TMEM16A in prostate cancer: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications

Transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A), functions as a calcium-activated chloride channel and has been recognized as a crucial factor in the pathophysiological processes of prostate cancer. Its elevated expression in metastatic prostate cancer cell lines is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes, indicating its potential use as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target. This review emphasizes TMEM16A's involvement in facilitating cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via various signaling cascades, notably the MAPK pathway. The inhibition of TMEM16A has yielded encouraging results in preclinical studies, highlighting its promise as a target for innovative therapeutic approaches. Additionally, examining TMEM16A's involvement in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) enhances our comprehension of its relevance to prostatic health. Future investigations should focus on clarifying the fundamental mechanisms underlying TMEM16A's role and assessing its clinical applicability across various cancer types.