Epilepsy Linked to an Ancient Gene Family

There are people all over the world that suffer from a disorder called epilepsy. Some outstanding scientists have worked to find out that epilepsy is linked to an ancient gene family. Scientists, including Jegla, did a study that confirmed the ancient gene. The ancient gene is called Kv12.2. Also, an experiment was created to test the ancient gene, and how it was connected to epilepsy and seizures. The experiment began with the scientists using an EEG (electroencephalography) device to monitor the brains of the mice. The results came out that mice that were missing the Kv12.2 gene, had frequent seizures, and that mice who did have the gene, had a less frequent threshold of seizures. The ancient gene is said to be very important in animals today. The experiment was all about the firing of neurons into the brain and what its rate and process can do if there is a sudden change. If the firing of the neurons become excited, then an epileptic seizure will take place.

In most cases, epilepsy can cause death. What is epilepsy exactly?. Epilepsy is a disorder that occurs in the nervous system, may cause loss of attention, sleepiness, or severe convulsions or seizures that may cause loss of consciousness. This article relates to the biology concept of ion channels are linked somewhat to the excessive firing of neurons to the brain. Ion channels are pathways that allow a certain material to dissolve through the membrane. In this case, there are three ion channels that focuses on the regulation of stimuli. These three ion channels are the calcium, sodium and potassium channels. Calcium and sodium channels are the ones that help the neurons become excited and eventually cause them to fire. The potassium channels are the ones that suppresses, ends, or at least slows down the signals between the cells, which increases the threshold at which the nerves will begin to fire. This article relates to another concept which is, that it may be possible that the Kv12.2 gene can be activated, or "turned on", in order for it to be expressed,or used. Since this gene is important in animals, the gene can be activated by the making of RNA when transcribed. Once the RNA polymerase binds to the promoter, then activators will appear, and bind to the enhancer in order for transcripton to begin. When transcription begins, then the gene will be translated and the gene can be "turned on". Knowing this, epileptic seizures can be reduced by the activation of the Kv12.2 gene.

The scientists who discovered this gene who comes from an ancient gene family, may be of use in the future for people who suffer from epilepsy. Epileptic seizures can be fatal, and it may lead to brain damage, or death. This article was put on the news because many people suffer from epilepsy, and seizures are something that they have to go through everyday. So knowing that this gene can be used to at least limit the seizures, then that is a good sign for both animals and for humans in the future. We should care about this finding because if the gene can be activated, then humans and animals won't have to suffer as much. Also we should care because we now know what is the gene that makes at least, someone have epilepsy. Now knowing, that the gene comes from an ancient gene family, then scientists can find even more genes that may be linked to other fatal disorders, that everyday kills, and hurts the person who is experiencing the seizures.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100801190251.htm