Molecular characterization of voltage-gated sodium channels in human gliomas

Voltage-sensitive sodium channels appear to be an electrophysiological hallmark of gliomas. However, the expression of channel subtypes is unclear in these tumors. In this study different gliomas were investigated for the expression of sodium channel subtypes Na(v)1.1, Na(v)1.2, Na(v)1.3, Na(v)1.4, Na(v)1.6, and Na(x)(Na(v)2.1) using RT-PCR. At least one subtype of channels could be detected in each tumor. High-grade gliomas expressed fewer sodium channel subtypes and these at weaker levels than low-grade tumors. Expression of Na(v)1.6, the most abundant isoform in the CNS, was almost absent in the gliomas except the pilocytic variant. Our study gives clear evidence for a differential expression of sodium channel subtypes in gliomas and indicates a predominant expression of channels related to malignancy grades.