Sodium channel protein type 9 subunit alpha (NaV1.7)

Sodium channel protein type 9 subunit alpha, also known as NaV1.7, is a voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit encoded by the SCN9A gene in humans. This protein plays a crucial role in the generation and conduction of action potentials, particularly within nociceptors—sensory neurons responsible for pain perception. NaV1.7 channels are essential for amplifying small depolarizations in nociceptor nerve endings and bringing the membrane potential to threshold for action potential firing. Mutations or variants in SCN9A/NaV1.7 are linked to several human disorders including Inherited Erythromelalgia, Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder, Congenital Insensitivity to Pain, and Small Fiber Neuropathy. Loss or dysfunction can also lead to anosmia (loss of smell), as olfactory sensory neuron signaling depends on this channel’s activity.

Other names

Neuroendocrine sodium channelhNE-NaPeripheral sodium channel 1 (PN1)Voltage-gated sodium channel subunit alpha Nav1.7SCN9A Sodium Channel alpha Subunit

Drugs targeting NaV1.7 typically aim to block the channel, reducing sodium influx and thereby inhibiting action potential firing in nociceptors.