On pathways and blind alleys—The importance of biomarkers in vitamin B6‐dependent epilepsies

Over the past two decades, the field of vitamin B6 -dependent epilepsies has evolved by the recognition of a growing number of gene defects (ALDH7A1, PNPO, ALPL, ALDH4A1, PLPBP as well as defects of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor proteins) that all lead to reduced availability of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, an important cofactor in neurotransmitter and amino acid metabolism. In addition, positive pyridoxine response has been observed in other monogenic defects such as MOCS2 deficiency or KCNQ2 and there may be more defects to be discovered. Most entities lead to neonatal onset pharmaco-resistant myoclonic seizures or even status epilepticus and pose an emergency to the treating physician. Research has unraveled specific biomarkers for several of these entities (PNPO deficiency, ALDH7A1 deficiency, ALDH4A1 deficiency, ALPL deficiency causing congenital hypophosphatasia and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchoring defects with hyperphosphatasia), that can be detected in plasma or urine, while there is no biomarker to test for PLPHP deficiency. Secondary elevation of glycine or lactate was recognized as diagnostic pitfall. An algorithm for a standardized trial with vitamin B6 should be in place in every newborn unit in order not to miss these well-treatable inborn errors of metabolism. The Komrower lecture of 2022 provided me with the opportunity to tell the story about the conundrums of research into vitamin B6 -dependent epilepsies that kept some surprises and many novel insights into pathomechanisms of vitamin metabolism. Every single step had benefits for the patients and families that we care for and advocates for a close collaboration of clinician scientists with basic research.