Gain-of-function mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9) are known causes of inherited pain disorders. Identification and functional assessment of new NaV1.7 mutations could help elucidate the phenotypic spectrum of NaV1.7 channelopathies. We identified a novel NaV1.7 mutation (E44Q in exon 2) that substitutes a glutamic acid residue for glutamine in the cytoplasmic N-terminus of NaV1.7 in a patient with paroxysmal pain attacks during childhood and his family who experienced similar pain episodes. To study the sodium channel's function, we performed electrophysiological recordings. Voltage-clamp recordings revealed that the mutation increased the amplitude of the non-inactivating component of the sodium current, which might facilitate channel opening. These data demonstrate that E44Q is a gain-of-function mutation in NaV1.7, which is consistent with our patient's pain phenotype.
