Inhibition of Cell Proliferation by a Selective Inhibitor of the Ca2+-activated Cl− Channel, Ano1

Background Ion channels play important roles in regulation of cellular proliferation. Ano1 (TMEM16A) is a Ca2+-activated Cl− channel expressed in several tumors and cell types. In the muscle layers of the gastrointestinal tract Ano1 is selectively expressed in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and appears to be required for normal gastrointestinal slow wave electrical activity. However, Ano1 is expressed in all classes of ICC, including those that do not generate slow waves suggesting that Ano1 may have other functions. Indeed, a role for Ano1 in regulating proliferation of tumors and ICC has been recently suggested. Recently, a high-throughput screen identified a small molecule, T16Ainh-A01 as a specific inhibitor of Ano1.