What is the official name of the SCN4A gene?
The official name of this gene is “sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 4.”
SCN4A is the gene's official symbol. The SCN4A gene is also known by other names, listed below.
Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.
What is the normal function of the SCN4A gene?
The SCN4A gene belongs to a family of genes that provide instructions for making sodium channels. These channels, which transport positively charged sodium atoms (sodium ions) into cells, play a key role in a cell's ability to generate and transmit electrical signals.
The SCN4A gene provides instructions for making a critical part (the alpha subunit) of sodium channels that are abundant in muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). For the body to move normally, these muscles must tense (contract) and relax in a coordinated way. One of the changes that helps trigger muscle contractions is the flow of positively charged atoms (ions), including sodium, into muscle cells. Channels made with the SCN4A protein control the flow of sodium ions into these cells.
Thanks to: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/SCN4A
