Epithelial cells express calcium-activated Cl− channels of unknown molecular identity.
These Cl− channels play a central role in diseases such as secretory diarrhea, polycystic
kidney disease, and cystic fibrosis. The family of bestrophins has been suggested to form
calcium-activated Cl− channels. Here, we demonstrate molecular and functional expression
of bestrophin-1 (BEST1) in mouse and human airways, colon, and kidney. Endogenous
calcium-activated whole cell Cl− currents coincide with endogenous expression of the Vmd2 …