Scientists have made an exciting discovery that could transform how seizures are prevented and treated. In new research using fruit flies, they identified two brain proteins, Imp and Sdc, that play a crucial role in making the brain resistant to seizures. While roughly one in ten people will experience a seizure during their lifetime, current treatments mainly manage symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause.
The study revealed that reducing either Imp or Sdc during brain development made the flies far more susceptible to seizures, even though their normal behavior remained unaffected. Remarkably, when Imp levels were low, increasing Sdc helped the flies recover from seizures three times faster. This finding suggests that these two proteins work together to stabilize brain circuits and prevent the electrical overload responsible for seizures.
Because Imp and Sdc are also present in mammals, researchers believe this discovery could pave the way for early diagnosis and targeted therapies for seizure disorders. Instead of merely controlling symptoms, future treatments could focus on strengthening the brain’s natural resistance to seizures. While still in the early stages, this research represents a promising step toward understanding how the brain maintains its delicate electrical balance and could eventually lead to more effective interventions for millions affected by seizure disorders.