The Ca(2+) -activated Cl(-) channel, ANO1 (TMEM16A), is a double-edged sword in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis

Cancer Med. 2014 Jun;3(3):453-61. doi: 10.1002/cam4.232. Epub 2014 Mar 18.

Abstract

Since anoctamin 1 ANO1 (TMEM16A) was found to be a molecular component of Ca(2+) -activated Cl(-) channels, its role in tumorigenesis has gained attention at a fast pace. ANO1 overexpression frequently occurs in the cancer tissues along with 11q13 chromosome amplification. Poor prognosis of many types of cancers has been closely correlated with ANO1 gene amplification and protein overexpression. ANO1 is now considered an excellent biomarker for certain cancers. Recent research suggests that it is the channel function of ANO1 that is involved in the tumorigenesis. However, how the overexpression of the functional ANO1 causes malignant transformation of tissues via signaling pathways, for example, MAPK remains to be investigated. Clarification of the reasons in future will avail to make ANO1 as a target for cancer treatment.

Keywords: ANO1; Ca2+-activated Cl− channel; cancer; cell proliferation; tumorigenesis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Anoctamin-1
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics*
  • Chloride Channels / biosynthesis*
  • Chloride Channels / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • ANO1 protein, human
  • Anoctamin-1
  • Chloride Channels
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • Calcium