Calcium-activated chloride channel protein TMEM16A (TMEM16A (also known as ANO1))

Calcium-activated chloride channel protein TMEM16A (TMEM16A or ANO1) is a transmembrane ion channel that mediates the passage of chloride ions in response to increases in intracellular Ca^2+^ concentration[1][2][3][7][10]. It forms a homodimer with ten transmembrane segments per monomer, and gating is accomplished through direct Ca^2+^ binding to conserved acidic residues, inducing conformational changes that open the chloride-selective pore[1][3][4][7][9]. TMEM16A is crucial in diverse biological processes such as the regulation of membrane excitability in neurons and smooth muscle, airway and exocrine fluid secretion, and gut motility[6][8][9][10]. It is highly regulated by alternate splicing, protein-protein interactions, phosphorylation, and interactions with membrane phospholipids such as PIP2[4][9]. TMEM16A serves as an important therapeutic target in cancer, respiratory disease, hypertension, and conditions of altered secretory function due to its central role in chloride conductance and cell signaling pathways[9][10].

Other names

Anoctamin 1ANO1Calcium-activated chloride channelCaCCTMEM16A channel

Blockers and inhibitors suppress chloride flux by inhibiting channel opening or ion permeation, reducing its physiological effects Drugs may target gating conformational changes, Ca^2+^ binding, or the ion-conducting pore