Exome sequence study of the epilepsy model GASH/Sal (Genetic Audiogenic Seizure Hamster from Salamanca)

Animals models of audiogenic epilepsy are an invaluable tool for understanding the basic cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and for developing novel antiepileptic treatments. In addition, gene variations in the GASH/Sal might have a close resemblance with those described in humans with epilepsy, which is a prerequisite for any new preclinical studies that target genetic abnormalities. In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in GASH/Sal animals and their corresponding controls to identify and characterize the mutational landscape of the GASH/Sal strain