Regulation of Nav channels in sensory neurons

Voltage-gated Na(+) channels have an essential role in the biophysical properties of nociceptive neurons. Factors that regulate Na(+) channel function are of interest from both pathophysiological and therapeutic perspectives. Increasing evidence indicates that changes in expression or inappropriate modulation of these channels leads to electrical instability of the cell membrane and the inappropriate spontaneous activity that is observed following nerve injury, and that this might contribute to neuropathic pain. The role of Na(v) channels in nociception depends on modulation by factors such as auxiliary beta-subunits, cytoskeletal proteins and the phosphorylation state of neurons. In this review we describe the modulation of Na(v) channels on sensory neurons by auxiliary beta-subunits, protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins.