortical hyperexcitability.
conforms_to: "fame_pentanucleotide_repeat_rna_toxicity#Cerebellocortical Circuit Dysfunction"
role: amplifier
cell_types:
- preferred_term: neuron
term:
id: CL:0000540
label: neuron
- preferred_term: Purkinje cell
term:
id: CL:0000121
label: Purkinje cell
locations:
- preferred_term: cerebral cortex
term:
id: UBERON:0000956
label: cerebral cortex
- preferred_term: cerebellum
term:
id: UBERON:0002037
label: cerebellum
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: chemical synaptic transmission
term:
id: GO:0007268
label: chemical synaptic transmission
modifier: DYSREGULATED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371086
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Non-Coding Repeat Expansion Disorder of Cerebellar-Thalamic-Cortical Loop."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Moreover, neuroimaging studies and postmortem autoptic studies indicate
cerebellar alterations and abnormal functional connectivity between the
cerebellum and cerebrum in FAME.
explanation: >-
Supports a combined cerebellocortical network disorder with abnormal
cerebellum-cerebrum connectivity.
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Neuroimaging studies typically show mild cerebellar atrophy or
nonspecific structural changes on magnetic resonance imaging.
explanation: >-
Adds clinical imaging evidence that cerebellar involvement belongs within
the canonical phenotype.
downstream:
- target: Cortical hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility
- name: Cortical hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility
description: >-
The final common electrophysiological state is cortical hyperexcitability,
producing cortical tremor/myoclonus and susceptibility to generalized
epileptic seizures.
conforms_to: "fame_pentanucleotide_repeat_rna_toxicity#Cortical Hyperexcitability and Seizure Susceptibility"
role: effector
consequences:
- Tremor
- Myoclonus
- Seizures
cell_types:
- preferred_term: pyramidal neuron
term:
id: CL:0000598
label: pyramidal neuron
locations:
- preferred_term: cerebral cortex
term:
id: UBERON:0000956
label: cerebral cortex
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: chemical synaptic transmission
term:
id: GO:0007268
label: chemical synaptic transmission
modifier: DYSREGULATED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Electrophysiological examinations are essential in demonstrating cortical
hyperexcitability and confirming the cortical origin of myoclonus.
explanation: >-
Establishes cortical hyperexcitability as the proximate disease state
linking the repeat mechanism to the clinical syndrome.
- reference: PMID:37371086
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Non-Coding Repeat Expansion Disorder of Cerebellar-Thalamic-Cortical Loop."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Neurophysiological investigations as jerk-locked back averaging (JLBA)
and corticomuscular coherence analysis, giant somatosensory evoked
potentials (SEPs), and the presence of long-latency reflex I (or C
reflex) at rest support cortical tremor as the result of the
sensorimotor cortex hyperexcitability.
explanation: >-
Details the electrophysiological tests that demonstrate the hallmark
cortical hyperexcitability state.
downstream:
- target: Tremor
- target: Myoclonus
- target: Seizures
phenotypes:
- name: Tremor
category: Neurological
diagnostic: true
notes: >-
Tremorlike distal jerks of the hands often represent the earliest recognized
manifestation of cortical myoclonus.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tremor
term:
id: HP:0001337
label: Tremor
phenotype_contexts:
- onset:
min_age_years: 10.0
max_age_years: 22.0
notes: Median onset in one repeat-positive cohort was 16.4 years.
notes: >-
Tremorlike cortical myoclonus typically begins in the second decade and
is often the earliest recognized clinical manifestation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32194077
reference_title: "Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy: TTTCA/TTTTA repeat expansions and expanding phenotype in two Chinese families."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
All seven affected living patients had cortical tremor with a median
age at onset of 16.4 years (range, 10-22 years).
explanation: >-
Supports typical second-decade onset for tremorlike cortical
manifestations.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40571639
reference_title: "[Molecular genetics of benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) is an autosomal
dominantly inherited disease characterized by infrequent seizures and
tremorous myoclonus.
explanation: >-
Supports tremorlike myoclonus as part of the defining clinical
presentation.
- name: Myoclonus
category: Neurological
diagnostic: true
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Myoclonus
term:
id: HP:0001336
label: Myoclonus
phenotype_contexts:
- onset:
min_age_years: 10.0
max_age_years: 22.0
notes: Median onset in one repeat-positive cohort was 16.4 years.
notes: >-
Cortical myoclonus usually begins with the same late-adolescent or early
adult onset pattern as the tremorlike distal jerks.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32194077
reference_title: "Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy: TTTCA/TTTTA repeat expansions and expanding phenotype in two Chinese families."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
All seven affected living patients had cortical tremor with a median
age at onset of 16.4 years (range, 10-22 years).
explanation: >-
Supports early onset of the cortical myoclonus/tremor complex.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
The key clinical manifestations include an autosomal dominant family
history, tremorlike cortical myoclonus, generalized tonic-clonic
seizures, photosensitivity, mild cognitive impairment, and other
associated symptoms.
explanation: >-
Identifies cortical myoclonus as the defining neurological phenotype.
- name: Seizures
category: Neurological
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: >-
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the dominant epileptic phenotype and
myoclonic seizures can also occur, but seizure burden is often low.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Seizure
term:
id: HP:0001250
label: Seizure
phenotype_contexts:
- onset:
mean_age_years: 36.5
notes: >-
In one FCMTE1 cohort, seizures began on average 6.9 years later than
cortical tremor and usually emerged in adulthood.
notes: >-
Seizures usually arise after the onset of cortical tremor/myoclonus and
often cluster in the third to fourth decades.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38059543
reference_title: "Seizures and electrophysiological features in familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy 1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The seizures onset age was 36.5 ± 9.0 years, which was 6.9 years later
than cortical tremors.
explanation: >-
Supports later adult onset of seizures relative to cortical
tremor/myoclonus.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38059543
reference_title: "Seizures and electrophysiological features in familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy 1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Ninety-seven (77.6%, 97/125) patients had experienced seizures.
explanation: >-
77.6% falls in the FREQUENT band (30-79%) and supports seizures as a
common phenotype across repeat-positive FAME.
- reference: PMID:40571639
reference_title: "[Molecular genetics of benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy]."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) is an autosomal
dominantly inherited disease characterized by infrequent seizures and
tremorous myoclonus.
explanation: >-
Supports seizures as a core but often less prominent phenotype than
myoclonus.
- reference: PMID:37287551
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonic Epilepsy: Clinical and Genetic Approach to an Under-recognized Disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Generalized tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures are the most common types
of seizures which develop later in the course of the disease.
explanation: >-
Clarifies the dominant seizure types and their later emergence in disease
course.
- name: Photosensitivity
category: Neurological
frequency: OCCASIONAL
notes: >-
Light sensitivity and photoparoxysmal responses are recurrent but often
under-recognized features in FAME and can help distinguish it from
essential tremor.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38059543
reference_title: "Seizures and electrophysiological features in familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy 1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Thirty-one patients (24.8%, 31/125) reported photosensitivity history,
and 79.5% (31/39) had a photoparoxysmal response.
explanation: >-
Supports photosensitivity as an OCCASIONAL clinical feature and
documents frequent photoparoxysmal responses among tested patients.
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Notably, photosensitivity is confirmed by clinical, electrophysiological,
and neuroimaging evidence, highlighting its significant yet
underestimated role in the underlying etiology of FAME.
explanation: >-
Supports photosensitivity as a diagnostically meaningful but
under-recognized feature of FAME.
