title: Voltage-gated sodium channels.
abstract: Voltage-gated sodium channels play a key role in the transmission of sensory information about the status of organs in the periphery. Sensory fibers contain a heterogeneous yet specific distribution of voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms. Major efforts by industry and academic groups are underway to develop medicines that interrupt inappropriate signaling for a number of clinical indications by taking advantage of this specific distribution of channel isoforms. This review highlights recent advances in the study of human channelopathies, animal toxins and channel structure that may facilitate the development of selective voltage-gated sodium channel blockers.
authors.affiliation: GSK, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kwong
authors.affiliation: GSK, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA. Electronic address: michael.j.carr@gsk.com.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Carr
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D061567:Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D061566:Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D020033:Protein Isoforms; D061567:Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers; D061566:Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels