The pharmacology of the TMEM16A channel: therapeutic opportunities

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Sep;43(9):712-725. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.06.006. Epub 2022 Jul 7.

Abstract

The TMEM16A Ca2+-gated Cl- channel is involved in a variety of vital physiological functions and may be targeted pharmacologically for therapeutic benefit in diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and cystic fibrosis (CF). The determination of the TMEM16A structure and high-throughput screening efforts, alongside ex vivo and in vivo animal studies and clinical investigations, are hastening our understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of this channel. Here, we offer a critical analysis of recent developments in TMEM16A pharmacology and reflect on the therapeutic opportunities provided by this target.

Keywords: TMEM16A; anoctamin 1; calcium signalling; cancer; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; cystic fibrosis; hypertension; ion channels; pain; pericyte; stroke; vascular smooth muscle.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anoctamin-1
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Chloride Channels*
  • Cystic Fibrosis*

Substances

  • Anoctamin-1
  • Chloride Channels
  • Calcium