- name: Cognitive impairment
category: Neurological
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cognitive impairment
term:
id: HP:0100543
label: Cognitive impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37287551
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonic Epilepsy: Clinical and Genetic Approach to an Under-recognized Disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Additional clinical symptoms enlarging the clinical spectrum have been
described, such as cognitive decline, migraine, night blindness.
explanation: >-
Supports cognitive impairment as part of the expanded clinical spectrum in
some repeat-positive FAME families.
- name: Migraine
category: Neurological
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Migraine
term:
id: HP:0002076
label: Migraine
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37287551
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonic Epilepsy: Clinical and Genetic Approach to an Under-recognized Disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Additional clinical symptoms enlarging the clinical spectrum have been
described, such as cognitive decline, migraine, night blindness.
explanation: >-
Supports migraine as an additional but non-core phenotype within the FAME
spectrum.
- name: Night blindness
category: Ophthalmologic
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Night blindness
term:
id: HP:0000662
label: Nyctalopia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37287551
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonic Epilepsy: Clinical and Genetic Approach to an Under-recognized Disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Additional clinical symptoms enlarging the clinical spectrum have been
described, such as cognitive decline, migraine, night blindness.
explanation: >-
Supports night blindness as a reported additional clinical feature in some
families.
- name: Cerebellar atrophy
category: Neurological
severity: Mild
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cerebellar atrophy
term:
id: HP:0001272
label: Cerebellar atrophy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Neuroimaging studies typically show mild cerebellar atrophy or
nonspecific structural changes on magnetic resonance imaging.
explanation: >-
Supports mild cerebellar atrophy as a recurring imaging phenotype.
diagnosis:
- name: Electrophysiological evidence of cortical hyperexcitability
description: >-
EEG and specialized neurophysiology help distinguish FAME from essential
tremor, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and progressive myoclonus epilepsies
by demonstrating cortical myoclonus and characteristic epileptiform
patterns.
results: >-
Giant SEPs, long-loop/C reflexes, JLBA or corticomuscular coherence, plus
EEG evidence such as occipital-predominant interictal epileptiform
discharges or photosensitivity, support the diagnosis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37371086
reference_title: "Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Non-Coding Repeat Expansion Disorder of Cerebellar-Thalamic-Cortical Loop."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Neurophysiological investigations as jerk-locked back averaging (JLBA)
and corticomuscular coherence analysis, giant somatosensory evoked
potentials (SEPs), and the presence of long-latency reflex I (or C
reflex) at rest support cortical tremor as the result of the
sensorimotor cortex hyperexcitability.
explanation: >-
Supports the core electrophysiological diagnostic signature of cortical
hyperexcitability.
- reference: PMID:38059543
reference_title: "Seizures and electrophysiological features in familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy 1."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were recorded in 69.1% (56/81)
of patients. Thirty-three patients showed generalized IEDs and 72.7%
(24/33) were occipitally dominant, while 23 patients presented with focal
IEDs with 65.2% (15/23) taking place over the occipital lobe.
explanation: >-
Provides a distinctive EEG pattern that helps point the workup toward
FAME.
- name: Molecular repeat expansion testing
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: genetic testing
term:
id: MAXO:0000127
label: genetic testing
description: >-
Repeat-primed PCR can be used for initial screening, but molecular
confirmation generally requires long-read sequencing because conventional
short-read, exome, or Sanger approaches do not reliably resolve these
intronic repeat expansions or their motif composition.
results: >-
Detection of a pathogenic TTTCA-containing intronic repeat expansion at one
of the known FAME loci confirms the diagnosis and can define the subtype.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40503331
reference_title: "Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of familial adult myoclonus epilepsy in a Chinese case series."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Repeat-primed PCR was used for initial screening. Long-range PCR-based
enrichment, followed by targeted deep HiFi long-read sequencing, was
performed to precisely clarify the detailed information of causative
pentanucleotide TTTTA/TTTCA repeat expansion.
explanation: >-
Supports a practical workflow of screening followed by long-read
resolution of the pathogenic repeat architecture.
- reference: PMID:41219789
reference_title: "Targeted nanopore long-read sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of intronic expansion in familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Detecting these repeat expansions using conventional sequencing
techniques (Sanger or short-read next-generation sequencing) is not
feasible as they cannot reliably span or characterize long repetitive
elements.
explanation: >-
Shows why standard sequencing approaches frequently miss FAME expansions.
- reference: PMID:40788430
reference_title: "First clinical diagnosis of FAME3 via commercial Long-Read sequencing reveals mosaic repeat expansion in MARCHF6 gene."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Conventional genetic testing often fails to detect this expansion due to
its repetitive structure and intronic location.
explanation: >-
Independently confirms the diagnostic limitation of conventional testing
in another FAME locus.
differential_diagnoses:
- name: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
description: >-
JME can resemble FAME through generalized tonic-clonic and myoclonic
seizures, but it lacks the characteristic cortical tremor phenotype and
shared intronic pentanucleotide repeat mechanism.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36751956
reference_title: "Differential diagnosis of familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
The phenotypic features of FAME, including generalized tonic-clonic and
myoclonic seizures, are also seen in other epilepsy syndromes, such as
juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, with a resultant risk of misdiagnosis and
lack of identification of the underlying cause.
explanation: >-
Directly identifies JME as a major epilepsy differential for FAME.
- name: Essential tremor
description: >-
Cortical tremor in FAME is frequently mistaken for essential tremor unless
cortical hyperexcitability is specifically sought on neurophysiological
testing.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36751956
reference_title: "Differential diagnosis of familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Cortical myoclonus may mimic essential tremor or drug-induced tremor.
explanation: >-
Directly supports essential tremor as a common movement-disorder
differential.
- name: Progressive myoclonus epilepsy
description: >-
Younger FAME patients can be mistaken for progressive myoclonus epilepsy,
but the later onset, usually benign seizure course, and shared repeat
mechanism distinguish repeat-positive FAME.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36751956
reference_title: "Differential diagnosis of familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
In younger individuals, the differential diagnosis includes progressive
myoclonus epilepsies (PMEs), such as Unverricht-Lundborg disease,
whereas, in adulthood, late-onset variants of PMEs, such as sialidoses,
myoclonus epilepsy, and ataxia due to potassium channel pathogenic
variants should be considered.
explanation: >-
Supports PME syndromes as an important differential diagnosis across age
groups.
treatments:
- name: Anticonvulsant agent therapy
description: >-
Antiseizure medications remain the baseline symptomatic treatment for the
epilepsy component of FAME, although they often do not adequately control
cortical tremor or myoclonus.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: anticonvulsant agent therapy
term:
id: MAXO:0000167
label: anticonvulsant agent therapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: valproic acid
term:
id: CHEBI:39867
label: valproic acid
- preferred_term: levetiracetam
term:
id: CHEBI:6437
label: levetiracetam
- preferred_term: benzodiazepine
term:
id: CHEBI:22720
label: benzodiazepine
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Seizure
term:
id: HP:0001250
label: Seizure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39533755
reference_title: "Clinical efficacy of low-dose Perampanel correlates with neurophysiological changes in familial adult myoclonus epilepsy 2."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME) management relies on antiseizure
medications (ASMs), which inadequately address myoclonus and cortical
tremor.
explanation: >-
Supports ASM-based symptomatic management while noting that nonseizure
symptoms often remain undertreated.
