cDNA cloning and gene structure of a novel water channel expressed exclusively in human kidney: evidence for a gene cluster of aquaporins at chromosome locus 12q13

Molecular mechanism of anion permeation through aquaporin 6

Aquaporins (AQPs) are recognized as transmembrane water channels that facilitate selective water permeation through their monomeric pores. Among the AQP family, AQP6 has an intriguing characteristic as an anion channel, which is allosterically controlled by pH conditions and is eliminated by a single amino acid mutation. However, the molecular mechanism of anion permeation through AQP6 remains unclear. Using molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of a transmembrane voltage utilizing an ion concentration gradient, we show that chloride ions permeate through the pore corresponding to the central axis of the AQP6 homotetramer. Under low pH conditions, a subtle opening of the hydrophobic selectivity filter (SF), located near the extracellular part of the central pore, becomes wetted and enables anion permeation. Our simulations also indicate that a single mutation (N63G) in human AQP6, located at the central pore, significantly reduces anion conduction, consistent with experimental data. Moreover, we demonstrate that the pH-sensing mechanism in which the protonation of H184 and H189 under low pH conditions allosterically triggers the gating of the SF region. These results suggest a unique pH-dependent allosteric anion permeation mechanism in AQP6 and could clarify the role of the central pore in some of the AQP tetramers.

Transport Characteristics of Aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQP) are a class of the integral membrane proteins. The main physiological function of AQPs is to facilitate the water transport across plasma membrane of cells. However, the transport of various kinds of small molecules by AQPs is an interesting topic. Studies using in vitro cell models have found that AQPs mediated transport of small molecules, including glycerol, urea, carbamides, polyols, purines, pyrimidines and monocarboxylates, and gases such as CO2, NO, NH3, H2O2 and O2, although the high intrinsic membrane permeabilities for these gases make aquaporin-facilitated transport not dominant in physiological mechanism. AQPs are also considered to transport silicon, antimonite, arsenite and some ions; however, most data about transport characteristics of AQPs are derived from in vitro experiments. The physiological significance of AQPs that are permeable to various small molecules is necessary to be determined by in vivo experiments. This chapter will provide information about the transport characteristics of AQPs.

Classification and Gene Structure of Aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane water channels that basically function as regulators of intracellular and intercellular water flow. To date, 13 AQPs, distributed widely in specific cell types in various organs and tissues, have been characterized in humans. A pair of NPA boxes forming a pore is highly conserved among all aquaporins and is also key residues for the classification of AQP superfamily into four groups according to primary sequences. AQPs may also be classified based on their transport properties. So far, chromosome localization and gene structure of 13 human AQPs have been identified, which is definitely helpful for studying phenotypes and potential targets in naturally occurring and synthetic mutations in human or cells.

Aquaporin ion conductance properties defined by membrane environment, protein structure, and cell physiology

Aquaporins (AQPs) are multifunctional transmembrane channel proteins permeable to water and an expanding array of solutes. AQP-mediated ion channel activity was first observed when purified AQP0 from bovine lens was incorporated into lipid bilayers. Electrophysiological properties of ion-conducting AQPs since discovered in plants, invertebrates, and mammals have been assessed using native, reconstituted, and heterologously expressed channels. Accumulating evidence is defining amino acid residues that govern differential solute permeability through intrasubunit and central pores of AQP tetramers. Rings of charged and hydrophobic residues around pores influence AQP selectivity, and are candidates for further work to define motifs that distinguish ion conduction capability, versus strict water and glycerol permeability. Similarities between AQP ion channels thus far include large single channel conductances and long open times, but differences in ionic selectivity, permeability to divalent cations, and mechanisms of gating (e.g., by voltage, pH, and cyclic nucleotides) are unique to subtypes. Effects of lipid environments in modulating parameters such as single channel amplitude could explain in part the variations in AQP ion channel properties observed across preparations. Physiological roles of the ion-conducting AQP classes span diverse processes including regulation of cell motility, organellar pH, neural development, signaling, and nutrient acquisition. Advances in computational methods can generate testable predictions of AQP structure-function relationships, which combined with innovative high-throughput assays could revolutionize the field in defining essential properties of ion-conducting AQPs, discovering new AQP ion channels, and understanding the effects of AQP interactions with proteins, signaling cascades, and membrane lipids.

