Voltage-gated sodium channels are integral membrane glycoproteins that are responsible for the initial rising phase of action in most excitable cells. They are composed of a large alpha subunit that may be associated with one or more smaller beta subunits. Sodium channels can be differentiated by their primary structure, kinetics, and relative sensitivity to the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX). Sodium channels, particularly those with TTX-resistant currents, have been found to accumulate in the region of peripheral nerve injury and may be important in chronic pain. SCN10A encodes a TTX-resistant channel that is restricted to the peripheral sensory nervous system (Rabert et al., 1998 [PubMed 9839820]).[supplied by OMIM]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.