Anoctamin-2 (ANO2)

Anoctamin-2 (ANO2) is a calcium-activated chloride channel primarily expressed in neuronal tissues, including olfactory sensory neurons and the retina. It functions as a transmembrane ion channel that opens in response to increases in intracellular calcium, allowing chloride ions to flow across cell membranes. ANO2 plays a critical role in sensory systems: it amplifies transduction signals for olfaction by contributing to the odorant-induced depolarizing current in olfactory neurons, and may participate in light signal amplification in the retina. It also regulates neuronal excitability, smooth muscle contraction, and other calcium-dependent physiological functions. Genetically, ANO2 has been implicated as an autoimmune target in multiple sclerosis and shows associations with other inherited diseases, although its direct role in disease is still being investigated. Pharmacologically, inhibitors such as niflumic acid suppress ANO2 channel activity. No highly selective modulators are approved clinically, and safety concerns from targeting ANO2 revolve around disruption of normal sensory or neuronal signaling and risk of autoimmune reactions[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

TMEM16BTransmembrane protein 16BC12orf3Calcium-activated chloride channelCaCCAnoctamin 2ANO2

Blockade or modulation of calcium-activated chloride channel activity (by inhibitors such as niflumic acid)