SCN1A

SCN1A is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called a sodium channel, specifically Nav1.1, found in nerve cells in the brain. These channels are essential for transmitting electrical signals that allow neurons to communicate effectively. Mutations or changes in the SCN1A gene can disrupt the function of these channels, leading to abnormal nerve signaling. This can cause neurological conditions such as epilepsy, particularly Dravet syndrome, which involves frequent seizures and developmental challenges. Understanding SCN1A helps researchers develop targeted treatments for such neurological disorders.