FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as NALCN_HUMAN, NALCN, VGCNL1. Voltage-independent, cation-nonselective channel which is permeable to sodium, potassium and calcium ions. Regulates the resting membrane potential and controls neuronal excitability (PubMed:17448995). Neuropeptides such as neurotensin and substance P (SP) stimulate the firing of action potentials by activating NALCN through a SRC family kinases-dependent pathway. In addition to its baseline activity, NALCN activity is enhanced/modulated by several GPCRs. Required for normal respiratory rhythm and neonatal survival. Involved in systemic osmoregulation by controlling the serum sodium concentration. NALCN is partly responsible for the substance P-induced depolarization and regulation of the intestinal pace-making activity in the interstitial cells of Cajal. Plays a critical role in both maintenance of spontaneous firing of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) neurons and physiological modulation of SNr neuron excitability (By similarity). Interacts with UNC80; required for the NALCN activation/inhibition by GPCRs in neurons. Found in a complex with NALCN, UNC79 and UNC80; UNC80 bridges NALCN to UNC79. Interacts with CHRM3.

EXTERNAL LINKS

NALCN

Sodium leak channel non-selective protein

NALCN

Molecular Synopsis