Regulation of aquaporin-4 expression in the central nervous system investigated using M23-AQP4 null mouse

In astrocytes, unknown mechanisms regulate the expression of M1 and M23 isoforms of water channel aquaporin-4 (M1-AQP4 and M23-AQP4). The ratio between these two isoforms controls the AQP4 assembly state in the plasma membrane known as orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs). To give new insights into these mechanisms, here, we explore the regulation of AQP4 expression in the spinal cord of a CRISPR/Cas9 M23-null mouse model (M23-null). In the M23-null spinal cord OAP assembly, the perivascular localization of AQP4 and M1-AQP4 protein were drastically reduced. In heterozygous, M1-AQP4 was proportionally reduced with M23-AQP4, maintaining the isoform ratio unaffected. We hypothesize a role of the M23-AQP4 in the regulation of M1-AQP4 expression. M1-AQP4 transcription, splicing and M1-AQP4 protein degradation were found to be unaffected in M23-null spinal cord and in M23-null astrocyte primary culture. The translational control was investigated by mRNA-protein pull down and quantitative mass spectrometry, to isolate and quantify AQP4 mRNA binding proteins (AQP4-RBPs). Compared to WT, in M23-null spinal cord, the interaction between AQP4 mRNA and polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1, a positive regulator of AQP4 translation, was higher, while interaction with the RNA helicase DDX17 was lower. In astrocyte primary cultures, DDX17 knockdown upregulated AQP4 protein expression and increased cell swelling, leaving AQP4 mRNA levels unchanged. Here, we identify AQP4-RBPs and provide evidence that in mouse spinal cord M23-AQP4 deletion changes the interaction between AQP4 mRNA and some RBPs involved in AQP4 translation. We describe for the first time the RNA helicase DDX17 as a regulator of AQP4 expression in astrocytes.

Targeting Aquaporins in Novel Therapies for Male and Female Breast and Reproductive Cancers

Aquaporins are membrane channels in the broad family of major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), with 13 classes showing tissue-specific distributions in humans. As key physiological modulators of water and solute homeostasis, mutations, and dysfunctions involving aquaporins have been associated with pathologies in all major organs. Increases in aquaporin expression are associated with greater severity of many cancers, particularly in augmenting motility and invasiveness for example in colon cancers and glioblastoma. However, potential roles of altered aquaporin (AQP) function in reproductive cancers have been understudied to date. Published work reviewed here shows distinct classes aquaporin have differential roles in mediating cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis. Known mechanisms of action of AQPs in other tissues are proving relevant to understanding reproductive cancers. Emerging patterns show AQPs 1, 3, and 5 in particular are highly expressed in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, consistent with their gene regulation by estrogen response elements, and AQPs 3 and 9 in particular are linked with prostate cancer. Continuing work is defining avenues for pharmacological targeting of aquaporins as potential therapies to reduce female and male reproductive cancer cell growth and invasiveness.

Aquaporins' Influence on Different Dental Erosive Wear Phenotypes in Humans

Dental erosive wear is a multifactorial condition of high prevalence. Nowadays, there is an emphasis on discovering individual genetic predisposition for the development of this condition. Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins expressed in salivary glands, as well as during tooth development. They are involved in salivary secretion and composition and linked to physiological protection of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between different dental erosive wear phenotypes, AQP genes, and selected environmental factors. Data from 705 dental patients were used to investigate the association between dental erosive wear phenotypes and AQPs' single-nucleotide variants. Phenotypes were further analyzed considering diet and oral hygiene data, using logistic regression analysis, as implemented in PLINK, with the assumption that dental erosive wear is a complex gene-environment model. Associations were found between severe erosive tooth wear and rs2878771 (AQP2) for the genotypic (p = 0.02) and dominant (p = 0.03) models, and rs3736309 (AQP5) for the allelic model (p = 0.02). Logistic regression analyses, after implementing the Bonferroni correction, showed that several significant associations were present when covariates were included, suggesting that a strong environmental component is present. Our results show that dental erosive wear establishes under a gene-environmental complex model.

