SCN7A Proteins and Enzymes

Voltage-dependent sodium channels mediate the sodium ion permeability of excitable membranes. Assuming opened or closed conformations in response to the voltage difference across the membrane, they form a sodium-selective channel through which Na(+) ions may pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient. These ion channel proteins exist as heteromultimeric complexes of a large alpha subunit and 1 or 2 smaller beta subunits. SCN7A (Sodium channel protein type 7 subunit alpha) is an alpha subunit and is expressed in heart and uterus.