The SCN9A gene belongs to a family of genes that provide instructions for making sodium channels. These channels, which transport positively charged sodium atoms (sodium ions) into cells, play a key role in a cell’s ability to generate and transmit electrical signals.
The SCN9A gene provides instructions for making one part (the alpha subunit) of a sodium channel called NaV1.7. NaV1.7 sodium channels are found in nerve cells called nociceptors. Nociceptors are part of the peripheral nervous system, which connects the brain and spinal cord to cells that detect sensations such as touch, smell, and pain. Nociceptors are primarily involved in transmitting pain signals. The cell bodies of nociceptors are located in the spinal cord. Fibers called axons extend from the cell bodies, reaching throughout the body to receive sensory information. Axons transmit the information back to the spinal cord, which then sends it to the brain.
NaV1.7 sodium channels are also found in olfactory sensory neurons, which are nerve cells in the nasal cavity that transmit smell-related signals to the brain.
Other Names
hNE; Nav1.7; NE-NA; NENA; PN1; SCN9A_HUMAN; sodium channel, voltage gated, type IX alpha subunit; sodium channel, voltage-gated, type IX, alpha; sodium channel, voltage-gated, type IX, alpha polypeptide; sodium channel, voltage-gated, type IX, alpha subunit; voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit Nav1.7
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Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 6335
- OMIM: 603415
- OMIM: 607208
- OMIM: 613863
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
