NaV1.9: a sodium channel linked to human pain

SD Dib-Hajj, JA Black, SG Waxman - Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2015 - nature.com
SD Dib-Hajj, JA Black, SG Waxman
Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2015nature.com
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1. 9 is preferentially expressed in nociceptors and
has been shown in rodent models to have a major role in inflammatory and neuropathic
pain. These studies suggest that by selectively targeting NaV1. 9, it might be possible to
ameliorate pain without inducing adverse CNS side effects such as sedation, confusion and
addictive potential. Three recent studies in humans—two genetic and functional studies in
rare genetic disorders, and a third study showing a role for NaV1. 9 in painful peripheral …
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.9 is preferentially expressed in nociceptors and has been shown in rodent models to have a major role in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These studies suggest that by selectively targeting NaV1.9, it might be possible to ameliorate pain without inducing adverse CNS side effects such as sedation, confusion and addictive potential. Three recent studies in humans — two genetic and functional studies in rare genetic disorders, and a third study showing a role for NaV1.9 in painful peripheral neuropathy — have demonstrated that NaV1.9 plays an important part both in regulating sensory neuron excitability and in pain signalling. With this human validation, attention is turning to this channel as a potential therapeutic target for pain.
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