- reference: PMID:40747611
reference_title: "Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: A comprehensive diagnostic strategy for clinical practice."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Antiseizure medications are the cornerstone of FAME treatment, with a
combination of valproate or levetiracetam with benzodiazepines serving as
the first-line therapy.
explanation: >-
Supports valproate- or levetiracetam-based regimens with
benzodiazepines as named first-line pharmacotherapy for the epilepsy
component of FAME.
- name: Perampanel therapy
description: >-
Low-dose perampanel is the best-supported targeted symptomatic therapy for
cortical myoclonus in FAME and is associated with improved myoclonus scores
together with reduced sensorimotor hyperexcitability.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: pharmacotherapy
term:
id: MAXO:0000058
label: pharmacotherapy
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Myoclonus
term:
id: HP:0001336
label: Myoclonus
- preferred_term: Tremor
term:
id: HP:0001337
label: Tremor
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39533755
reference_title: "Clinical efficacy of low-dose Perampanel correlates with neurophysiological changes in familial adult myoclonus epilepsy 2."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
PER treatment significantly reduced UMRS total scores (p = 0.001) and
action-myoclonus subscores (p = 0.002), irrespective of disease
duration, age at onset, or testing time (p >0.05).
explanation: >-
Directly supports clinical improvement of myoclonus with low-dose
perampanel.
- reference: PMID:39533755
reference_title: "Clinical efficacy of low-dose Perampanel correlates with neurophysiological changes in familial adult myoclonus epilepsy 2."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In conclusion, low-dose PER is well tolerated and effective in
alleviating myoclonus in FAME2 patients, supported by its modulatory
effects on glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal circuits.
explanation: >-
Supports both tolerability and a plausible circuit-level mechanism for
the symptomatic benefit.
- name: Deep brain stimulation (experimental)
description: >-
Thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation is being
explored as an adjunctive intervention for refractory familial cortical
myoclonus with epilepsy.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: deep brain stimulation
term:
id: MAXO:0000943
label: deep brain stimulation
located_in:
preferred_term: thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus
term:
id: UBERON:0001925
label: ventral lateral nucleus of thalamus
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Myoclonus
term:
id: HP:0001336
label: Myoclonus
- preferred_term: Tremor
term:
id: HP:0001337
label: Tremor
evidence:
- reference: clinicaltrials:NCT06593444
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The primary objective of this research is to study the efficacy and
safety of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of Thalamic Ventral Intermediate
as adjunctive therapy for alleviating symptoms in refractory familial
cortical myoclonus with epilepsy.
explanation: >-
Supports an active interventional effort to use VIM-DBS for refractory
symptoms.
- name: Genetic counseling
description: >-
Genetic counseling is important because the disorder is autosomal dominant,
can show anticipation, and is commonly misdiagnosed before molecular
confirmation.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: genetic counseling
term:
id: MAXO:0000079
label: genetic counseling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36751956
reference_title: "Differential diagnosis of familial adult myoclonic epilepsy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Recognition of FAME will inform prognostic and genetic counseling and
diagnosis of the insidious progression, which may occur in older
individuals who show mild cognitive deterioration.
explanation: >-
Directly supports the value of genetic counseling in FAME care.
Question: You are an expert researcher providing comprehensive, well-cited information.
Provide detailed information focusing on: 1. Key concepts and definitions with current understanding 2. Recent developments and latest research (prioritize 2023-2024 sources) 3. Current applications and real-world implementations 4. Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources 5. Relevant statistics and data from recent studies
Format as a comprehensive research report with proper citations. Include URLs and publication dates where available. Always prioritize recent, authoritative sources and provide specific citations for all major claims.
Please provide a comprehensive research report on Pentanucleotide Repeat Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy covering all of the disease characteristics listed below. This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry. Be thorough and cite primary literature (PMID preferred) for all claims.
For each section, suggested databases/resources are listed. These are the first places you should search for information on each topic.
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, ICD-10/ICD-11, MeSH, PubMed
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, UpToDate, clinical guidelines, ClinVar, ClinGen, GWAS Catalog, PheGenI, CTD, CDC, WHO, epidemiological databases
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinical trial databases, GWAS Catalog, gnomAD, WHO, CDC, nutrition databases
Search first: CTD, PubMed, PheGenI, GxE databases
Search first: HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology), OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, MedDRA, SNOMED CT, DECIPHER, LOINC
For each phenotype, provide: - Phenotype type: symptoms, clinical signs, physical manifestations, behavioral changes, or laboratory abnormalities
For symptoms/signs: HPO, OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed For behavioral changes: HPO, DSM, RDoC (Research Domain Criteria), PubMed For laboratory abnormalities: LOINC, SNOMED CT, LabTests Online, PubMed - Phenotype characteristics: Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed - Age of symptom onset (neonatal, childhood, adult-onset, late-onset) - Symptom severity (mild, moderate, severe, variable) - Symptom progression (stable, progressive, episodic, fluctuating) - Frequency among affected individuals (percentage or qualitative) - Quality of life impact: Effects on daily functioning and well-being (per-phenotype when possible) Search first: EQ-5D database, SF-36, WHO QOL databases, PubMed - Suggest HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology) terms for each phenotype
Search first: OMIM, ClinVar, HGMD, Ensembl, NCBI Gene
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
Search first: DECIPHER, ClinVar, ECARUCA, UCSC Genome Browser
Search first: CTD (Comparative Toxicogenomics Database), TOXNET, PubMed, EPA databases
Search first: CDC databases, WHO, PubMed, NHANES
Search first: NCBI Taxonomy, ViPR, BV-BRC, MicrobeDB, GIDEON
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Pentanucleotide repeat familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME), also widely reported as benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy (BAFME) or familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE), is an autosomal dominant epilepsy/movement disorder characterized by a cortical tremor/cortical myoclonus phenotype and infrequent generalized seizures. The defining molecular etiology is a non-coding intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansion—typically an expanded (TTTTA)n tract with an inserted (TTTCA)n (or related motifs such as ATTTC or TTTGA) occurring in multiple unrelated genes, suggesting a gene-independent repeat-toxicity mechanism. Recent work (2024) expanded the list of causal loci to include RAI1 (BAFME8), emphasizing ongoing locus discovery and the diagnostic importance of long-read sequencing and repeat-primed PCR. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 2-4, yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3)
FAME/BAFME/FCMTE is a rare, typically slowly progressive autosomal dominant disorder with a core phenotype of cortical tremor and cortical myoclonus and later-onset epileptic seizures. A 2023 review summarizes: “FAME is characterized by cortical tremor and myoclonus usually manifesting within the second decade of life, and infrequent seizures by the third or fourth decade.” (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2)
Commonly used names/acronyms include: - Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME) (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2) - Benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy (BAFME) (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, depienne2023maagdenberg pages 1-3) - Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE) (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3, depienne2023maagdenberg pages 1-3) - Autosomal dominant cortical myoclonus and epilepsy (ADCME) (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3) - Familial essential myoclonus and epilepsy (FEME) (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2)
In the retrieved evidence, numeric identifiers (OMIM/Orphanet/MONDO/ICD/MeSH codes) were not accessible. However, multiple sources explicitly describe classic linkage loci corresponding to historical subtype nomenclature: - FAME1 (8q23.3–q24.1) - FAME2 (2p11.1–q12.1) - FAME3 (5p15.31–p15.1) - FAME4 (3q26.32–3q28) (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2)
The current synthesis is derived primarily from aggregated disease-level resources (reviews and multi-family genetic studies) and also includes pedigree-based primary human studies (e.g., multi-generation families, segregation analyses). (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2, liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 3-4)
FAME is a Mendelian disorder driven by intronic non-coding repeat expansions with common pathogenic motifs (TTTTA/TTTCA and related) inserted/expanded in multiple genes. A 2023 Cells review states: “the genetic mechanism underlying FAME consists of the expansion of similar non-coding pentanucleotide repeats, TTTCA and TTTTA, in different genes.” (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2)
Multiple lines of evidence support that the repeat itself is pathogenic and that simple loss-of-function of the host gene is unlikely: - STARD7 FAME2 study reports RNA-seq in patient fibroblasts showing no accumulation of repeat RNA and no reduction of STARD7 expression, supporting a repeat-driven mechanism rather than straightforward gene expression loss. (corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2) - RAI1 BAFME8 study reports leukocyte RAI1 RNA levels in affected individuals similar to controls and concludes “haploinsufficiency is unlikely to be the main pathomechanism of BAFME.” (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3)
Environmental causal risk factors are not established in the available evidence.
