Abstract
The aquaporin (AQP) family of water channels are a group of small, membrane-spanning proteins that are vital for the rapid transport of water across the plasma membrane. These proteins are widely expressed, from tissues such as the renal epithelium and erythrocytes to the various cells of the central nervous system. This review will elucidate the basic structure and distribution of aquaporins and discuss the role of aquaporins in various neuropathologies. AQP1 and AQP4, the two primary aquaporin molecules of the central nervous system, regulate brain water and CSF movement and contribute to cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, where they control the size of the intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes, respectively. AQP4 expression is vital to the cellular migration and angiogenesis at the heart of tumor growth; AQP4 is central to dysfunctions in glutamate metabolism, synaptogenesis, and memory consolidation; and AQP1 and AQP4 adaptations have been seen in obstructive and non-obstructive hydrocephalus and may be therapeutic targets.
Highlights
Since the discovery of the aquaporin family of proteins, integral membrane pores facilitating diffusion of water molecules, researchers have been able to uncover the true nature of physiological osmotic balance
Aquaporin molecules are basically involved in water movement in tissues as well as cellular migration and angiogenesis in tumor formation [1], development and resolution of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema [2,3], synaptogenesis and memory formation [4], cerebrovascular disease [5,6], neuroimmunology [7,8], and support of neurostructures of sensory organs [9]
The permeability of the central nervous system is dependent on the distribution, number, and permeability of channels; any potential pharmacological interventions will likely focus on the permeability of select populations
Summary
Since the discovery of the aquaporin family of proteins, integral membrane pores facilitating diffusion of water molecules, researchers have been able to uncover the true nature of physiological osmotic balance. We have a clearer understanding of the structure, function, and distribution of aquaporins, and begin to discover their contributions to many disease states. Aquaporin molecules are basically involved in water movement in tissues as well as cellular migration and angiogenesis in tumor formation [1], development and resolution of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema [2,3], synaptogenesis and memory formation [4], cerebrovascular disease [5,6], neuroimmunology [7,8], and support of neurostructures of sensory organs [9]. The contributions of aquaporins to various pathophysiologies is predicated on their ability to mediate the entry and exit of water from the central nervous system. The permeability of the central nervous system is dependent on the distribution, number, and permeability of channels; any potential pharmacological interventions will likely focus on the permeability of select populations
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