Transmembrane channel-like protein 1 (TMC1) is one of eight mammalian TMC genes. Proteins that belong to this family contain six transmembrane domains with both the C and N termini on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane, as well as a large loop between domains 4 and 5. This multi-pass transmembrane topologic structure suggests roles as a receptor, transporter, channel, or pump¹.  

TMC1 and the closely related TMC2 gene are assembled as dimers² and are expressed in neurosensory hair cells of the mouse inner ear where they appear to have a role as pore forming units in mechanoelectrical transduction.  

Mutations of the transmembrane channel-like 1 (TMC1) gene can cause dominant and recessive forms of deafness in humans and mice³ and hence, identification of the molecular functions of Tmc genes is broadly significant because it may provide a handle on the fundamental mechanisms that mediate human hearing and balance⁴.