Mechanisms of Aquaporin-Facilitated Cancer Invasion and Metastasis

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its incidence is rising with numbers expected to increase 70% in the next two decades. The fact that current mainline treatments for cancer patients are accompanied by debilitating side effects prompts a growing demand for new therapies that not only inhibit growth and proliferation of cancer cells, but also control invasion and metastasis. One class of targets gaining international attention is the aquaporins, a family of membrane-spanning water channels with diverse physiological functions and extensive tissue-specific distributions in humans. Aquaporins−1,−2,−3,−4,−5,−8, and−9 have been linked to roles in cancer invasion, and metastasis, but their mechanisms of action remain to be fully defined. Aquaporins are implicated in the metastatic cascade in processes of angiogenesis, cellular dissociation, migration, and invasion. Cancer invasion and metastasis are proposed to be potentiated by aquaporins in boosting tumor angiogenesis, enhancing cell volume regulation, regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions, interacting with actin cytoskeleton, regulating proteases and extracellular-matrix degrading molecules, contributing to the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, and interacting with signaling pathways enabling motility and invasion. Pharmacological modulators of aquaporin channels are being identified and tested for therapeutic potential, including compounds derived from loop diuretics, metal-containing organic compounds, plant natural products, and other small molecules. Further studies on aquaporin-dependent functions in cancer metastasis are needed to define the differential contributions of different classes of aquaporin channels to regulation of fluid balance, cell volume, small solute transport, signal transduction, their possible relevance as rate limiting steps, and potential values as therapeutic targets for invasion and metastasis.

Transport Characteristics of Aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs ) are a class of the integral membrane proteins, which are permeable to water , some small neutral solutes and certain gases across biological membranes. AQPs are considered as critical transport mediators that are involved in many physiological functions and pathological processes such as transepithelial fluid transport , cell migration, brain edema , neuro excitation and carcinoma. This chapter will provide information about the transport characteristics of AQPs .

Molecular Biology of Aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs ) are a family of membrane water channels that basically function as regulators of intracellular and intercellular water flow. To date, thirteen AQPs , which are distributed widely in specific cell types in various organs and tissues, have been characterized in humans. Four AQP monomers, each of which consists of six membrane-spanning alpha-helices that have a central water-transporting pore, assemble to form tetramers, forming the functional units in the membrane. AQP facilitates osmotic water transport across plasma membranes and thus transcellular fluid movement. The cellular functions of aquaporins are regulated by posttranslational modifications , e.g. phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, subcellular distribution, degradation, and protein interactions. Insight into the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulated aquaporin trafficking and synthesis is proving to be fundamental for development of novel therapeutic targets or reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Molecular and functional characterization of Bemisia tabaci aquaporins reveals the water channel diversity of hemipteran insects

The Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an economically important pest of food, fiber, and ornamental crops. This pest has evolved a number of adaptations to overcome physiological challenges, including 1) the ability to regulate osmotic stress between gut lumen and hemolymph after imbibing large quantities of a low nitrogen, sugar-rich liquid diet; 2) the ability to avoid or prevent dehydration and desiccation, particularly during egg hatching and molting; and 3) to be adapted for survival at elevated temperatures. One superfamily of proteins involved in the maintenance of fluid homeostasis in many organisms includes the aquaporins, which are integral membrane channel proteins that aid in the rapid flux of water and other small solutes across biological membranes. Here, we show that B. tabaci has eight aquaporins (BtAqps), of which seven belong to the classical aquaporin 4-related grade of channels, including Bib, Drip, Prip, and Eglps and one that belongs to the unorthodox grade of aquaporin 12-like channels. B. tabaci has further expanded its repertoire of water channels through the expression of three BtDrip2 amino-terminal splice variants, while other hemipteran species express amino- or carboxyl-terminal isoforms of Drip, Prip, and Eglps. Each BtAqp has unique transcript expression profiles, cellular localization, and/or substrate preference. Our phylogenetic and functional data reveal that hemipteran insects lost the classical glp genes, but have compensated for this by duplicating the eglp genes early in their evolution to comprise at least three separate clades of glycerol transporters.

Aquaporins in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles (Exosomes)

Since the successful characterization of urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) by Knepper’s group in 2004, these vesicles have been a focus of intense basic and translational research worldwide, with the aim of developing novel biomarkers and therapeutics for renal disease. Along with these studies, there is growing evidence that aquaporins (AQPs), water channel proteins, in uEVs have the potential to be diagnostically useful. In this review, we highlight current knowledge of AQPs in uEVs from their discovery to clinical application.

