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Sodium channels are highly selective for the transport of ions across cell membranes. The high selectivity with respect to the sodium ion is achieved in many different ways. All involve encapsulation of the sodium ion in a cavity of specific size within a larger molecule. [3]
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), also known as voltage-dependent sodium channels (VDSCs), are a group of voltage-gated ion channels found in the membrane of excitable cells (e.g., muscle, glial cells, neurons, etc.) with a permeability to the sodium ion Na +. They are the main channels involved in action potential of excitable cells.
Both channels and pumps are ion transporters which move ions across membranes. Channels move ions quickly, through passive transport, down electrical and concentration gradients (moving "downhilll"); whereas pumps move ions slowly, through active transport, building-up gradients (moving "uphill"). [10]
Schematic diagram of an ion channel. 1 - channel domains (typically four per channel), 2 - outer vestibule, 3 - selectivity filter, 4 - diameter of selectivity filter, 5 - phosphorylation site, 6 - cell membrane. Ion channels are pore-forming membrane proteins that allow ions to pass through the channel pore.
Sodium channels are typically involved in the transport of sodium ions across the cell membrane into the cell. These channels are commonly associated with excitable neurons, as an influx of sodium can trigger depolarization, which in turn propagates an action potential. [ 25 ]
Voltage-gated ion-channels are usually ion-specific, and channels specific to sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), calcium (Ca 2+), and chloride (Cl −) ions have been identified. [1] The opening and closing of the channels are triggered by changing ion concentration, and hence charge gradient, between the sides of the cell membrane. [2]
Sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 9 (also Na v 1.7) is a sodium ion channel that, in humans, is encoded by the SCN9A gene. [5] [6] [7] It is usually expressed at high levels in two types of neurons: the nociceptive (pain) neurons at the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion; and sympathetic ganglion neurons, which are part of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system.
When ion channels are in a 'closed' (non-conducting) state, they are impermeable to ions and do not conduct electrical current. When ion channels are in their open state, they conduct electrical current by allowing specific types of ions to pass through them, and thus, across the plasma membrane of the cell. Gating is the process by which an ...