Key Brain Proteins Implicated in Preventing Seizures, Study in Fruit Flies Reveals

A new study suggests that two specific proteins in the brain play a crucial role in preventing seizures, offering promising insights into potential therapeutic targets. The research, conducted using fruit flies, identified the importance of the proteins Imp and Sdc during brain development. These proteins are involved in neuron growth and the formation of brain circuits and are present in both flies and mammals.

The study found that lowering the levels of either Imp or Sdc during brain development increased the likelihood of seizure activity in the flies, without affecting their overall mobility. Interestingly, reducing Imp levels and then restoring Sdc significantly sped up recovery from seizures—more than three times faster—highlighting their interactive roles.

These findings suggest that targeting these proteins could provide new avenues for treating seizures, especially for those caused by similar mechanisms in humans. Dr. Paula Roy from the University of Utah, the lead researcher, emphasized that understanding the molecular basis of seizures could lead to faster diagnoses and more effective treatments.

Published in eNeuro, the study underscores the relevance of neuronal development proteins in seizure prevention and opens possibilities for future research into similar pathways in humans. The identification of Imp and Sdc as key players may eventually contribute to innovative therapies for epilepsy and related neurological disorders.