The Trafficking of the Water Channel Aquaporin-2 in Renal Principal Cells-a Potential Target for Pharmacological Intervention in Cardiovascular Diseases

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the redistribution of water channels, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) from intracellular vesicles into the plasma membrane of renal collecting duct principal cells. By this AVP directs 10% of the water reabsorption from the 170 L of primary urine that the human kidneys produce each day. This review discusses molecular mechanisms underlying the AVP-induced redistribution of AQP2; in particular, it provides an overview over the proteins participating in the control of its localization. Defects preventing the insertion of AQP2 into the plasma membrane cause diabetes insipidus. The disease can be acquired or inherited, and is characterized by polyuria and polydipsia. Vice versa, up-regulation of the system causing a predominant localization of AQP2 in the plasma membrane leads to excessive water retention and hyponatremia as in the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), late stage heart failure or liver cirrhosis. This article briefly summarizes the currently available pharmacotherapies for the treatment of such water balance disorders, and discusses the value of newly identified mechanisms controlling AQP2 for developing novel pharmacological strategies. Innovative concepts for the therapy of water balance disorders are required as there is a medical need due to the lack of causal treatments.

Aquaporin 5 Interacts with Fluoride and Possibly Protects against Caries

Aquaporins (AQP) are water channel proteins and the genes coding for AQP2, AQP5, and AQP6 are clustered in 12q13. Since AQP5 is expressed in serous acinar cells of salivary glands, we investigated its involvement in caries. DNA samples from 1,383 individuals from six groups were studied. Genotypes of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms covering the aquaporin locus were tested for association with caries experience. Interaction with genes involved in enamel formation was tested. The association between enamel microhardness at baseline, after creation of artificial caries lesion, and after exposure to fluoride and the genetic markers in AQP5 was tested. Finally, AQP5 expression in human whole saliva, after exposure to fluoride in a mammary gland cell line, which is known to express AQP5, and in Wistar rats was also verified. Nominal associations were found between caries experience and markers in the AQP5 locus. Since these associations suggested that AQP5 may be inhibited by levels of fluoride in the drinking water that cause fluorosis, we showed that fluoride levels above optimal levels change AQP5 expression in humans, cell lines, and rats. We have shown that AQP5 is involved in the pathogenesis of caries and likely interacts with fluoride.

Beyond water homeostasis: Diverse functional roles of mammalian aquaporins

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin (AQP) water channels are best known as passive transporters of water that are vital for water homeostasis.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

AQP knockout studies in whole animals and cultured cells, along with naturally occurring human mutations suggest that the transport of neutral solutes through AQPs has important physiological roles. Emerging biophysical evidence suggests that AQPs may also facilitate gas (CO2) and cation transport. AQPs may be involved in cell signalling for volume regulation and controlling the subcellular localization of other proteins by forming macromolecular complexes. This review examines the evidence for these diverse functions of AQPs as well their physiological relevance.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

As well as being crucial for water homeostasis, AQPs are involved in physiologically important transport of molecules other than water, regulation of surface expression of other membrane proteins, cell adhesion, and signalling in cell volume regulation.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Elucidating the full range of functional roles of AQPs beyond the passive conduction of water will improve our understanding of mammalian physiology in health and disease. The functional variety of AQPs makes them an exciting drug target and could provide routes to a range of novel therapies.

Distribution of aquaporin genes and selection of individual reference genes for quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis in multiple tissues of the mouse

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water-transporting proteins that are selectively expressed in epithelial, endothelial, and many other cell types of various tissues, where they play important physiological functions. However, the accurate distribution of AQP gene expression has not yet been examined in various tissues of the mouse. We first evaluated the tissue distribution of AQP gene expression using tongue, nasal epithelium, bronchus, trachea, lung, esophagus, stomach, ileum, transverse colon, liver, pancreas, whole blood, thigh muscle, spinal cord, brain, thoracic aorta, heart, kidney, thymus, spleen, skin, eye, and testis of the mouse. Furthermore, for a quantitative analysis, we selected appropriate reference genes for normalized qRT-PCR data in various tissues. The stability of the reference genes was assessed using NormFinder. The stably expressed genes identified in the present study were 18s rRNA. When 18s rRNA was used, as the best reference gene in the present study, the genes for AQPs 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 were notably expressed in the eye, lung, testis, eye, spinal cord, trachea, kidney, testis, testis, testis, testis, and pancreas. These results, regarding the distribution of AQPs, suggest that AQPs may be involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Prenatal arsenic exposure alters gene expression in the adult liver to a proinflammatory state contributing to accelerated atherosclerosis

