SCN10A Gene

What is the SCN10A gene?

SCN10A encodes sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 10 (nav1.8), a protein involved in nociceptive signaling. It belongs to the Pain Sensory category and is part of the Pain & Sensory Processing biological cluster. SCN10A encodes Nav1.8, a voltage-gated sodium channel expressed in nociceptors, resistant to inactivation at depolarized voltages.

Biological role and pathway

SCN10A is involved in the nociceptive signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Pain & Sensory Processing cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.

Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the SCN10A gene have been studied in relation to pain sensory and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

• rs6795970— SCN10A variant
• rs1458038— SCN10A variant

Conditions studied in relation to SCN10A

Research into SCN10A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that SCN10A causes or treats any condition.

Genetic insights from DNA data

Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include SCN10A and related genes in the pain & sensory processing pathway.

The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Related genes in the Pain & Sensory Processing pathway

SCN10A does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.

Frequently asked questions