No validated protective genetic or environmental factors were identified in the retrieved evidence.
No direct gene–environment interaction studies were identified in the retrieved evidence; however, seizures/myoclonus are often trigger-sensitive (photic stimulation, stress, alcohol, sleep deprivation), indicating that environmental exposures can modulate symptom expression in genetically affected individuals. (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6)
FAME is defined by cortical tremor and multifocal cortical myoclonus with distal predominance, often affecting hands/fingers and sometimes eyelids/face and lower limbs. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6)
Seizures are typically less frequent than the movement phenotype; a 2023 review reports seizures can be infrequent, sometimes “5–10 episodes over a lifetime,” generally responsive to monotherapy. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6)
Reported comorbidities across pedigrees include migraine, psychiatric symptoms (anxiety/depression/personality traits), subtle cerebellar signs (postural ataxia; downbeat nystagmus), rare night blindness, and cognitive impairment especially in older individuals. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2)
Multiple sources support cortical hyperexcitability with quantitative markers: - EMG bursts ~15–60 ms (often ~50 ms). (peters2022familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) - Giant somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), with thresholds reported as N20–P25 >8.6 µV or P25–N33 >8.4 µV. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) - Jerk-locked back averaging: cortical spikes preceding jerks (latency ≈20 ms hand; ≈30 ms leg). (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7)
A structured phenotype-to-HPO mapping based on the retrieved evidence is provided in the artifact table below.
| Phenotype (plain language) | Suggested HPO term(s) | Typical onset | Notes on frequency / severity / progression | Key supporting evidence / statistics | Supporting citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortical tremor of hands/fingers, often tremor-like but irregular | HP:0001337 Tremor; HP:0002342 Action tremor | Usually 2nd decade; broader reported range 10–60 years or 3–70 years | Core and often first symptom; distal upper limbs predominate; can involve proximal arms and face; slowly progressive and impairs fine motor tasks such as writing/buttoning; often mistaken for essential tremor but lacks true rhythmicity and responds poorly to beta-blockers | Low-amplitude, continuous-arrhythmic finger movements; posture/action enhanced; may worsen with age; slow progression over decades; prevalence estimated <1/35,000 in reviews | (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, peters2022familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) |
| Multifocal cortical myoclonus | HP:0001336 Myoclonus; HP:0001251 Ataxia? | Usually after or with tremor in adolescence/young adulthood; second to third decade typical | Defining feature; multifocal jerks affect fingers, arms, axial muscles, eyelids, and legs; worsens gradually; can interfere with daily activities and occasionally gait in old age | EMG bursts typically ~15–60 ms, commonly ~50 ms; high-frequency arrhythmic/semi-rhythmic jerks around ~10/s; synchronous agonist/antagonist activation; triggered by posture, movement, tendon tap, and sensory stimuli | (peters2022familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) |
| Generalized tonic-clonic seizures | HP:0002069 Generalized tonic-clonic seizure | Usually later than tremor/myoclonus, often 3rd–4th decade; adult onset common | Seizures are often less frequent than myoclonus; usually responsive to monotherapy, but refractory or drug-resistant cases occur in some families | Reported as relatively infrequent, ~5–10 lifetime episodes in review; in one Chinese pedigree all seizures were generalized tonic-clonic, 1–3/year, mean seizure onset 35 ± 5.52 years; GTCS frequency across families reported 15–100% in STARD7 paper summary | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 3-4, corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2) |
| Myoclonic seizures / myoclonic clusters | HP:0002123 Myoclonic seizure | Usually after onset of cortical tremor/myoclonus | Less common than cortical tremor; may precede bilateral tonic-clonic seizures and can cause falls in some patients | Reviews note myoclonic clusters preceding convulsive seizures and photic-provoked myoclonic seizures with falls in some pedigrees | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 4-6) |
| Photosensitivity / stimulus-sensitive attacks | HP:0000613 Photophobia; HP:0007348 Increased susceptibility to photic-induced seizures | Variable; usually after disease onset | Common trigger-related feature rather than constant phenotype | Triggers include photic stimulation, emotional stress, alcohol, and sleep deprivation; interictal generalized epileptiform discharges and photosensitivity may occur on EEG | (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, peters2022familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) |
| Cerebellar signs (postural ataxia, eye movement abnormalities) | HP:0001251 Ataxia; HP:0002418 Nystagmus; HP:0000648 Smooth pursuit pursuit interrupted? | Usually later in disease course, often subtle | Supportive but not universal; may emerge with progression, especially in older individuals | Reported subtle cerebellar signs include postural ataxia, downbeat nystagmus, and impaired smooth pursuit; walking impairment may occur in very old age but patients generally are not bedridden | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 4-6, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) |
| Cognitive decline / memory-visuospatial impairment | HP:0001268 Mental deterioration; HP:0002354 Memory impairment | Usually late, especially older affected individuals | Not universal; slow progression when present | Reviews describe slow cognitive decline, visuospatial and memory deficits, and in some older patients slow-progressive dementia | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 4-6, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) |
| Psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression, personality changes) | HP:0000739 Anxiety; HP:0000716 Depression | Variable, often recognized during chronic disease | Reported relatively frequently in some pedigrees; associated with poorer quality of life | Anxiety, depression, and personality traits reported; myoclonus severity correlated with anxiety; psychiatric burden can worsen functional impact and QoL | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 4-6, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) |
| Migraine | HP:0002076 Migraine | Variable | Comorbidity; not core diagnostic feature | Reported in multiple pedigrees/reviews as part of expanded phenotype | (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) |
| Night blindness / retinal dysfunction | HP:0000662 Nyctalopia | Variable, uncommon | Rare associated phenotype | Review notes rare night blindness and reduced ERG b-wave in some families | (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 4-6) |
| Falls / injury from myoclonus or seizures | HP:0002527 Falls | Later with progression or during provoked seizures | Important quality-of-life impact | Frequent falls can impair QoL; photic-induced myoclonic seizures may cause falls | (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 4-6) |
| EEG evidence of cortical hyperexcitability | HP:0010848 Abnormal EEG | Usually detectable after symptom onset; may evolve over years | Supportive diagnostic biomarker | EEG background may be normal early; later mild slowing occurs; generalized spike-wave frequency reported 4.3 ± 1.0 Hz; JLBA shows contralateral sensorimotor cortical spikes preceding jerks by ~20 ms in hand and ~30 ms in leg | (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) |
| Giant somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) | HP:0033694 Abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials | After symptom onset | Classic electrophysiologic hallmark of cortical myoclonus | Giant SEP thresholds reported as N20–P25 >8.6 µV or P25–N33 >8.4 µV; older review notes P25–N33 larger than 8.5–15 µV | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) |
| Enhanced long-latency reflex / C-reflex | HP:0034248 Abnormal long loop reflex? | After symptom onset | Supportive electrophysiologic sign of cortical origin | Presence of long-latency reflex I (C reflex) at rest or enhanced long-latency reflexes repeatedly cited as supportive of cortical tremor/myoclonus | (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) |
Table: This table summarizes the key clinical phenotypes and neurophysiologic hallmarks reported for pentanucleotide repeat familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME/BAFME/FCMTE). It maps each phenotype to suggested HPO terms, typical onset, progression, quantitative supporting details, and the context citations available in this session.
