Replication of seizure-suppressing effects of alpha-linolenic acid on the Drosophila melanogaster para Shudderer mutant.

Abstract

Voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for healthy nervous system function. Mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels are associated with a range of seizure conditions. The genetics of seizure conditions are complex and often challenging to study or replicate in animal models. The Drosophila melanogaster gene paralytic ( para ) is the sole voltage-gated sodium channel gene in flies. The para ^Shudderer allele causes dominant seizure activity manifest in adult morphology and behavior. In this study we replicated previous findings of para ^Shudderer hyperexcitability and the ability to suppress this activity with dietary supplementation of an omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Our results support the robustness of the para ^Shudderer phenotype and the replicability of findings across separate lab environments.