Stable CHO Cell Lines Expressing Nav1.8 and Nav1.7 with Electrophysiological Validation for Pain Research
Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 CHO Cells
Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 expressing cell lines are widely used in the study of nociceptive signaling and have emerged as essential tools in the development of non-opioid analgesics, s these two sodium channels Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 have become high-priority targets in pain research. The growing clinical interest in these targets, highlighted by advances such as Vertex’s suzetrigine programme, has increased demand for reliable in vitro models that enable high-quality screening and mechanistic studies.
We have developed two fully characterized, stable sodium channel cell lines: CHO-Nav1.7 (INS-SF-1037) a Nav1.7 stable cell line and a CHO-Nav1.8 (INS-SF-1003) a Nav1.8 stable cell line, each based on our proprietary CHO landing pad platform. These cell lines combine functional expression of human sodium channel subunits with long-term stability, automated patch clamp compatibility, and comprehensive pharmacological validation.
- Cells validated by
Our off-the-shelf sodium cell lines offer key advantages:
CHO-based platform compatible with adherent and suspension culture
High-performance on automated patch clamp systems (QPatch, Qube)
Fully validated by Metrion Biosciences Ltd, a specialist ion channel CRO
Available under a one-time access fee with no royalties
Each cell line constitutively expresses its respective sodium channel subunits under a CMV promoter: CHO-Nav1.7: (SCN9A α subunit) and CHO-Nav1.8 (SCN10A α subunit plus SCN1B β subunit)
Table of Contents
Electrophysiological and Pharmacological Validation
Overview
Both the Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 CHO cell lines have been functionally validated using manual and automated patch clamp systems by Metrion Biosciences, a CRO specialising in ion channel electrophysiology. The validation included voltage-dependence characterisation, current stability assessments, and pharmacological profiling using reference compounds.
The Nav1.8 cell line was validated across three platforms: manual patch clamp, QPatch, and Qube, while Nav1.7 was validated on QPatch.
The results confirm that both cell lines are assay-ready, stable, and suitable for use in sodium channel screening, pain research, and lead compound profiling.
Nav1.7 CHO Cell Line
The Nav1.7 CHO cell line expresses the human SCN9A (α subunit) constitutively under a CMV promoter and was validated on the Sophion QPatch system. Recordings demonstrated robust inward sodium currents and pharmacological responses consistent with published literature.
| Parameter | Nav1.7 CHO Cell Line |
|---|---|
| Expressed Subunits | SCN9A (α) |
| Expression | Constitutive (CMV) |
| Patch Clamp Platforms | QPatch |
| TTX Resistance | No (TTX-sensitive) |
| Peak Current Amplitude | –5 nA |
| Activation V₀.₅ | –20.1 mV |
| Inactivation V₀.₅ | –71.9 mV |
| Seal Formation Success | 90% |
| Recording Success | 75% |
| Stability Over Time | ≥4 weeks in culture |
| Reference Compounds IC₅₀ values (resting/inactivated) | TTX: 37 nM PF-05089771: 14 nM Tetracaine: 4.1 µM / 532 nM Amitriptyline: 16 µM / 1.8 µM |
Nav1.8 CHO Cell Line
The Nav1.8 CHO cell line constitutively expresses human SCN10A (α) and SCN1B (β) subunits under a CMV promoter. It was validated on manual patch clamp, QPatch, and Qube platforms. All recordings were performed in the presence of TTX to isolate TTX-resistant Nav1.8 currents.
| Parameter | Nav1.8 CHO Cell Line |
|---|---|
| Expressed Subunits | SCN10A (α) + SCN1B (β) |
| Expression | Constitutive (CMV) |
| Patch Clamp Platforms | Manual, QPatch, Qube |
| TTX Resistance | Yes (validated in presence of TTX) |
| Peak Current Amplitude | –0.87 nA |
| Activation V₀.₅ | 11.3 mV |
| Inactivation V₀.₅ | 49.4 mV (QPatch) |
| Seal Formation Success | 94% |
| Recording Success | 86% |
| Stability Over Time | Detectable through ≥65 passages |
| Reference Compounds IC₅₀ values (resting/inactivated) | VX-150: 158 nM / >1 µM PF-04531083: >3 µM / 355 nM |
Performance and Platform Compatibility
Validated for Automated Patch Clamp Systems
The Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 CHO stable cell lines were evaluated using the Sophion QPatch system, and Nav1.8 was additionally validated on the Qube platform. Both cell lines demonstrated high seal formation and recording success rates, confirming their suitability for medium- to high-throughput applications.
Nav1.7 CHO (QPatch): 90% seal success, 75% completed recordings
Nav1.8 CHO (QPatch): 94% seal success, 86% completed recordings
These strong patchability metrics reduce experimental variability and enable efficient screening workflows in ion channel drug discovery.
Flexible CHO Cell Background
Both stable sodium channel cell lines are built on inscreenex’s proprietary CHO landing pad platform, which supports culture in both adherent and suspension formats. This enables straightforward assay setup in low-throughput manual workflows as well as scale-up for automated platforms using liquid handling systems.
The CHO platform also facilitates integration into existing screening infrastructure, providing a versatile foundation for ion channel pharmacology.