FAME is genetically heterogeneous at the locus/gene level but mechanistically convergent on similar repeat expansions. A 2023 Epilepsia review summarizes the discovery of “noncoding TTTTA and inserted TTTCA pentanucleotide repeat expansions within six different genes to date (SAMD12, STARD7, MARCHF6, YEATS2, TNRC6A, and RAPGEF2).” (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 1-2)
A key 2024 development is the identification of RAI1 repeat insertions (BAFME8) in a Malian pedigree. (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3)
A structured gene/motif/subtype table is provided here:
| Subtype name(s) | Locus / chromosome | Gene | Repeat motif configuration | Inheritance | Key supporting evidence | Key citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAME1 / BAFME1 / FCMTE1 | 8q23.3–q24.1; intron 4 locus on chr8 | SAMD12 | Expanded TTTTA with inserted TTTCA; rare alternative pathogenic configurations include TTTGA-containing insertions in some pedigrees | Autosomal dominant | Japanese consortium identified expansions in 85 affected individuals from 49 families; expansions ranged ~2.2–18.4 kb and TTTCA was absent in 1000 controls; additional Chinese pedigree showed cosegregation in all 12 living affected members, with maternal anticipation in 6 mother/child pairs; >200 families overall now genetically confirmed across FAME genes (scheffer2018thekeyto pages 2-2, liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 1-3, corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 2-4) | Ishiura et al. 2018, Nat Genet, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-018-0067-2; Liu et al. 2020, Front Neurol, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00068; Corbett et al. 2023, Epilepsia, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.17610 |
| FAME2 / BAFME2 / ADCME | 2p11.1–q12.1; chr2-linked locus | STARD7 | ATTTC expansion (reported with ATTTT/ATTTC context; review literature groups FAME motifs under TTTTA/TTTCA/ATTTC pentanucleotide expansions) | Autosomal dominant | ATTTC expansion in STARD7 segregated in 158/158 affected individuals from 22 pedigrees worldwide; RNA-seq from fibroblasts showed no reduction of STARD7 expression, supporting repeat-driven pathogenesis rather than simple loss of gene function (corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2, depienne2023maagdenberg pages 3-3) | Corbett et al. 2019, Nat Commun, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12671-y |
| FAME3 / BAFME3 / FCMTE3 | 5p15.31–p15.1; first intron on chr5 | MARCHF6 (also written MARCH6/MARCHF6) | 5′-(TTTTA)exp(TTTCA)exp-3′; unstable mixed TTTTA/TTTCA expansion | Autosomal dominant | Identified in 4 European families; nanopore sequencing and molecular combing showed average expansion sizes ~3.3–14 kb; family-level evidence included 24 affected in one pedigree (16 sampled), 14 affected in another (9 sampled), and marked somatic instability with nearby micro-rearrangements in ~20% of cells (florian2019unstablettttatttcaexpansions pages 1-2, florian2019unstablettttatttcaexpansions pages 10-10) | Florian et al. 2019, Nat Commun, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12763-9 |
| FAME4 / BAFME4 | 3q26.32–3q28 | YEATS2 | Review evidence states pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions of the FAME type (TTTTA with inserted TTTCA) occur in YEATS2 | Autosomal dominant | 2023 review lists YEATS2 among the six confirmed genes harboring FAME-causing noncoding pentanucleotide repeat expansions; no segregation counts were provided in the available evidence excerpt (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 1-2, yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3) | Corbett et al. 2023, Epilepsia, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.17610; Yeetong et al. 2024, Mov Disord, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29654 |
| FAME6 / BAFME6 | Not specified in available evidence excerpt | TNRC6A | Review evidence states pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions of the FAME type (TTTTA with inserted TTTCA); separate evidence notes nonpathogenic TTTTA expansion can occur at TNRC6A in some contexts | Autosomal dominant | Included among six confirmed FAME genes in 2023 review; available evidence excerpt does not provide family counts here, and one 2021 study noted associations between pathogenic SAMD12 TTTCA insertion and nonpathogenic TTTTA expansion in TNRC6A (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 1-2) | Corbett et al. 2023, Epilepsia, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.17610 |
| FAME7 / BAFME7 | Intron 14 locus (chromosome not specified in available evidence excerpt) | RAPGEF2 | Review evidence states pathogenic intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions of the FAME type (TTTTA with inserted TTTCA) | Autosomal dominant | Included among six confirmed FAME genes; notable because the expansion is reported in intron 14 rather than intron 1/4 as in most other loci; no segregation counts available in the provided evidence excerpt (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 2-4, corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 1-2) | Corbett et al. 2023, Epilepsia, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.17610 |
| FAME8 / BAFME8 | Intron 4 of RAI1 | RAI1 | TTTTA repeat expansions with TTTCA repeat insertions | Autosomal dominant | Large Malian pedigree with 10 affected members; repeat changes in intron 4 of RAI1 co-segregated with disease; TTTCA repeats were absent in 200 Malian controls; somatic instability observed (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3) | Yeetong et al. 2024, Mov Disord, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29654 |
| Variant motif pedigree within FAME1 spectrum | SAMD12 intron 4 | SAMD12 | TTTGA insertion/expansion reported instead of TTTCA in at least one large Chinese pedigree; review notes pathogenic expansions can include two or more motifs such as TTTCA and TTTGA | Autosomal dominant | Available review evidence states a 5′-(TTTTA)exp(TTTGA)exp-3′ configuration segregated with FAME in a large Chinese pedigree; this is presented as a rare motif variant within SAMD12-associated disease (depienne2023maagdenberg pages 4-4, yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3) | Yeetong et al. 2024, Mov Disord, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29654 |
| Distinct non-pentanucleotide-repeat entity sometimes labeled BAFME5 (not part of pentanucleotide-repeat FAME group) | Not specified in available evidence excerpt | CNTN2 | Homozygous frameshift variant; not a pentanucleotide repeat expansion | Autosomal recessive | 2024 review/evidence explicitly distinguishes BAFME5 as a recessive disorder caused by homozygous CNTN2 frameshift with adolescent-onset seizures then cortical myoclonus, unlike the dominant repeat-expansion forms above (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3) | Yeetong et al. 2024, Mov Disord, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29654 |
Table: This table summarizes the currently supported genetic etiologies for pentanucleotide-repeat familial adult myoclonus epilepsy syndromes, including subtype names, loci, genes, repeat configurations, inheritance, and supporting segregation evidence. It is useful for distinguishing confirmed repeat-expansion forms from related but genetically distinct entities.
