SCN11A: A Promising Drug Target and Biomarker for Cardiovascular Disease

Target Name: SCN11A

NCBI ID: G11280

SCN11A: A Promising Drug Target and Biomarker for Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract:
Sodium channel, voltage-gated, type XI, alpha subunit (SCN11A) is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, including the calcium-sensitive signaling pathway (Ca2+ signalling pathway). The loss of SCN11A has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death. This article summarizes the current understanding of SCN11A, its function in the cardiovascular system, and its potential as a drug target and biomarker.

Introduction:
Sodium channels are critical for the proper functioning of various physiological processes in the body, including muscle and nerve function, as well as the regulation of ion channels in the heart. The sodium channel, voltage-gated, type XI, alpha subunit (SCN11A) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed in various tissues and cells of the body. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, including the calcium-sensitive signaling pathway (Ca2+ signalling pathway).

Ca2+ Signaling pathway:
The Ca2+ signalling pathway is a well-established intracellular signaling pathway that involves the regulation of calcium ions (Ca2+) in the cell. The SCN11A protein is involved in this pathway by regulating the activity of the protein kinase Ca2+-ATPase (Ca2+-ATPase), which is responsible for the regulation of calcium ions in the cell. The Ca2+-ATPase is a protein that consists of two subunits, alpha and beta subunits, and is expressed in various tissues and cells of the body, including cardiac muscle cells.

In addition to its role in the Ca2+ signalling pathway, SCN11A has also been shown to play a role in the regulation of other intracellular signaling pathways, including the regulation of ion channels in the heart.

Disease association:
The loss of SCN11A has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death. Studies have shown that the expression of SCN11A is reduced in various tissues and cells of the body, including cardiac muscle cells, in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, loss of SCN11A has been associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these tissues, which can damage cellular components and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Drug targeting:
The potential drug targeting of SCN11A is based on its role in the Ca2+ signalling pathway and its involvement in the regulation of ion channels in the heart. Drugs that can modulate the activity of Ca2+-ATPase or its subunits, such as amyloid beta-1 (AB1), have been shown to be effective in treating cardiovascular disease.

In addition, drugs that can inhibit the activity of ROS and protect cellular components, such as quercetin, have also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Biomarker potential:
The expression of SCN11A has also been used as a biomarker for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death. The levels of SCN11A have been shown to be reduced in individuals with these conditions, and these levels have been used as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, SCN11A is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, including the Ca2+ signalling pathway. Its loss has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death. The potential drug targeting of SCN11A is based on its role in the regulation of Ca2+-ATPase and its involvement in the regulation of ion channels in the heart. Furthermore, the expression of SCN11A has also been used as a biomarker for various cardiovascular diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of SCN11A in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways and its potential as a drug target and biomarker for cardiovascular disease.

Protein Name: Sodium Voltage-gated Channel Alpha Subunit 11

Functions: This protein mediates the voltage-dependent sodium ion permeability of excitable membranes. Assuming opened or closed conformations in response to the voltage difference across the membrane, the protein forms a sodium-selective channel through which sodium ions may pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient. It is a tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel isoform. Also involved, with the contribution of the receptor tyrosine kinase NTRK2, in rapid BDNF-evoked neuronal depolarization

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