Epithelial sodium channel subunit alpha (SCNN1A) (alpha-ENaC)

The epithelial sodium channel subunit alpha (alpha-ENaC), encoded by the SCNN1A gene, is a critical component of the non-voltage-gated, amiloride-sensitive sodium channel complex. In the specific context of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, alpha-ENaC has been identified as a functional element of the hypertonicity-induced cation channel (HICC), which is essential for regulating cell volume and driving cell proliferation. Research indicates that the pharmacological inhibition of this channel using amiloride or flufenamate significantly reduces the proliferation rate of HepG2 cells and can trigger apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in liver cancer. Beyond its role in oncology, alpha-ENaC is fundamental to maintaining sodium and water homeostasis across various epithelial tissues, including the kidneys, lungs, and colon. Mutations in the SCNN1A gene are clinically linked to disorders of sodium transport, such as Liddle syndrome and pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1.

Other names

SCNN1AENaC alphaHypertonicity-induced cation channelHICCAmiloride-sensitive sodium channel subunit alphaNon-voltage-gated sodium channel 1 subunit alpha

Channel inhibition