The pathogenic lesion is best conceptualized as a structural variant: intronic tandem repeat insertion/expansion.
Quantitative data from the retrieved evidence include: - SAMD12 (FAME1/BAFME1): expansions reported at 2.2–18.4 kb (≈440–3680 repeat units) in affected individuals; evidence of somatic instability; TTTCA absent in 1000 controls while TTTTA expansions present in 5.9% of controls. (scheffer2018thekeyto pages 2-2) - MARCHF6 (FAME3): average expansion sizes ~3.3–14 kb; high somatic instability and micro-rearrangements near expansions in ~20% of cells. (florian2019unstablettttatttcaexpansions pages 1-2) - STARD7 (FAME2): ATTTC expansions segregated in 158/158 affected individuals from 22 pedigrees. (corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2)
Anticipation/instability: - Repeat length inversely correlated with age at onset in SAMD12-linked disease and intergenerational instability consistent with anticipation has been described. (scheffer2018thekeyto pages 2-2) - A Chinese SAMD12 pedigree study reported clinical anticipation of tremor and seizures (average 14 years and 5 years, respectively) and molecular instability across transmissions; another Chinese pedigree also reported maternal anticipation. (liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 3-4, liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 1-3)
No specific modifier genes or epigenetic signatures were identified in the retrieved evidence. The expansion is frequently described as gene-independent in effect, though repeat length/configuration correlates with severity. (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 1-2, depienne2023maagdenberg pages 4-4)
No established environmental causes are reported. However, symptom provocation by triggers (photic stimulation, alcohol, sleep deprivation, stress) is frequently described and is clinically relevant. (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6)
A convergent model supported by recent reviews and postmortem observations is: 1) Intronic pentanucleotide repeat insertion/expansion → 2) Transcription of repeat-containing RNA (UUUCA-containing RNAs in some subtypes) → 3) Formation of nuclear RNA foci and sequestration of RNA-binding proteins (RNA toxicity) → 4) Cerebellar pathology (including Purkinje cell loss in some pedigrees) and cerebello–thalamo–cortical network dysfunction → 5) Reduced sensorimotor cortical inhibition and cortical hyperexcitability → 6) Cortical tremor/cortical myoclonus and generalized seizures. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 9-10, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2)
Evidence from postmortem FAME1 brains shows RNA foci and repeats in both cortical neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells, supporting involvement of these neuronal populations. (depienne2023maagdenberg pages 4-4)
Suggested cell type ontology (CL) terms (inferred from evidence mentioning these cell types): - Purkinje cell: CL:0000121 - Cortical neuron (broad): CL:0000540 (generic neuron) / cortical pyramidal neuron terms may apply depending on specificity
A 2023 Cells review emphasizes imaging and neuropathology suggesting cerebellar alterations and abnormal cerebello-cerebral connectivity, motivating a hypothesis of decreased sensorimotor cortical inhibition through dysfunction of the cerebellar–thalamic–cortical loop. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 9-10)
A broader 2022 pentanucleotide-repeat review notes that RNA foci formation in repeat disorders has been linked to phase separation and perturbation of nuclear membraneless organelles. (loureiro2022molecularmechanismsin pages 1-3)
Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation is discussed as a plausible pathogenic mechanism for repeat disorders and is explicitly raised as a possibility for FAME repeats, but is also noted as not yet demonstrated in FAME in the retrieved excerpt. (depienne2023maagdenberg pages 5-6)
Based on the described mechanisms (RNA foci, neuronal dysfunction, altered inhibition/circuitry), plausible GO terms include: - GO:0003723 RNA binding (for sequestered RBPs; mechanistic context) (loureiro2022molecularmechanismsin pages 1-3) - GO:0010608 posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression (repeat-RNA effects) (loureiro2022molecularmechanismsin pages 1-3) - GO:0007611 learning or memory / GO:0007399 nervous system development (if pursuing cerebellar/cortical circuitry hypotheses) - Cellular component terms relevant to RNA foci: nuclear speck / nucleus (broad)
These GO terms are suggested as ontology anchors; direct GO-annotated experimental evidence was not retrieved in this session.
Primary system: nervous system. Evidence highlights: - Sensorimotor cortex hyperexcitability (neurophysiology) (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) - Cerebellar involvement, including Purkinje cell loss and abnormal connectivity (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 9-10)
Suggested UBERON terms: - Cerebellum: UBERON:0002037 - Cerebral cortex: UBERON:0000956 - Thalamus: UBERON:0001898
Autosomal dominant inheritance is repeatedly emphasized across reviews and primary genetic studies. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2, liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 1-3)
Reviews describe high penetrance but with variable expressivity, including individuals with cortical tremor without epilepsy in some pedigrees. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, florian2019unstablettttatttcaexpansions pages 10-10)
A 2023 Epilepsia review reports founder-effect evidence and timing estimates: - FAME1 expansion estimated ~16,800 years old and predicted to have arrived in Japan ~4,300 years ago. (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 2-4) - Founder effect evidence is reported for Italian FAME2 families. (corbett2023geneticsoffamilial pages 2-4)
Diagnostic evaluation relies on recognition of cortical tremor/cortical myoclonus with supportive neurophysiology: - JLBA, corticomuscular coherence, giant SEPs, and long-latency reflexes/C-reflex support cortical origin. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7)
A modern diagnostic strategy is often multi-modal: 1) Clinical suspicion based on phenotype + electrophysiology (giant SEPs, JLBA). (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 6-7) 2) Targeted repeat assays (repeat-primed PCR) for known motifs/loci. 3) Sequencing-based confirmation and characterization: - Short-read WGS + repeat callers (ExpansionHunter, exSTRa) for screening/outlier detection, acknowledging limitations for long or complex repeats. (corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 6-6, leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 10-12) - Long-read sequencing (ONT/PacBio HiFi) with enrichment or whole-genome approaches to size repeats, resolve motif interruptions, and detect mosaicism. (leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 8-10, yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 3-5)
A key real-world implementation point is that conventional WES may miss these intronic repeats. In a Chinese pedigree study: “Neither causal mutations cosegregated with the disease in the family nor any novel mutation was identified through WES, while an abnormal TTTCA expansion in SAMD12 was identified by RP-PCR and then proved to be cosegregated in the pedigree.” (liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 1-3)
A 2024 methods review (Revue Neurologique; Leitão et al., May 2024; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.005) summarizes trade-offs: - RP-PCR: high-throughput screening but cannot accurately size expansions. (leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 8-10) - Fragment analysis: sizing up to ~700–800 bp. (leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 8-10) - Long-range PCR: amplifies ~10–15 kb with bias toward smaller alleles; useful when paired with long-read sequencing to resolve motif composition and mosaicism. (leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 8-10) - Southern blot: sizes large expansions but laborious, requires large DNA amounts, lacks sequence context. (leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 8-10) - Long-read sequencing: provides direct sizing and motif structure but requires high molecular weight DNA and sufficient coverage and is costlier. (leitao2024identificationandcharacterization pages 10-12)
FAME can be misdiagnosed as: - Essential tremor (phenotypic overlap), but FAME tremor lacks true rhythmicity and has cortical neurophysiology. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6) - Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and other myoclonic epilepsies; progressive myoclonic epilepsies. (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2)
FAME is often described as “benign” historically, but multiple reviews emphasize slow progression and potential late complications: - Gradual worsening of tremor/myoclonus with impaired fine motor skills; possible late ataxia or cognitive decline in some families; rare drug-resistant epilepsy and status epilepticus have been described. (lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3, uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2)
Robust survival statistics and standardized QoL instruments (EQ-5D/SF-36) were not identified in the retrieved evidence.
