Anoctamin 1, a multi-modal player in pain and itch

Anoctamin 1 (ANO1/TMEM16A) encodes a Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channel. Among ANO1′s many physiological functions, it plays a significant role in mediating nociception and itch. ANO1 is activated by intracellular Ca²⁺ and depolarization. Additionally, ANO1 is activated by heat above 44 °C, suggesting heat as another activation stimulus. ANO1 is highly expressed in nociceptors, indicating a role in nociception. Conditional Ano1 ablation in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons results in a reduction in acute thermal pain, as well as thermal and mechanical allodynia or hyperalgesia evoked by inflammation or nerve injury. Pharmacological interventions also lead to a reduction in nocifensive behaviors. ANO1 is functionally linked to the bradykinin receptor and TRPV1. Bradykinin stimulates ANO1 via IP3-mediated Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores, whereas TRPV1 stimulates ANO1 via a combination of Ca²⁺ influx and release. Nerve injury causes upregulation of ANO1 expression in DRG neurons, which is blocked by ANO1 antagonists. Due to its role in nociception, strong and specific ANO1 antagonists have been developed. ANO1 is also expressed in pruritoceptors, mediating Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors (Mrgprs)-dependent itch. The activation of ANO1 leads to chloride efflux and depolarization due to high intracellular chloride concentrations, causing pain and itch. Thus, ANO1 could be a potential target for the development of new drugs treating pain and itch.