TMEM63B

Mechanosensitive cation channel with low conductance and high activation threshold. Osmosensitive cation channel preferentially activated by hypotonic stress. Also acts as a phospholipid scramblase in response to changes in membrane structure: upon changes in membrane curvature and thickness, alters its conformation and translocates phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, thereby controlling plasma membrane lipid distribution. Forms a heterodimer with SLC19A2, which mediates phospholipid scramblase activity following Ca(2+) stimulation (By similarity). Expressed in excitatory neurons of the subfornical organ and functions as a thirst receptor that mediates neuronal response to hyperosmolality to drive thirst and drinking behavior (By similarity). Facilitates intestinal motility by promoting proliferation of intestinal stem cells (By similarity). Essential for the baby's first breath and respiration throughout life. Upon lung inflation conducts cation currents in alveolar type 1 and 2 cells triggering lamellar body exocytosis and surfactant secretion into airspace. Acts as an osmosensor in cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) where it mediates calcium influx and regulatory volume decrease response (By similarity). Required for the maintenance of OHC morphology, OHC survival and normal hearing (By similarity)..

Function from UniProtKB (Q5T3F8), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.