Voltage-gated Sodium Channels in Sensory Information Processing

Abstract

Action potential is a form of electric signaling responsibly for conducting neural firing in organisms. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are key molecules dedicating to the initiation and propagation of action potentials, playing an indispensable role in processing excitable activity. The foundational sensory of human covering vision, auditory, olfactory, taste and tactile perceive the outer world rely on normal physiological function of VGSCs, which play as a root dancing in music of life. The aberrant genetics and endogenous regulation of VGSCs in most cases give rise to related clinical symptom such as hyperpselaphesia, parosphresia, and so on. This review highlights recent advances in the study of VGSCs in sensory systems which may facilitate the fresh understanding of VGSCs in sensory information processing and provide a novel pharmacological target for treatment of sensory system related clinical disease.

Distribution and Functional Characteristics of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Immature Cochlear Hair Cells

“…To date, 9 subunit isoforms (Na V 1.1a-1.9a) have been discovered in mammalian cells; Nav1.1a, 1.2a, 1.3a, and 1.6a are predominantly expressed in the central nervous system; Nav1.7a, 1.8a, and 1.9a are preferentially distributed in peripheral sensory neurons; and Nav1.4a and 1.5a are selectively expressed in skeletal muscle cells and cardiac cells, respectively [13]. The 9 VGSC subtypes are highly homologous in terms of sequence and structure; however, their gating characteristics, pharmacological properties, tissue distribution, and physiological functions are subtly diverse and specific [14]. In developing vestibular hair cells, two types of Na ?…”

Deciphering resveratrol's role in modulating pathological pain: From molecular mechanisms to clinical relevance

“…Voltage‐gated sodium channels play a pivotal role in neuropathic pain development at the gene level (Waxman et al, 2014). When uncomfortable stimulation (e.g., acupuncture) induce nerve terminal depolarization, reaching a threshold leads to the opening of voltage‐gated Na + channels, generating an action potential transmitted through peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and brain, ultimately causing pain (Zhou et al, 2019). Nav1.7, predominantly expressed in peripheral neurons, is crucial for pain and itch sensation.…”