Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Isolation of Primary Patient-specific Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells and Semiquantitative Real-time Contraction Measurements In Vitro
08:28

Isolation of Primary Patient-specific Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells and Semiquantitative Real-time Contraction Measurements In Vitro

Published on: February 15, 2022

4.2K

TMEM16A in gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle contractility

Sadik Taskin Tas1, Marc O Anderson1,2, Onur Cil1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.

The Journal of Physiology
|September 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

TMEM16A, a calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC), significantly impacts gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Modulating TMEM16A shows promise for treating related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC) are crucial for physiological functions.
  • TMEM16A is a key CaCC in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, regulating tissue contraction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances on TMEM16A's role in gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle contractility.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of TMEM16A modulators for related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent physiological and pharmacological studies.
  • Analysis of segment and cell type-specific effects of TMEM16A.

Main Results:

  • TMEM16A exhibits segment and cell type-specific roles in smooth muscle contractility.
  • Evidence suggests TMEM16A modulators could be therapeutically useful.

Conclusions:

  • TMEM16A is a critical regulator of smooth muscle contractility in the GI and cardiovascular systems.
  • Targeting TMEM16A offers potential therapeutic strategies for diseases involving altered smooth muscle function.
Keywords:
ANO1CaCCanoctamin‐1gut motilityvascular tonevasoconstriction

More Related Videos

Measurement of Smooth Muscle Function in the Isolated Tissue Bath-applications to Pharmacology Research09:05

Measurement of Smooth Muscle Function in the Isolated Tissue Bath-applications to Pharmacology Research

Published on: January 19, 2015

149.0K
Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development07:56

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Published on: January 26, 2018

17.2K

Related Concept Videos

Smooth Muscle Contraction01:25

Smooth Muscle Contraction

Smooth muscle contraction is a complex process vital for various bodily functions, from maintaining blood vessel tension to facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Unlike striated muscles, smooth muscle contraction begins more slowly and lasts longer.
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...
7.3K
Functions of Smooth Muscles01:23

Functions of Smooth Muscles

Smooth muscles are an important type of muscle tissue that plays a vital role in the involuntary movements of internal organs. For example, they help regulate the movement of food through the gut and the flow of blood through the circulatory system.
Function of visceral smooth muscles
Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of all hollow organs, except the heart, and is a key player in the involuntary movements that drive the functioning of these internal organs. This tissue is arranged in...
3.2K
Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles01:13

Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles

Smooth muscle tissue is a type of muscle tissue that can be found lining various vital organs in the human body, including the lungs, blood vessels, digestive tract, and respiratory tract. This type of tissue is responsible for regulating the movements of these organs, playing crucial roles in the functioning of various systems, including the vascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
8.5K
The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells01:10

The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells

Actin and myosin or actomyosin filaments also play a significant role in cells other than those involved in muscle contraction (which occurs within the sarcomere of muscle cells). The mechanism of non-muscle cell contractile bundles was first observed in Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. In non-muscle cells, two bundles are commonly found: stress fibers and actomyosin adherence belts. These contractile bundles are smaller and less organized than the ones found in muscle cells. They  are held...
4.6K
Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a...
1.7K
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:22

Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
2.6K