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Any early infantile epileptic encephalopathy in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the GRIN2B gene.
Features include always present findings: Hypsarrhythmia, Absent speech, Global developmental delay, and Infantile spasms and others; and common findings: Bilateral tonic-clonic seizure, Axial hypotonia, Dystonia, and Feeding difficulties and others. 22 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 13 | Bilateral tonic-clonic seizure, Absent speech, Dystonia |
Muscles | 2 | Axial hypotonia, Low muscle tone (hypotonia) |
Head and neck | 2 | Microcephaly, Mild microcephaly |
Digestive system | 1 | Feeding difficulties |
GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized in all affected individuals by mild to profound developmental delay / intellectual disability (DD/ID). Epilepsy (seen in 51%) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autistic-like behaviors (26%) are common. Other infantile- or childhood-onset findings include microcephaly; muscle tone abnormalities (hypotonia, spasticity); dystonic, dyskinetic, or choreiform movement disorder; and/or cortical visual impairment. To date, fewer than 100 individuals with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder have been reported in cohorts of individuals with DD/ID/ASD, early-onset epilepsy, and malformations of cortical development (MCD). Unless otherwise noted, the information in this section is based on extended data of .
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
GRIN2B encodes glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (1,484 aa). Component of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) that function as heterotetrameric, ligand-gated cation channels with high calcium permeability and voltage-dependent block by Mg(2+). Highest expression in Brain Frontal Cortex BA9 (6.9 TPM) and Brain Nucleus accumbens basal ganglia (5.6 TPM).
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 27 is associated with mutations in the GRIN2B gene on chromosome 12.
The GRIN2B protein participates in GRIN2B gene expression is inhibited by MECP2 and Formation of di-heterotetramers of GluN1 (GRIN1) and GluN2B (GRIN2B) pathways.
GRIN2B is classified as a druggable target (Cell Surface, Druggable Genome, and Ion Channel categories) with score 0.7.
Variant class and intellectual outcome show a significant correlation: heterozygotes for a GRIN2B pathogenic variant resulting in a null allele (e.g., nonsense or frameshift variants, deletion involving whole exons or the entire gene, translocation and inversion disrupting GRIN2B) tended to display mild or moderate ID, while heterozygotes for pathogenic missense variants displayed severe ID (Fisher's exact test, p=0.0079) . Missense variants in GRIN2B that cause a malformation of cortical development are located in transmembrane domain M3, in the ligand-binding domain S2, and in the linker between S2 and the transmembrane domain M4, a finding consistent with GRIN1 variants causing an MCD (see GRIN1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder).
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Penetrance of GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder is thought to be 100%.
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Formal diagnostic criteria for GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder have not been established.
GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder should be considered in individuals with the following clinical and/or brain MRI findings.
