Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy with Polyglucosans (Lafora Disease): Evidence for a Third Locus

Lafora disease (LD) is the most common teenage-onset progressive myoclonus epilepsy. It is caused by recessive mutations in the EPM2A or EPM2B genes. The authors describe a family with three affected members with no mutations in either gene. Linkage and haplotype analyses exclude both loci from causative involvement in this family. Therefore, a third LD locus is predicted. Its identification will be a crucial element in the understanding of the biochemical pathway underlying the generation of Lafora bodies and LD.