Transmembrane protein 150C (TMEM150C)

Transmembrane protein 150C (TMEM150C), also known as Tentonin 3 (TTN3), is a mechanosensitive ion channel component found in the plasma membrane and within various organelles. It is primarily responsible for slowly adapting mechanically activated (SA-type MA) currents, especially in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons but is also expressed in muscle spindles, baroreceptors, and pancreatic β cells[1][2][4][7]. TMEM150C forms a nonselective cationic channel, notably permeable to calcium ions, and its activity is essential in mechanotransduction, a process where mechanical forces are converted to biochemical signals. TMEM150C's current can be inhibited by known mechanosensitive channel blockers, and its genetic ablation impairs related physiological functions such as proprioception and blood pressure regulation and affects insulin secretion[1][2][7]. The pathophysiological roles of TMEM150C extend to cancer, Parkinson’s disease, cardiomyopathy, sensory disorders, and rare inherited diseases, although clinical targeting or biomarkers for this protein have not yet been clearly established[1][2][8]. Some studies debate whether TMEM150C forms a channel by itself or acts as a regulator of classical mechanosensitive channels such as Piezo1, Piezo2, and TREK-1[3], but its mechanosensitive properties and contributions to cellular responses are well supported by genetic models and biophysical recordings[1][4][7].

Other names

Tentonin 3TTN3FLJ12993tentonin 3transmembrane protein 150C

Mechanosensitive ion channel blocker action (e.g., inhibition by gadolinium, FM1-43, GsMTx4)[1][7]