The mechanisms by which environmental toxicants alter developmental processes predisposing individuals to adult onset chronic disease are not well-understood. Transplacental arsenic exposure promotes atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE^−/−) mice. Because the liver plays a central role in atherosclerosis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, we hypothesized that accelerated atherosclerosis may be linked to altered hepatic development. This hypothesis was tested in ApoE^−/− mice exposed to 49 ppm arsenic in utero from gestational day (GD) 8 to term. GD18 hepatic arsenic was 1.2 µg/g in dams and 350 ng/g in fetuses. The hepatic transcriptome was evaluated by microarray analysis to assess mRNA and microRNA abundance in control and exposed pups at postnatal day (PND) 1 and PND70. Arsenic exposure altered postnatal developmental trajectory of mRNA and microRNA profiles. We identified an arsenic exposure related 51-gene signature at PND1 and PND70 with several hubs of interaction (Hspa8, IgM and Hnf4a). Gene ontology (GO) annotation analyses indicated that pathways for gluconeogenesis and glycolysis were suppressed in exposed pups at PND1, and pathways for protein export, ribosome, antigen processing and presentation, and complement and coagulation cascades were induced by PND70. Promoter analysis of differentially-expressed transcripts identified enriched transcription factor binding sites and clustering to common regulatory sites. SREBP1 binding sites were identified in about 16% of PND70 differentially-expressed genes. Western blot analysis confirmed changes in the liver at PND70 that included increases of heat shock protein 70 (Hspa8) and active SREBP1. Plasma AST and ALT levels were increased at PND70. These results suggest that transplacental arsenic exposure alters developmental programming in fetal liver, leading to an enduring stress and proinflammatory response postnatally that may contribute to early onset of atherosclerosis. Genes containing SREBP1 binding sites also suggest pathways for diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis, both diseases that contribute to increased cardiovascular disease in humans.

Cell culture models and animal models for studying the patho-physiological role of renal aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) are key players regulating urinary-concentrating ability. To date, eight aquaporins have been characterized and localized along the nephron, namely, AQP1 located in the proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle, and vasa recta; AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in collecting duct principal cells; AQP5 in intercalated cell type B; AQP6 in intercalated cells type A in the papilla; AQP7, AQP8 and AQP11 in the proximal tubule. AQP2, whose expression and cellular distribution is dependent on vasopressin stimulation, is involved in hereditary and acquired diseases affecting urine-concentrating mechanisms. Due to the lack of selective aquaporin inhibitors, the patho-physiological role of renal aquaporins has not yet been completely clarified, and despite extensive studies, several questions remain unanswered. Until the recent and large-scale development of genetic manipulation technology, which has led to the generation of transgenic mice models, our knowledge on renal aquaporin regulation was mainly based on in vitro studies with suitable renal cell models. Transgenic and knockout technology approaches are providing pivotal information on the role of aquaporins in health and disease. The main goal of this review is to update and summarize what we can learn from cell and animal models that will shed more light on our understanding of aquaporin-dependent renal water regulation.

Determinants of AQP6 trafficking to intracellular sites versus the plasma membrane in transfected mammalian cells

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Most AQPs (aquaporins) function at the plasma membrane, however AQP6 is exclusively localized to membranes of intracellular vesicles in acid-secreting type-A intercalated cells of renal collecting ducts. The intracellular distribution indicates that AQP6 has a function distinct from trans-epithelial water movement.

RESULTS

We show by mutational analyses and immunofluorescence that the N-terminus of AQP6 is a determinant for its intracellular localization. Presence or absence at the plasma membrane of AQP6 constructs was confirmed by electrophysiological methods. Addition of a GFP (green fluorescent protein) or a HA (haemagglutinin) epitope tag (GFP-AQP6 or HA-AQP6) to the N-terminus of AQP6, directed AQP6 to the plasma membranes of transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. In contrast, addition of a GFP tag to the C-terminus (AQP6-GFP) caused the protein to remain intracellular, similar to untagged wild-type AQP6. Replacement of the N-terminus of AQP6 by that of AQP1 also directed AQP6 to the plasma membranes, whereas the N-terminus of AQP6 retained AQP1 in cytosolic sites.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the N-terminus of AQP6 is critical for trafficking of the protein to the intracellular sites. Moreover, our studies provide an approach for future identification of proteins involved in vesicle sorting in the acid-secreting type-A intercalated cells.

Aquaporin-6 is expressed along the rat gastrointestinal tract and upregulated by feeding in the small intestine

Background

Several aquaporins (a family of integral membrane proteins) have been recently identified in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, and their involvement in the movement of fluid and small solutes has been suggested. In this direction we investigated, in some regions of the rat gastrointestinal tract, the presence and localization of aquaporin-6, given its peculiar function as an ion selective channel.

