Functional expression of the TMEM16 family of calcium-activated chloride channels in airway smooth muscle.

ABSTRACT: Airway smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness is a key component in the pathophysiology of asthma. Although calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC) flux has been described in many cell types, including human airway smooth muscle (HASM), the true molecular identity of the channels responsible for this chloride conductance remains controversial. Recently, a new family of proteins thought to represent the true CaCCs was identified as the TMEM16 family. This led us to question whether members of this family are functionally expressed in native and cultured HASM. We further questioned whether expression of these channels contributes to the contractile function of HASM. We identified the mRNA expression of eight members of the TMEM16 family in HASM cells and show immunohistochemical evidence of TME

SUBMITTER: Gallos G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3840275 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature