Cation channel with high affinity for sodium, which is gated by extracellular protons and inhibited by the diuretic amiloride. Generates a biphasic current with a fast inactivating and a slow sustained phase. In sensory neurons is proposed to mediate the pain induced by acidosis that occurs in ischemic, damaged or inflamed tissue. May be involved in hyperalgesia. May play a role in mechanoreception. Heteromeric channel assembly seems to modulate channel properties.
[1] Molecular cloning of a DEG/ENaC sodium channel cDNA from human testis.Ishibashi K., Marumo F. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 245:589-593(1998) [2]Identification, functional expression and chromosomal localisation of a sustained human proton-gated