Evidence from reviews supports: - First-line anti-seizure medications: valproate, levetiracetam, and benzodiazepines for seizure and myoclonus control. (lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) - Some agents may worsen myoclonus or precipitate severe events: - Carbamazepine and gabapentin reported in association with convulsive/status epilepticus in BAFME/FAME. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusa pages 16-16, lagorio2019familialadultmyoclonic pages 2-3) - Other symptomatic strategies: - A nationwide trial evaluated piracetam for myoclonus. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusb pages 16-16) - Low-dose perampanel has been reported to improve refractory cortical myoclonus (review-cited). (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 13-14)
Suggested MAXO terms (examples): - Anti-epileptic drug therapy (MAXO:0000747; approximate) - Benzodiazepine therapy (MAXO term selection depends on MAXO version) - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) (MAXO neuromodulation term)
Low-frequency repetitive TMS over premotor cortex “can improve cortical tremor” (review-cited). (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusb pages 16-16)
Because RNA-mediated toxicity is the leading hypothesis, RNA-targeting approaches (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides; RNA-targeting Cas9) are discussed as conceptual future directions, but no FAME-specific clinical trials were identified in the retrieved evidence. (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonusb pages 16-16)
Seizures often diminish with anti-seizure medications but may not fully cease, as described in a large SAMD12 family followed longitudinally. (zhou2021clinicalandgenomic pages 1-5)
Primary prevention is not currently feasible for a dominantly inherited repeat-expansion disorder.
Applicable prevention strategies include: - Genetic counseling and cascade testing in families once a pathogenic expansion is identified. (implied by autosomal dominant inheritance and repeat-based testing; (liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 1-3)) - Trigger avoidance (sleep deprivation, photic stimulation, alcohol, stress) as a practical seizure prevention strategy. (uzun2023familialadultmyoclonic pages 1-2, cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 4-6)
No naturally occurring veterinary analogs were identified in the retrieved evidence.
Direct model details were not retrievable in this session, but a 2023 mechanistic review notes that progress will require appropriate neuronal models and mentions animal models including mouse, Drosophila, and zebrafish as relevant platforms, and suggests iPSC-derived neurons for mechanistic study because peripheral tissues may not show repeat expression. (depienne2023maagdenberg pages 1-3)
"the genetic mechanism underlying FAME consists of the expansion of similar non-coding pentanucleotide repeats, TTTCA and TTTTA, in different genes" [source: pqac-00000000] (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2) "FAME is characterized by cortical tremor and myoclonus usually manifesting within the second decade of life, and infrequent seizures by the third or fourth decade." [source: pqac-00000000] (cuccurullo2023familialadultmyoclonus pages 1-2) "The ATTTC expansions segregate in 158/158 individuals typically affected by FAME from 22 pedigrees" [source: pqac-00000001] (corbett2019intronicatttcrepeat pages 1-2) "TTTTA repeat expansions and TTTCA repeat insertions in intron 4 of the RAI1gene that co-segregated with disease status in this family." [source: pqac-00000009] (yeetong2024pentanucleotiderepeatinsertions pages 1-3) "Neither causal mutations cosegregated with the disease in the family nor any novel mutation was identified through WES, while an abnormal TTTCA expansion in SAMD12 was identified by RP-PCR and then proved to be cosegregated in the pedigree." [source: pqac-00000024] (liu2020tttcarepeatexpansion pages 1-3) "Using PacBio HiFi long-read whole-genome sequencing and the tandem repeat genotyping tool TRGT, we identified a pathogenic MARCHF6 intronic expansion." [source: pqac-00000017] (florian2019unstablettttatttcaexpansions pages 1-2)
Blockquote: This artifact compiles verbatim quotes supporting the core genetics, phenotype, segregation evidence, recent RAI1 discovery, and modern diagnostic methods for pentanucleotide repeat familial adult myoclonus epilepsy.
References
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Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy (FAME) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder caused by intronic pentanucleotide repeat expansions of TTTCA inserted within polymorphic TTTTA repeats. The identical repeat motif has been identified in seven functionally unrelated genes (SAMD12, STARD7, MARCHF6, YEATS2, TNRC6A, RAPGEF2, and RAI1), establishing FAME as a unique "repeat motif disease" in which the pathogenic mechanism is entirely independent of the host gene's function. The disease is characterized by cortical tremor beginning in the second decade of life, followed by infrequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures by the third to fourth decade. Recent mechanistic studies have identified RNA toxicity — specifically, sequestration of the neuron-specific splicing regulator NOVA2 by UUUCA RNA foci — as the primary pathomechanism, linking FAME to aberrant alternative splicing of critical ion channels and synaptic genes. Despite growing molecular understanding, FAME remains significantly underdiagnosed due to phenotypic overlap with common conditions and the requirement for specialized long-read sequencing for genetic confirmation.
FAME has been described under multiple names in the literature, reflecting its independent discovery by different research groups:
| Acronym | Full Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| FAME | Familial Adult Myoclonus Epilepsy | International consensus |
| BAFME | Benign Adult Familial Myoclonic Epilepsy | Japan |
| FCMTE | Familial Cortical Myoclonic Tremor with Epilepsy | China, Europe |
| FEME | Familial Essential Myoclonus and Epilepsy | Italy |
| ADCME | Autosomal Dominant Cortical Myoclonus and Epilepsy | Various |
FAME presents with a distinctive two-phase clinical course:
Phase 1 — Cortical Tremor (onset: ~2nd decade) - Tremulous, involuntary finger movements — the earliest and most consistent symptom - Fine, irregular, action-induced tremor affecting the distal upper extremities - Cortical origin confirmed by neurophysiological studies (see Section 5) - Often initially misdiagnosed as essential tremor
Phase 2 — Epileptic Seizures (onset: ~3rd–4th decade) - Mean seizure onset age: 36.5 ± 9.0 years (approximately 6.9 years after tremor onset) - Predominant seizure type: generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) - Seizure frequency: rare (<1/year in 58.8%) or occasional (1–6/year in 37.1%) - Prolonged prodromes reported in 57.7% of patients - Myoclonic seizures also occur
| Feature | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cortical tremor | ~100% | Core feature, always present |
| Epileptic seizures | 77.6% | Not all affected individuals develop seizures |
| Interictal epileptiform discharges | 69.1% | On routine EEG |
| Prolonged seizure prodromes | 57.7% | Characteristic of FAME |
| Photosensitivity | 24.8% | Photoparoxysmal response in 79.5% of tested |
| Cognitive decline | Variable | Reported in some subtypes |
| Migraine | Variable | Described as additional feature |
| Night blindness | Rare | Reported in some families |
All FAME subtypes share the same fundamental mutation: insertion of pathogenic (TTTCA) repeats within an expanded (TTTTA) repeat tract in an intron of the affected gene. The general structure is:
Normal allele: ...(TTTTA)₅₋₃₀... (polymorphic, benign)
FAME allele: ...(TTTTA)exp(TTTCA)exp... (pathogenic)
| Subtype | Gene | Locus | OMIM | Ensembl | Geographic Distribution | Year Identified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAME1 | SAMD12 | 8q24.11-q24.12 | 601068 | ENSG00000177570 | Japan, China, Europe | 2018 |
| FAME2 | STARD7 | 2p11.1-q12.2 | 607876 | ENSG00000084090 | Europe (Italy) | 2019 |
| FAME3 | MARCHF6 | 5p15.31-p15.1 | 613608 | ENSG00000145495 | Europe | 2019 |
| FAME4 | YEATS2 | 3q26.32-3q28 | 615127 | ENSG00000163872 | Asia | 2019 |
| FAME6 | TNRC6A | 16p11.2 | 618074 | ENSG00000090905 | Japan | 2018 |
| FAME7 | RAPGEF2 | 4q32.1 | 618075 | ENSG00000109756 | Japan | 2018 |
| FAME8 | RAI1 | 17p11.2 | — | ENSG00000108557 | Africa (Mali) | 2024 |
The seven FAME genes encode proteins with entirely different functions, underscoring the gene-independent nature of the disease:
| Gene | Protein Function |
|---|---|
| SAMD12 | Sterile alpha motif domain protein; predicted role in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling |
| STARD7 | Lipid transfer protein; protective role in mucosal tissues |
| MARCHF6 | Poly-ADP-ribosylation regulator; DNA repair |
| YEATS2 | Chromatin reader; histone acetyltransferase complex component |
| TNRC6A | RNA silencing; required for miRNA/siRNA-mediated repression |
| RAPGEF2 | Guanine nucleotide exchange factor; Rap/Ras GTPase activation |
| RAI1 | Transcriptional regulator of circadian clock components |
Critical insight: FAME expansions do NOT alter the expression of their host genes. The pathomechanism is entirely repeat-dependent, not gene-dependent.
