Voltage-gated sodium channel 1.6 as a novel target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment

Voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) 1.6 has multiple roles in neurodegenerative diseases. The most common motor neuron disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and there is a correlation between increased expression and function of NaV1.6 and abnormal hyperexcitability of the motor cortex in ALS pre-clinical models. Furthermore, neuroinflammation mediated by microglia in ALS shows high expression of Nav1.6.

The gold standard drug used to treat ALS patients is Riluzole, a non-selective inhibitor of Nav channels. Therefore, the inhibition of Nav channels can be partly involved in the relief of ALS symptoms.