NaV1.7 is predominantly expressed in dorsal root ganglions (DRG) of the peripheral nervous system. Dominant gain of function mutations in the NaV1.7 gene are associated with erythermalgia (a rare autosomal disease characterized by sporadic burning pain accompanied by redness and heat in the extremities).9-11 Loss, or function mutations in NaV1.7 channels, leads to complete ablation of pain perception in humans.11 These recent findings highlight the role of this NaV isoform and the subset of DRG neurons that express this channel in physiological pain sensation.
