Structural basis for NaV1.7 inhibition by pore blockers

The voltage-gated sodium channel Na(V)1.7 plays essential roles in pain sensation. The authors report cryo-EM structures of Na(V)1.7 in complexes with three pore blockers, elucidating distinct mechanisms of action of their modulation on Na(V)1.7. Voltage-gated sodium channel Na(V)1.7 plays essential roles in pain and odor perception. Na(V)1.7 variants cause pain disorders. Accordingly, Na(V)1.7 has elicited extensive attention in developing new analgesics. Here we present cryo-EM structures of human Na(V)1.7/beta 1/beta 2 complexed with inhibitors XEN907, TC-N1752 and Na(V)1.7-IN2, explaining specific binding sites and modulation mechanism for the pore blockers. These inhibitors bind in the central cavity blocking ion permeation, but engage different parts of the cavity wall. XEN907 directly causes alpha- to pi-helix transition of DIV-S6 helix, which tightens the fast inactivation gate. TC-N1752 induces pi-helix transition of DII-S6 helix mediated by a conserved asparagine on DIII-S6, which closes the activation gate. Na(V)1.7-IN2 serves as a pore blocker without causing conformational change. Electrophysiological results demonstrate that XEN907 and TC-N1752 stabilize Na(V)1.7 in inactivated state and delay the recovery from inactivation. Our results provide structural framework for Na(V)1.7 modulation by pore blockers, and important implications for developing subtype-selective analgesics.

Automated summary

This study reports the cryo-EM structures of Na(V)1.7 in complexes with three pore blockers, elucidating the mechanisms of their modulation on Na(V)1.7. The findings have important implications for developing subtype-selective analgesics.