Sodium channel protein type 8 subunit alpha (SCN8A)

Mediates the voltage-dependent sodium ion permeability of excitable membranes. Assuming opened or closed conformations in response to the voltage difference across the membrane, the protein forms a sodium-selective channel through which Na(+) ions may pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient.

In macrophages and melanoma cells, isoform 5 may participate in the control of podosome and invadopodia formation. .