Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology, and Clinical Indications

J Med Chem. 2015 Sep 24;58(18):7093-118. doi: 10.1021/jm501981g. Epub 2015 May 14.

Abstract

The tremendous therapeutic potential of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(v)s) has been the subject of many studies in the past and is of intense interest today. Na(v)1.7 channels in particular have received much attention recently because of strong genetic validation of their involvement in nociception. Here we summarize the current status of research in the Na(v) field and present the most relevant recent developments with respect to the molecular structure, general physiology, and pharmacology of distinct Na(v) channel subtypes. We discuss Na(v) channel ligands such as small molecules, toxins isolated from animal venoms, and the recently identified Na(v)1.7-selective antibody. Furthermore, we review eight characterized ligand binding sites on the Na(v) channel α subunit. Finally, we examine possible therapeutic applications of Na(v) ligands and provide an update on current clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Channelopathies / drug therapy
  • Channelopathies / genetics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Industry
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Ligands
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / metabolism
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / physiology
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / metabolism
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers / chemistry
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels / chemistry
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels / genetics
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels / physiology*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Ligands
  • Protein Subunits
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers
  • Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels