Sodium channel subunit beta-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SCN1B gene. Voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for the generation and propagation of action potentials in striated muscle and neuronal tissues. Biochemically, they consist of a large alpha subunit and 1 or 2 smaller beta subunits, such as SCN1B. The alpha subunit alone can exhibit all the functional attributes of a voltage-gated Na+ channel, but requires a beta-1 subunit for normal inactivation kinetics.[supplied by OMIM] Clinical significance Mutation in the SCN1B gene are associated with disorders such as Brugada syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, and GEFS. See also Sodium channel References Further reading External links GeneReviews/NIH/NCBI/UW entry on Brugada syndrome Sodium channels