Paralytic (gene)

Paralytic is a gene in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster which encodes a sodium channel.^[1] Flies with mutant forms of paralytic are used in fly models of seizures, since seizures can be easily induced in these flies.^[2]

Function

paralytic encodes a protein channel which transfers sodium ions and is activated in response to changes in the voltage across a membrane.^[1]

Role in seizure models

Flies with certain mutations in paralytic are used as models for studying seizures and epilepsy, as they are much more prone to seizures than regular flies.^[2] In these mutant flies, seizures can be induced by mechanical shock, electrical shock, or high-frequency visual stimuli such as strobe lights.

A number of mutations in paralytic have been described which can cause this increased sensitivity to seizures. Some of these, such as bss¹ and bss² can be caused by a single point mutation in the paralytic gene which makes the channel less able to inactivate itself after being activated.^[2]

Human orthologs

The most closely-related genes to paralytic in humans are SCN8A and SCN2A, both of which encode sodium channels.^[1] Mutations in the human orthologs have been linked to seizure disorders and cognitive defects.^[3]

References