Evaluating the molecular function of zebrafish Anoctamin 1a.

Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) regulate key physiological processes like epithelial secretion, sensory transduction, gastrointestinal pacemaking, and muscle contraction. Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) are genetically similar to humans, easily manipulated, and are a valuable model organism. We cloned zebrafish Anoctamin 1, a putative CaCC gene, expressed it in mammalian cells, and confirmed its function via halide flux assays. The channel conducted anions and responded to calcium, verifying its role as a CaCC. These findings confirm the functionality of zebrafish CaCCs and lay the groundwork to use the organism to model human physiology and disease.