Results

RT-PCR and immunoblotting experiments showed that aquaporin-6 was expressed in all the investigated portions of the rat gastrointestinal tract. The RT-PCR experiments showed that aquaporin-6 transcript was highly expressed in small intestine and rectum, and less in stomach, caecum and colon. In addition, jejunal mRNA expression was specifically stimulated by feeding.

Immunoblotting analysis showed a major band with a molecular weight of about 55 kDa corresponding to the aquaporin-6 protein dimer; this band was stronger in the stomach and large intestine than in the small intestine. Immunoblotting analysis of brush border membrane vesicle preparations showed an intense signal for aquaporin-6 protein.

The results of in situ hybridization experiments demonstrate that aquaporin-6 transcript is present in the isthmus, neck and basal regions of the stomach lining, and throughout the crypt-villus axis in both small and large intestine. In the latter regions, immunohistochemistry revealed strong aquaporin-6 labelling in the apical membrane of the surface epithelial cells, while weak or no labelling was observed in the crypt cells. In the stomach, an intense staining was observed in mucous neck cells and lower signal in principal cells and some parietal cells.

Conclusion

The results indicate that aquaporin-6 is distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Aquaporin-6 localization at the apical pole of the superficial epithelial cells and its upregulation by feeding suggest that it may be involved in movements of water and anions through the epithelium of the villi.

pH regulated anion permeability of aquaporin-6

The kidney is a model organ for transport physiology (Nielsen 1996). AQPs are well-characterized in mammalian kidneys, where they facilitate transepithelial water reabsorption. Most renal AQPs are expressed either in proximal tubule cells or in collecting duct principal cells, which are known as sites for water reabsorption. AQP1 is present in both apical and basolateral membranes of proximal tubules, and in descending limbs of Henle's loop where 70% of filtrated water is isoosmotically reabsorbed (King and Agre 1996). AQP2 is expressed in principal cells of the collecting duct; in response to vasopressin, AQP2 translocates from intracellular vesicles to the apical plasma membranes, thereby increasing water permeability to concentrate urine (Nielsen et al. 1993, 1995; Knepper 1997; Schrier 2006). AQP3 and AQP4 reside in the basolateral membranes of collecting duct principal cells, where they may provide the exit pathways for urine. AQP7, AQP8, and AQP11 are also present in the proximal tubules (Nielsen et al. 1998).A rat cDNA clone encoding AQP6 was isolated by PCR-based homologous cloning from a rat kidney cDNA library (Ma et al. 1993; Yasui et al. 1999). AQP6 has high sequence homology to AQP0, AQP2, and AQP5. A human AQP6 was also cloned (Ma et al. 1996). Interestingly, the genes encoding AQP2, AQP5, and AQP6 are mapped to chromosome band 12q13 as a family gene cluster at this locus (Ma et al. 1997). Nevertheless, AQP6 is distinct from AQP0, AQP2, and AQP5 in terms of function. Among the renal aquaporins mentioned above, AQP6 has a unique distribution and a distinct function.

Role of aquaporins and regulation of secretory vesicle volume in cell secretion

In exocrine glands, secretory proteins synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) exhibit vectorial transport from ER through a succession of membrane-bounded components such as Golgi complex, condensing vacuoles and secretory granules. The secretory granules migrate to particular locations within the cell close to the apical membrane prior to the release of their contents into the acinar lumen. Currently, to release intragranular contents, secretory granules have been demonstrated to transiently dock and fuse at ‘porosome’, a permanent cup-shaped structures at the cell membranes. Then swelling of secretory granules occurs to allow explusion of intragranular contents. In this process, water and ion fluxes in the granule membrane appear to contribute to maintain secretory granule integrity and morphology via osmoregulation in secretory granules. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small, hydrophobic, integral membrane proteins, which function as channels to permeate water and small solutes. The AQPs reside constitutively at the plasma membrane in most cell types. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the AQPs are present in secretory granules in exocrine glands, synaptic vesicles and intracellular vesicles in liver and kidney, implying that AQPs in secretory granules and vesicles are involved in their volume regulation. This paper reviews the possible role of AQPs on secretory granules, especially in exocrine glands, in secretory function.

