Background:
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 Na+ ions may pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient (PubMed:7720699, PubMed:17167479, PubMed:25240195, PubMed:26680203, PubMed:15385606, PubMed:16988069, PubMed:17145499, PubMed:19369487, PubMed:24311784). It is a tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ channel isoform (PubMed:7720699). Plays a role in pain mechanisms, especially in the development of inflammatory pain (PubMed:17167479, PubMed:17145499, PubMed:19369487, PubMed:24311784).