“For fifteen years, no one was able to reliably express Nav1.9,” says Bosmans. “We’ve now developed a method that makes it possible.”
Mutations in the SCN11A gene, which encodes Nav1.9, can lead to total loss of pain sensation, chronic pain or itch, or disorders affecting gut function and sweating. This new method opens up possibilities for diagnosing patients with unexplained pain symptoms and paves the way for targeted therapies — without the downsides of opioids.
“We can now functionally test the impact of specific mutations,” Bosmans explains. “That’s an important step toward personalized medicine.”
Pharmaceutical companies have long shown interest in the system, but until now lacked a reliable platform for testing. Nav1.9 is now seen as a promising target for a new generation of non-addictive painkillers.
Reference :
Margaux Theys et al. (2025) A robust expression system reveals distinct gating mechanisms and calmodulin regulation of NaV1.9 channels . Science Advances, 11, eadt9799. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt9799
Science Advances
A Robust Expression System Reveals Distinct Gating Mechanisms and Calmodulin Regulation of NaV1.9 Channels
28-May-2025