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Epithelial Sodium Channels

Epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are members of the ENaC/Deg (epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel and degenerin) family of ion channels. They are highly selective Na+ channels that are localized to polarized epithelial cells. ENaCs are responsible for Na+ reabsorption in the distal kidney tubule, and transport of Na+ across the epithelium.

Products
Background
Gene Data

Epithelial Sodium Channel Activators
Cat. No. Product Name / Activity
0464 Capsazepine
Activator of ENaCδ; also vanilloid receptor antagonist

Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers
Cat. No. Product Name / Activity
3380 Benzamil
NCX inhibitor, Deg/ENaC channel blocker; amiloride (Cat. No. 0890) derivative
3379 Phenamil
Inhibits TRPP3-mediated currents; also inhibits epithelial Na+ channels

Related Targets

Epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are members of the ENaC/Deg (epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel and degenerin) family of ion channels. They are highly selective Na+ channels that are localized to polarized epithelial cells. ENaCs are responsible for sodium reabsorption in the distal kidney tubule, and have similar functions in the alveoli and the colon. These channels transport Na+ across the epithelium using energy from Na+, K+-ATPase, and constitute one of the essential mechanisms in regulation of sodium balance, blood volume and blood pressure.

There are four ENaC subunits; α, β, γ and δ, which form functional heterotetramers. The kidney ENaC is thought to be a heterotetramer of 2α:1β:1γ.

ENaCs are tonically open at rest. Ion flux is regulated by aldosterone-, vasopressin- and glucocorticoid-mediated changes in ENaC gene transcription and phosphatidylinositides act to stabilize the channel.

External sources of pharmacological information for Epithelial Sodium Channels :

    Epithelial Sodium Channel Gene Data

    Gene Species Gene Symbol Gene Accession No. Protein Accession No.
    ENaCα Human SCNN1A NM_001038 P37088
    Mouse Scnn1a NM_011324 Q61180
    Rat Scnn1a NM_031548 P37089
    ENaCβ Human SCNN1B NM_000336 P51168
    Mouse Scnn1b NM_011325 Q9WU38
    Rat Scnn1b NM_012648 Q9QUI8
    ENaCγ Human SCNN1G NM_001039 Q96TD2
    Mouse Scnn1g NM_011326 Q9WU39
    Rat Scnn1g NM_017046 P37091
    ENaCδ Human SCNN1D NM_002978 P51172