Proven Long-Term Functional Stability
The Nav1.8 stable cell line demonstrated sodium current expression over at least 65 passages, supporting long-term reproducibility in extended campaigns. For Nav1.7 CHO, stable current expression was confirmed for at least four weeks in culture, verified across multiple replicates.
This consistency makes both models well suited for laboratories that require dependable, reproducible results in both lead discovery and mechanistic research settings.
Licensing, Access, and Customization
The Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 CHO cell lines are available under a one-time access fee with no royalties or ongoing costs. Each order includes two cryopreserved vials per cell line and is governed by a straightforward Limited Commercial Use License (LCUL).
This license permits:
Use by for-profit entities for internal drug discovery and development
Use by CROs, either under contract with the licensee or via direct licensing
For any other commercial uses, please contact our Out-Licensing Team.
For non-profit organizations, cells are available for perpetual academic research under the Limited Research Use License.
In addition to off-the-shelf availability, inscreenex offers extensive customization services for ion channel targets. These include generation of gain- and loss-of-function variants of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 for disease modeling (e.g., inherited erythromelalgia, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, CIP), as well as development of species-specific orthologs (mouse, rat, dog, Cynomolgus) for preclinical counter-screening.
All custom projects are built on the same validated CHO landing pad system and benefit from our long-standing expertise in generating stable, functionally expressed cell lines.
Why Choose Our Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 Cell Lines?
The Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 stable cell lines from inscreenex offer a unique combination of comprehensive validation, technical reliability, and commercial availability. They are specifically designed to meet the demands of ion channel drug discovery programs focused on pain targets.
- Easy-to-use CHO platform with compatibility for adherent and suspension culture
- Validated on automated patch clamp platforms including QPatch and Qube
- Full validation by external ion channel experts
- Robust, stable expression confirmed across passages and time in culture
- Transparent, one-time access fee with no royalties or recurring costs
- Custom variant development available (disease models, species orthologs)
- Immediate availability, with fast global shipping
These features make the Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 cell lines a powerful and practical solution for sodium channel research and high-throughput pharmacology.
Order Now – Introductory Offer Available
How to order
The Nav1.7 (INS-SF-1037) and Nav1.8 (INS-SF-1003) CHO cell lines are in stock and available for immediate delivery under a one-time access fee. There are no royalties, no recurring costs, and the license permits use by for-profit companies and CROs under the Limited Commercial Use License (LCUL) or use by non-profit entities or academics under the Limited Research Use License (LRUL).
Each order includes:
Two cryopreserved vials per cell line (additional vials available for a service fee)
Detailed protocols for cell handling and patch clamp setup
Request your quote and order directly from us: .
We are also a listed supplier on a variety of digital ordering platforms. Contact us for more information.
Introductory Offer
For a limited time, early customers can access a discounted bundle when ordering both Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 cell lines together.
Use the reference “PATCHPLEASE” when ordering the cell lines.
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Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 Cell Lines Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What cell background is used for these models?
Both the Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 cell lines are based on a proprietary CHO-K1-derived landing pad cell line developed by inscreenex. This platform allows site-specific, single-copy integration and supports stable, high-level expression in both adherent and suspension formats.
Are the cells compatible with automated patch clamp systems?
Yes. The Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 cell lines were validated on the Sophion QPatch platform, and Nav1.8 was additionally tested on the Qube system. Both cell lines demonstrated high seal formation and recording success rates, confirming suitability for automated workflows.
What electrophysiological data are included?
Each cell line is accompanied by a comprehensive data package including:
Peak current amplitudes
Activation and inactivation V₀.₅ values
Pharmacological IC₅₀ values for reference compounds
Recording success rates on automated systems
All data were generated by Metrion Biosciences Ltd, a leading CRO in ion channel electrophysiology.
Can CROs use these cells to provide services?
es. The Limited Commercial Use License (LCUL) permits CROs to use the cells:
Under contract with a licensed client, or
Through direct licensing to offer fee-for-service work to third parties
Do you offer customized versions of these cell lines?
Yes. inscreenex offers:
Gain- and loss-of-function mutants for Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 (e.g., IEM, PEPD, CIP)
Species-specific orthologs (mouse, rat, dog, Cynomolgus monkey)
All custom models are built using the same CHO landing pad platform.
What is included with the order?
Each order includes:
Two cryopreserved vials of the selected cell line (additional vials available for a service fee)
Detailed protocols for thawing, freezing, culture (adherent and suspension)
Patch clamp solution compositions and voltage protocols
Are the cells in stock and how fast is shipping?
Yes, both Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 cell lines are in stock and usually ship within 1–2 business days.
Estimated shipping times:
EU: 1–2 business days
UK: 2–3 business days
USA: 3–4 business days
Rest of world: please contact us for estimated delivery timelines
What is the BSL of the stable cell lines?
The cell lines are BSL1.
Can I use the cells commercially?
Cells are available for commercial use under a Limited Commercial Use License (LCUL).
This license permits:
Use by for-profit entities for internal drug discovery and development
Use by CROs, either under contract with the licensee or via direct licensing
For any other commercial uses (resale, batch-release, manufacturing etc.) , please contact our Out-Licensing Team.
How do I order the cell lines?
What is the pricing model?
The cells are available under a one-time access fee, with no royalties or ongoing costs. Pricing includes two vials and the full licensing and protocol package. A discounted introductory offer is available when both cell lines are purchased together.