Reciprocal changes in phosphorylation and methylation of mammalian brain sodium channels in response to seizures

Background: Sodium channels underlie neuronal excitability and are regulated by seizures. Results: Mass spectrometric analysis of brain sodium channels revealed novel phosphorylation and methylation sites that decreased and increased, respectively, after seizures. Inducing methylation increased sodium channel activity. Conclusion: Reciprocal phosphorylation and methylation after seizures will alter sodium channel function. Significance: Such regulation would impact neuronal excitability.