title: NaN/Nav1.9: a sodium channel with unique properties.
abstract: The Na(v)1.9 Na(+) channel (also known as NaN) is preferentially expressed in nociceptive neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia. Na(v)1.9 produces a persistent, tetrodotoxin-resistant current with wide overlap between activation and steady-state inactivation, and appears to modulate resting potential and to amplify small depolarizations. These unique properties indicate that Na(v)1.9 has significant effects on the electroresponsive properties of primary nociceptive neurons. Downregulation of Na(v)1.9, which results from a lack of peripheral glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor following peripheral axotomy, might retune DRG neurons and contribute to their hyperexcitability after nerve injury. Thus, Na(v)1.9 appears to play a key role in nociception and is an attractive target in the search for more effective treatments for pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and PVA/EPVA Neuroscience Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
authors.forename: Sulayman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dib-Hajj
authors.forename: Joel A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Theodore R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Cummins
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Waxman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019771:Axotomy; D006801:Humans; D062558:NAV1.9 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000378:metabolism; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D062558:NAV1.9 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; D009479:Neuropeptides; C491886:SCN11A protein, human; D015222:Sodium Channels; D013779:Tetrodotoxin