This entry represents the anoctamin family, which includes anoctamin1-10 (Ano1-10 or TMEM16A-J); 7 members could be divided into two subfamilies, Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels (TMEM16A and 16B) and Ca(2+)-dependent lipid scramblases (TMEM16C, 16D, 16F, 16G, and 16J) []. This entry also includes anoctamin-like protein At1g73020 from Arabidopsis and increased sodium tolerance protein 2 (Ist2) from budding yeasts. Ano1 and Ano2 (also known as TMEM16A and TMEM16B) are calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC), which play a role in transepithelial anion transport and smooth muscle contraction [, ]. Ano3-10 do not exhibit calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC) activity [, ]. Ist2 may be involved in ion homeostasis together with BTN1 or BTN2 [].
