TMEM16A in gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle contractility.

Calcium-activated Cl- channels (CaCC) are widely expressed proteins which regulate various physiological functions. TMEM16A is a CaCC expressed in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, where it is a major regulator of tissue contraction. In this review we discuss recent advances on the roles of TMEM16A in gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle contractility, including its segment and cell type-specific effects. We also discuss recent physiological and pharmacological evidence suggesting potential therapeutic utility of TMEM16A modulators in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases associated with altered smooth muscle contractility.