Validation criteria for genetic animal models of epilepsy

In the past decades, several mutant genes that encode ion channel subunit proteins or their functionally-related proteins have been identified in pedigrees of idiopathic epilepsy. To explore the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of epilepsy syndrome, the functional abnormalities of transmission in genetic animal models bearing the mutant genes identified in pedigrees of idiopathic epilepsy should be analyzed. In spite of these efforts, it is important to identify the most suitable genetic animal models for exploration of epileptogenesis and ictogenesis, as well as the development of novel antiepileptic drugs. In the literature on genetic epileptic animal models, there is no systematic discussion on how to assess the validation criteria for such models. In this review, we describe the validation criteria for genetic animal models of epilepsy.