Potassium channels and alcohol sensitivity. Recent report.

This paper reports investigation into nervous systems functions of the single Drosophila KCNQ-type voltage-gated potassium channel, KCNQ.

Cavaliere S, Gillespie JM, Hodge JJ. KCNQ Channels Show Conserved Ethanol Block and Function in Ethanol Behaviour. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e50279. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050279. PubMed PMID: 23209695.

Fly stocks used in the study include a Transgenic RNAi Project (TRiP) fly stock targeting KCNQ that is available from the BDSC.

Screenshot of DIOPT-DIST results with fly KCNQ. Click to enlarge.

In the discussion, the authors write that "it is possible that KCNQ might be a candidate gene to predict susceptibility to alcoholism ..." and "... KCNQ openers may offer a potential new approach to treatment of alcohol- and other drug-misuse disorders."

Human KCNQ genes have previously been associated with epilepsy and seizure disorders, including benign familial neonatal seizures.