CALHM3
Description
The CALHM3 (calcium homeostasis modulator 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10.
CALHM3 is a pore-forming subunit of a voltage-gated ion channel that allows passage of both small ions and larger molecules, including ATP. Together with CALHM1, it forms a fast-activating voltage-gated ATP-release channel in type II taste bud cells (TBCs). The release of ATP, mediated by CALHM1 and CALHM3, serves as a neurotransmitter to signal gustatory neurons in response to tastes detected by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including sweet, bitter, and umami substances.
CALHM3 is also known as FAM26A, bA225H22.7.