NaV1.2 Channel Basic Research Pack

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_v) are essential for the generation of action potentials and for cell excitability.¹ Na_v channels are activated in response to depolarization and selectively allow flow of Na⁺ ions. To date, nine Na_v α subunits have been cloned and named Na_v1.1-Na_v1.9.^4-5  The Na_v channels are classified into two groups according to their sensitivity to Tetrodotoxin (TTX): TTX-sensitive (Na_v1.1, Na_v1.2, Na_v1.3, Na_v1.4, Na_v1.6 and Na_v1.7)  and TTX-resistant (Na_v1.5, Na_v1.8 and Na_v1.9).^2-3 Mammalian sodium channels are heterotrimers, composed of a central, pore-forming α subunit and two auxiliary β subunits. The expression of the α subunit isoform is developmentally regulated and tissue specific. Sodium channels in the adult central nervous system and heart contain β₁ through β₄ subunits, whereas sodium channels in adult skeletal muscle have only the β₁ subunit.^6,7

Na_v1.2 is primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and is localized in unmyelinated or premyelinated axons and dendrites. Mutations in the Na_v1.2 channel have been identified in different types of epilepsy.