Sodium channel protein type 7 subunit alpha

UniProtKB accession:  Q01118

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UniProtKB description:  Sodium leak channel functioning as an osmosensor regulating sodium ion levels in various tissues and organs. While most sodium channels are voltage-gated, SCN7A is not and lets sodium flow through membrane along its concentration gradient (PubMed:26537257, PubMed:35301303). In glial cells of the central nervous system, senses body-fluid sodium levels and controls salt intake behavior as well as voluntary water intake through activation of nearby neurons to maintain appropriate sodium levels in the body (By similarity). By mediating sodium influx into keratinocytes, also plays a role in skin barrier homeostasis (PubMed:26537257).