Co-expression of β Subunits with the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V 1.7: the Importance of Subunit Association and Phosphorylation and Their Effects on Channel Pharmacology and Biophysics

In conclusion, co-expression of β subunits with NaV1.7 α, to better mimic the native channel properties, may be ineffective in cases when subunits are not associated, as shown in our experiments with β2. The β3 subunit significantly influences the function of NaV1.7 α and, together with the phosphorylation of the channel, regulates its biophysical and pharmacological properties. These are important findings to take into account when considering the role of NaV1.7 channel in pain signaling.
Source: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research