Clinical findings
Mild-to-profound developmental delay (DD) or intellectual disability (ID); AND
Any of the following features presenting in infancy or childhood:
Epilepsy
Autism spectrum disorder / behavioral issues
Microcephaly
Muscle tone abnormalities such as hypotonia (occasionally associated with feeding difficulties) and spasticity
Dystonic, dyskinetic, or choreiform movement disorder
Cortical visual impairment
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Phenotypic features associated with heterozygous GRIN2B pathogenic variants are not sufficient to diagnose GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder. All genes known to be associated with ID, early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, and malformations of cortical development (especially diffuse polymicrogyria and tubulinopathies) should be included in the differential diagnosis of GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder as individuals with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopment disorder can present with a combination of clinically unspecific phenotypes such as DD/ID/ASD and/or epilepsy. The underlying genetic causes of these phenotypes comprise a very heterogeneous group of disorders, as is the case with tubulinopathies, polymicrogyria, and their differential diagnoses. Table 2. Genes to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Phenotype | Genes1 | GeneReview/OMIM/Reference |
|---|---|---|
Intellectual disability | 180 | Autosomal dominant: OMIM PS156200Autosomal recessive: OMIM PS249500Nonsyndromic, X-linked: OMIM PS309530Syndromic, X-linked: OMIM PS309510 |
Genetic testing for GRIN2B is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 27 has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 27. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Ocular | Ophthalmologic | Assess for cortical visual impairment. Gastrointestinal/ |
Feeding | Feeding, nutrition status, weight gain | Determine if tube feeding is required. |
Musculoskeletal | Clinical eval for tone abnormalities | Assess for muscular hypotonia /or spasticity. |
Neurologic | Neurologic | Incl clinical eval for movement disorders, EEG, brain MRI Psychiatric/ |
Behavioral | Neuropsychiatric | For persons age 12 mos: screen for concerns incl sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety, /or findings suggestive of ASD. Miscellaneous/ |
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
In vitro studies on oocytes of Xenopus laevis suggest a beneficial treatment response of pathogenic missense GRIN2B gain-of-function variants to blockers of the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (e.g., memantine, radiprodil) . However, a significant clinical benefit from treatment with such compounds has not yet been demonstrated . Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
View trials for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 27
Table 5.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Ophthalmologic | As clinically indicated
| Feeding, nutrition status, weight gain
| Monitor gross fine motor development in those w/tone abnormalities.
| Monitor treatment effectiveness in those w/seizures, movement disorders, /or spasticity.
| Behavioral assessment for anxiety, attention, aggressive or self-injurious behavior
Miscellaneous/
| Monitor developmental progress educational needs.
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Phenotype severity distribution: 5 always present features, 10 common features.
No clinical trials have been registered for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 27.
126 publications have been identified in PubMed for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 27. Research spans Epidemiology / Natural History (30%), Review / Meta-Analysis (22%), and Case Report / Case Series (17%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Disease patterns and progression | 38 | 30% |
Research summaries | 28 | 22% |
Patient case studies | 22 | 17% |
Laboratory research | 21 | 17% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 7 | 6% |
Clinical study results | 5 | 4% |
New treatment approaches | 5 | 4% |
Minderhoud CA (2026). [PMID: 41825261](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41825261/). *Pediatr Neurol*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Aldurayhim F (2026). [PMID: 42057324](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42057324/). *Am J Med Genet A*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Souza IA (2026). [PMID: 42123681](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42123681/). *Int J Mol Sci*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Feng W (2026). [PMID: 42247924](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42247924/). *Seizure*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Joo J (2026). [PMID: 41898755](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41898755/). *Int J Mol Sci*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Tang M (2026). [PMID: 41345856](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41345856/). *Ann Clin Transl Neurol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Swartwood SM (2026). [PMID: 42138251](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42138251/). *Epilepsia Open*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Shiohama T (2026). [PMID: 42193287](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42193287/). *Biomedicines*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Palumbo O (2026). [PMID: 41718461](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41718461/). *Epileptic Disord*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Opitz R (2026). [PMID: 40829633](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40829633/). *Neuropediatrics*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 10:16 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy | 50 | OMIM PS308350 |
Polymicrogyria | ~50 | , Tubulinopathies |
Source: GeneReviews — "GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder"
Other
Developmental assessment |
Incl motor, speech language, general cognitive, vocational skills Consultation w/clinical geneticist /or genetic counselor |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Abnormal vision /or strabismus | Standard treatment(s) as recommended by experienced ophthalmologist | — |
Seizures | Standard treatment w/ASM by experienced neurologist1 | Many ASMs may be effective; none has been demonstrated effective specifically for this disorder. |
Hypotonia, spasticity, movement disorder | Standard treatment(s) as recommended by experienced neurologist | ASM = anti-seizure medication Education of parents regarding common seizure presentations is appropriate. For information on non-medical interventions and coping strategies for parents or caregivers of children diagnosed with epilepsy, see Epilepsy Foundation Toolbox. |