Mutations in sodium-channel gene SCN9A cause a spectrum of human genetic pain disorders.
The voltage-gated sodium-channel type IX alpha subunit, known as Na(v)1.7 and encoded by the gene SCN9A, is located in peripheral neurons and plays an important role in action potential production in these cells. Recent genetic studies have identified Na(v)1.7 dysfunction in three different human pain disorders. Gain-of-function missense mutations in Na(v)1.7 have been shown to cause primary erythermalgia and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, while nonsense mutations in Na(v)1.7 result in loss of Na(v)1.7 function and a condition known as channelopathy-associated insensitivity to pain, a rare disorder in which affected individuals are unable to feel physical pain. This review highlights these recent developments and discusses the critical role of Na(v)1.7 in pain sensation in humans.
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. JoostPHDrenth@CS.com
Joost P H
JP
Drenth
Stephen G
SG
Waxman
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D062556:NAV1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010146:Pain / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000699:Pain Insensitivity, Congenital / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D062556:NAV1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; C486866:SCN9A protein, human; D015222:Sodium Channels