Proteomic knowledge of human aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) are an ubiquitous family of proteins characterized by sequence similarity and the presence of two NPA (Asp-Pro-Ala) motifs. At present, 13 human AQPs are known and they are divided into two subgroups according to their ability to transport only water molecules (AQP0, AQP1, AQP2, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP8), or also glycerol and other small solutes (AQP3, AQP7, AQP9, AQP10, AQP12). The genomic, structural, and functional aspects of this family are briefly described. In particular, proteomic approaches to identify and characterize the most studied AQPs, mainly through SDS-PAGE followed by MS analysis, are discussed. Moreover, the clinical importance of the best studied aquaporin (AQP1) in human diseases is also provided.

Downregulation of aquaporins 1 and 5 in nasal gland by osmotic stress in ducklings, Anas platyrhynchos: implications for the production of hypertonic fluid

Using primers against highly conserved regions of mammalian and bird aquaporins in RT-PCR experiments, we amplified products derived from duck (Anas platyrhynchos) nasal gland RNA that were identified as homologues of mammalian and chicken aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 5 cDNAs by sequencing. Using digoxigenin-labelled probes derived from these PCR products in northern blot analyses of mRNA isolated from nasal glands of untreated (naïve) or osmotically stressed ducklings (replacement of drinking water with a 1% NaCl solution), we observed a decrease in aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) mRNA abundance (by approximately 40%) during saline adaptation in the animals. Western blot analysis of AQP1 and AQP5 expression in the glands revealed that protein abundance decreased in a similar fashion. Immunohistochemical analysis of AQP1 distribution in cryosections of nasal gland indicated that AQP1 is mainly expressed in endothelial cells of the capillaries, but definitely not in the secretory or ductal cells of the gland. AQP5 distribution in the gland, however, seems to be different, since staining was exclusively observed in apical and basolateral plasma membranes of individual epithelial cells of the primary and central ducts, which collect fluid from the secretory tubules. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis that strongly hyperosmotic fluid is produced by the secretory cells at very low (unstimulated gland) or high (activated gland) rates. In the unstimulated gland, secretions may be diluted by aquaporin-mediated transcellular water flux while passing through the ductal system flushing the glandular ducts, thereby potentially preventing ascending infections. In the activated gland, however, downregulation of aquaporins in capillaries and duct cells may prevent dilution of the initially secreted fluid, enabling the animals to excrete large volumes of a highly concentrated salt solution.

Regulation and dysregulation of aquaporins in water balance disorders

The discovery of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) explained the long-standing biophysical question of how water specifically crosses biological membranes. These studies led to the identification of a whole new family of membrane proteins, the aquaporin water channels. At present, at least eight aquaporins are expressed at distinct sites in the kidney and four members of this family (AQP1-4) have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in the physiology and pathophysiology for renal regulation of body water balance. In the present review, a number of inherited and acquired conditions characterized by urinary concentration defects as well as common diseases associated with severe water retention are discussed with relation to the role of aquaporins in regulation and dysregulation of renal water transport.

Molecular cloning and characterization of mouse aquaporin 6

In the rat kidney, aquaporin (AQP) 6 is localized in the intracellular vesicle membranes of type-A intercalated cells of the collecting duct; mouse AQP6 (mAQP6) has not been characterized. Although mAQP6 was originally cloned from cDNA in a mouse cerebellum library (GenBank NM 175087), we have independently cloned a cDNA encoding mAQP6 from an adult kidney cDNA library (C57BL/6J strain). We identified two different spliced variants of mAQP6: mAQP6a and mAQP6b. The mAQP6a isoform is almost identical to that of rat AQP6, whereas mAQP6b is identical to that reported in the mouse cerebellum library mentioned above. We found that the mRNA expression of these two spliced variants is regulated in a tissue-specific and age-dependent manner. Functional analyses of water and ion permeation revealed that mAQP6a functions like rat AQP6 and that mAQP6b does not function as either a water channel or an ion channel under our experimental conditions.

Myocardial water handling and the role of aquaporins

Cardiac surgery is performed in approximately 770,000 adults and 30,000 children in the United States of America annually. In this review we outline the mechanistic links between post-operative myocardial stunning and the development of myocardial edema. These interrelated processes cause a decline in myocardial performance that account for significant morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Factors leading to myocardial edema include hemodilution, ischemia and reperfusion as well as osmotic gradients arising from pathological change. Several members of the aquaporin family of water transport proteins have been described in the myocardium although their role in the pathogenesis and resolution of cardiac edema is not established. This review examines evidence for the involvement of aquaporins in myocardial water handling during normal and pathological conditions.

