The sodium ion channel NALCN is a protein that is encoded by the NALCN gene in humans. NALCN is a non-selective sodium leak channel that is widely expressed in the central nervous system, where it regulates resting membrane potential. NALCN was first identified in 1999, and has been shown to be involved in mediating respiratory rhythm. NALCN has been found to be expressed in nearly all neurons of the central nervous system in both mammals and invertebrates, and its expression has also been identified in oligodendrocytes.
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