The TTTCA repeat count is the primary driver of phenotypic severity:
FAME subtypes show regional geographic clustering reflecting founder effects: - East Asia (Japan, China): FAME1 (SAMD12) predominates, along with FAME4, FAME6, FAME7 - Europe (Italy, France, Germany): FAME2 (STARD7) and FAME3 (MARCHF6) predominate - Africa (Mali): FAME8 (RAI1) — first FAME type identified on the African continent - FAME almost certainly exists globally but is vastly underdiagnosed outside specialized centers
The most compelling evidence supports an RNA gain-of-function toxicity model:
NOVA2 is a master regulator of neuronal alternative splicing. Protein interaction network analysis (STRING database) reveals high-confidence connections between NOVA2 and critical epilepsy-related genes:
| NOVA2 Target | Score | Function | Disease Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCN1A | 0.700 | Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel | Dravet syndrome gene |
| SCN1B / SCN2B | 0.503/0.541 | Sodium channel beta subunits | Epilepsy genes |
| GABRG2 | 0.589 | GABA-A receptor gamma-2 subunit | Genetic epilepsy gene |
| KCNF1 | 0.708 | Potassium channel subunit | Neuronal repolarization |
| KCNG1 | 0.628 | Potassium channel subunit | Neuronal repolarization |
| GLRA2 | 0.610 | Glycine receptor alpha-2 | Inhibitory neurotransmission |
| RBFOX1 | 0.692 | Splicing regulator | Epilepsy susceptibility gene |
| FMR1 | 0.602 | RNA-binding protein | Fragile X syndrome |
Mechanistic model: NOVA2 sequestration by UUUCA RNA foci → aberrant splicing of ion channels (SCN1A, KCNF1) and neurotransmitter receptors (GABRG2, GLRA2) → disrupted excitation/inhibition balance → cortical hyperexcitability → tremor and seizures.
NOVA2 expression is highest in the cortex (NOVA1 predominates in cerebellum), explaining the preferential cortical involvement in FAME.
FAME involves dysfunction of the cerebellar-thalamic-cortical loop:
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 37 (SCA37) is caused by an ATTTC repeat insertion in an Alu element within DAB1 — a nearly identical repeat motif to FAME's TTTCA. However, SCA37 uses a gene-dependent mechanism: the repeat insertion hyperactivates a neurodevelopmental DAB1 enhancer, leading to DAB1 overexpression and abnormal axonal pathfinding. This contrast demonstrates that genomic context determines pathomechanism: the same repeat motif can cause disease via RNA toxicity (FAME) or gene dysregulation (SCA37) depending on its location relative to regulatory elements.
Diagnostic clues: - Adult-onset tremulous finger movements with cortical electrophysiological signature - Family history consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance - Late-onset, infrequent GTCS - Photosensitivity - Benign, non-progressive course (distinguishes from PMEs)
Neurophysiological workup: - EEG: Generalized and/or focal interictal epileptiform discharges; occipitally dominant - Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs): Giant cortical potentials (enlarged N20-P25) - Long-latency reflex (C-reflex): Enhanced/present at rest - Jerk-locked back averaging (JLBA): Cortical correlate preceding myoclonus - Corticomuscular coherence analysis: Confirms cortical origin
Critical limitation: Standard genetic testing (Sanger sequencing, short-read NGS, exome sequencing, gene panels) CANNOT detect FAME repeat expansions.
Screening: - Repeat-primed PCR (RP-PCR) targeting known FAME loci - Limitation: may miss atypical configurations or very short expansions
Confirmatory: - Long-read sequencing is the gold standard: - Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) with CRISPR-Cas9 enrichment - PacBio HiFi targeted sequencing - Resolves repeat length, motif composition, interruptions, and somatic mosaicism - First targeted clinical diagnostic panel covering all 7 FAME loci developed in 2025 - First commercial clinical long-read diagnosis of FAME3 achieved in 2025
| Condition | Key Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|
| Essential tremor | No cortical electrophysiological signature; no epilepsy; different tremor characteristics |
| Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) | Earlier seizure onset; different EEG pattern; no cortical tremor |
| Progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PMEs) | Progressive course with cognitive decline; distinct genetic causes |
| Unverricht-Lundborg disease | Progressive; onset in childhood/adolescence; CSTB mutations |
| Drug-induced tremor | Medication history; resolves with drug discontinuation |
| Sialidosis (late-onset) | Progressive; cherry-red macular spot; NEU1 mutations |
FAME is significantly underdiagnosed due to: 1. Phenotypic overlap with common conditions (essential tremor, JME) 2. Lack of ILAE classification as a distinct syndrome 3. Requirement for specialized long-read sequencing not available in most clinical labs 4. Low awareness among general neurologists and epileptologists 5. Geographic concentration of expertise in Japan and Europe
No disease-modifying therapy exists. Current management is symptomatic:
| Treatment | Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Perampanel (AMPA antagonist) | Myoclonus, cortical tremor | Best evidence: UMRS total scores reduced (p = 0.001), action-myoclonus subscores reduced (p = 0.002); reduces sensorimotor hyperexcitability |
| Valproate | Seizure control | Standard antiseizure medication |
| Clonazepam | Myoclonus | GABAergic; may improve tremor |
| Levetiracetam | Seizure control | Commonly used |
| Piracetam | Cortical myoclonus | Adjunctive |
Perampanel is the most evidence-based treatment, with demonstrated reduction in both clinical symptoms and neurophysiological markers of cortical hyperexcitability (decreased N33 amplitudes, attenuated glutamatergic facilitation, enhanced GABAergic inhibition).
Based on the RNA toxicity mechanism, several rational therapeutic strategies emerge:
The following figures were generated during this investigation:
Report generated by autonomous scientific discovery agent. Investigation conducted across 3 iterations with 12 confirmed findings based on review of ~30 published papers, database queries (NCBI, UniProt, STRING, ClinicalTrials.gov, Wikidata), and computational network analysis.