Anti-Nav1.7 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Nav1.7 also known as SCN9A is a voltage-gated sodium channel. This protein has a mass of approximately 260 kDa. It plays a role in the generation and conduction of action potentials in neurons. Nav1.7 is found mainly in peripheral neurons including dorsal root ganglia and sympathetic ganglia. These neurons are part of the sensory pathways responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Biological function summary

Nav1.7 acts as an essential component in neuronal excitability. It is not part of a larger protein complex but operates as an individual unit within the cell membrane. By allowing sodium ions to enter the neuron Nav1.7 contributes to the depolarization phase of action potentials. This function is critical in the propagation of electrical signals in the nervous system specifically in nociceptive neurons that are involved in pain sensation.

Pathways

Nav1.7 is integral to the nociceptive pain pathway. It works with other sodium channels such as Nav1.8 which also play roles in pain sensation. Nav1.7's activity helps to initiate and maintain action potentials facilitating the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system. Additionally Nav1.7 is linked to neuropathic pain pathways where its function underpins the continuous firing of neurons even in the absence of external stimuli.

Associated diseases and disorders

Nav1.7 mutations have a significant association with primary erythromelalgia and congenital indifference to pain. Mutations that cause gain-of-function in Nav1.7 can lead to primary erythromelalgia resulting in extreme pain and redness in the body’s extremities. Conversely loss-of-function mutations can cause congenital indifference to pain where individuals experience little to no pain sensation. Nav1.7 works alongside Nav1.8 in these conditions as both are involved in the modulation of pain signals.