Anoctamin-3 (ANO3)

Anoctamin-3 (ANO3) is a transmembrane protein encoded by the ANO3 gene on human chromosome 11, belonging to the TMEM16/anoctamin family, whose members often function as ion channels or phospholipid scramblases[1][2][3][4][6]. While originally described as a putative calcium-activated chloride channel, current evidence suggests ANO3 acts primarily as a calcium-dependent phospholipid scramblase and modulator of potassium channel activity rather than a classical chloride channel[2][3]. ANO3 exhibits high expression in neuronal tissues—especially in basal ganglia, striatum, cortex, hippocampus, and dorsal root ganglia—where it regulates neuronal excitability and pain signaling, partly by facilitating the function of sodium-activated potassium channels (KCNT1/Slack)[2][3]. Human mutations in ANO3 are causative for autosomal dominant craniocervical dystonia (DYT23), characterized by involuntary movements and tremor of the face, head, and neck[1][2][3]. ANO3 function may also have relevance to neurodegenerative and pain disorders, but no drugs are currently known to selectively target ANO3, and its involvement as a direct therapeutic target is still under investigation[2][3].

Other names

Transmembrane protein 16CTMEM16CC11orf25DYT23DYT24Anoctamin 3anoctamin 3dystonia 23