Known structures and unknown mechanisms of TMEM16 scramblases and channels.

ABSTRACT: The TMEM16 family of membrane proteins is composed of both Ca²⁺-gated Cl^- channels and Ca²⁺-dependent phospholipid scramblases. The functional diversity of TMEM16s underlies their involvement in numerous signal transduction pathways that connect changes in cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels to cellular signaling networks. Indeed, defects in the function of several TMEM16s cause a variety of genetic disorders, highlighting their fundamental pathophysiological importance. Here, we review how our mechanistic understanding of TMEM16 function has been shaped by recent functional and structural work. Remarkably, the recent determination of near-atomic-resolution structures of TMEM16 proteins of both functional persuasions has revealed how relatively minimal rearran

SUBMITTER: Falzone ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6028493 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature