Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

In Vitro Analysis of PDZ-dependent CFTR Macromolecular Signaling Complexes
Published on: August 13, 2012
A multi PDZ-domain protein Pdzd2 contributes to functional expression of sensory neuron-specific sodium channel
Dongmin Shao1, Mark D Baker, Bjarke Abrahamsen
1Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
The voltage-gated sodium channel Na(V)1.8 is expressed exclusively in nociceptive sensory neurons and plays an important role in pain pathways. Na(V)1.8 cannot be functionally expressed in non-neuronal cells even in the presence of beta-subunits. We have previously identified Pdzd2, a multi PDZ-domain protein, as a potential interactor for Na(V)1.8. Here we report that Pdzd2 binds directly to the intracellular loops of Na(V)1.8 and Na(V)1.7. The endogenous Na(V)1.8 current in sensory neurons is inhibited by antisense- and siRNA-mediated downregulation of Pdzd2. However, no marked change in pain behaviours is observed in Pdzd2-decificent mice. This may be due to compensatory upregulation of p11, another regulatory factor for Na(V)1.8, in dorsal root ganglia of Pdzd2-deficient mice. These findings reveal that Pdzd2 and p11 play collaborative roles in regulation of Na(V)1.8 expression in sensory neurons.
Related Concept Videos
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

