Sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alpha (Nav1.9 (also SCN11A))

Sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alpha (Nav1.9/SCN11A) is a voltage-gated sodium ion channel predominantly expressed in small-diameter nociceptive neurons within dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia. It plays a critical role in setting the threshold potential required for action potential initiation—thereby regulating neuronal excitability—and is particularly important in peripheral inflammatory pain hypersensitivity and chronic pain conditions. Unlike most other sodium channels that are sensitive to tetrodotoxin, Nav1.9 is resistant due to unique structural features that also confer slower kinetics. Mutations can cause hereditary sensory neuropathies and episodic familial pain syndromes by altering its function; thus it represents an attractive therapeutic target for novel analgesics aimed at treating chronic or inflammatory pain without affecting central nervous system function as much as broader-spectrum agents might do.

Other names

SCN11ANav1.9Sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 11Peripheral nerve sodium channel 5SNS-2Sodium channel, voltage-gated, type XI, alpha polypeptideVoltage-gated sodium channel subunit alpha Nav1.9

Drugs targeting this molecule typically act as sodium channel blockers or modulators, aiming to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability associated with chronic or inflammatory pain states by inhibiting or modulating the activity of the Nav1.9/SCN11A ion channel.