Anoctamin-4 (ANO4)

Anoctamin-4 (ANO4), also known as transmembrane protein 16D (TMEM16D), is a member of the anoctamin/TMEM16 protein family found in eukaryotic organisms[2][4][5]. ANO4 functions as a calcium-dependent, non-selective cation channel and also exhibits calcium-dependent phospholipid scramblase activity[3][4][5]. It facilitates the movement of monovalent cations (such as K⁺, Na⁺, Li⁺) across the cell membrane in response to elevated intracellular calcium levels and promotes the redistribution (scrambling) of specific phospholipids like phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine within cell membranes[3][4][5]. While the functions of some anoctamin family members are well established (e.g., TMEM16A/ANO1 as a Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ channel), the functional roles of ANO4 are less thoroughly characterized and, according to recent studies, involve both ion channel and scramblase activities[1][2][3]. The complete physiological and pathological significance of ANO4 remains under exploration, but like other family members, it may participate in cellular ion homeostasis and membrane lipid organization. There is limited direct evidence linking ANO4 specifically to human diseases or to known drug interactions[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

TMEM16DTransmembrane protein 16DFLJ34221FLJ34272FLJ35277anoctamin-4