cn

Drosophila melanogaster

cinnabar (cn) encodes the enzyme that synthesizes 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) as part of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. 3-HK is an intermediate product in the formation of ommochromes, the brown pigments in the fly eye, and thus cn loss of function mutant flies exhibit altered eye color. Several kynurenine pathway metabolites are neuroactive and have been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.

Hk

Drosophila melanogaster

Hyperkinetic (Hk) encodes a beta-subunit of Sh K[+] channels and modulates its channel function. It is important in regulating action potentials in neurons and muscles, and transmitter release.