Biophysics of voltage-activated sodium channels

Voltage-activated sodium channels form a superfamily of transmembrane proteins that act in electrical signalling and ion homeostasis in electrically excitable cells. Given their importance and diversity it is essential that studies are continually carried out to clarify the pathological processes involving voltage-activated sodium channels and the pharmacology of their ligands. Due to their specificity in certain tissues at different stages of life in-depth studies both in vitro and in vivo of these channels using experimental models that are closer to human reality should be encouraged. For this reason it is important to correlate the understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacokinetics in order to obtain more efficient therapies. In the case of sodium channels that are specifically expressed in certain tissues the side effects of the drug can be minimised. Therefore the current lack of specific ligands for certain subtypes of sodium channels that are also specific makes this line of research as fascinating as it is promising.