Cardiac aquaporin expression in humans, rats, and mice

Water accumulation in the heart is important in ischemia-reperfusion injury and operations performed by using cardiopulmonary bypass, with cardiac dysfunction associated with myocardial edema being the principal determinant of clinical outcome. As an initial step in determining the role of aquaporin (AQP) water channels in myocardial edema, we have assessed the myocardial expression of AQPs in humans, rats, and mice. RT-PCR revealed expression of AQP-1, -4, -6, -7, -8, and -11 transcripts in the mouse heart. AQP-1, -6, -7, and -11 mRNAs were found in the rat heart as well as low levels of AQP-4 and -9. Human hearts contained AQP-1, -3, -4, -5, -7, -9, -10, and -11 mRNAs. AQP-1 protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis in all three species. AQP-4 protein was detected in the mouse heart but not in the rat or human heart. To determine the potential functional consequences of myocardial AQP expression, water permeability was measured in plasma membrane vesicles from myocardial cells of wild-type versus various AQP knockout mice. Water permeability was reduced by AQP-1 knockout but not by AQP-4 or AQP-8 knockout. With the use of a model of isolated rat heart perfusion, it was found that osmotic and ischemic stresses are not associated with changes in AQP-1 or AQP-4 expression. These studies support a possible functional role of AQP-1 in myocardium but indicate that early adaptations to osmotic and ischemic stress do not involve transcriptional or posttranslational AQP-1 regulation.

Distribution and roles of aquaporins in salivary glands

Salivary glands are involved in secretion of saliva, which is known to participate in the protection and hydratation of mucosal structures within the oral cavity, oropharynx and oesophagus, the initiation of digestion, some antimicrobial defence, and the protection from chemical and mechanical stress. Saliva secretion is a watery fluid containing electrolytes and a mixture of proteins and can be stimulated by muscarinic and adrenergic agonists. Since water movement is involved in saliva secretion, the expression, localization and function of aquaporins (AQPs) have been studied in salivary glands. This review will focus on the expression, localization and functional roles of the AQPs identified in salivary glands. The presence of AQP1, AQP5 and AQP8 has been generally accepted by many, while the presence of AQP3, AQP4, AQP6 and AQP7 still remains controversial. Functionally, AQP5 seems to be the only AQP thus far to be clearly playing a major role in the salivary secretion process. Modifications in AQPs expression and/or distribution have been reported in xerostomic conditions.

Clinical update on renal aquaporins

Following the discovery of the aquaporin-1 water channel over a decade ago, molecular techniques have been developed to examine the role of renal aquaporin water channels under numerous physiological and pathological conditions. The present article reviews current knowledge regarding the function and dysfunction of renal aquaporins in disorders of water metabolism.

Combined proteomics and pathways analysis of collecting duct reveals a protein regulatory network activated in vasopressin escape

Low sensitivity is characteristic of many proteomics methods. Presented here is an approach that combines proteomics based on difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) with bioinformatic pathways analysis to identify both abundant and relatively nonabundant proteins in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) altered in abundance during escape from vasopressin-induced antidiuresis. Rats received the vasopressin analog dDAVP by osmotic minipump plus either a daily water load (vasopressin escape) or only enough water to replace losses (control). Immunoblotting confirmed the hallmark of vasopressin escape, a decrease in aquaporin-2, and demonstrated a decrease in the abundance of the urea transporter UT-A3. DIGE identified 22 mostly high-abundance proteins regulated during vasopressin escape. These proteins were analyzed using pathways analysis software to reveal protein clusters incorporating the proteins identified by DIGE. A single dominant cluster emerged that included many relatively low-abundance proteins (abundances too low for DIGE identification), including several transcription factors. Immunoblotting confirmed a decrease in total and phosphorylated c-myc, a decrease in c-fos, and increases in c-jun and p53. Furthermore, immunoblotting confirmed hypothesized changes in other proteins in the proposed network: Increases in c-src, receptor for activated C kinase 1, calreticulin, and caspase 3 and decreases in steroid receptor co-activator 1, Grp78/BiP, and annexin A4. This combined approach proved capable of uncovering regulatory proteins that are altered in response to a specific physiologic perturbation without being detected directly by DIGE. The results demonstrate a dominant protein regulatory network in IMCD cells that is altered in association with vasopressin escape, providing a new framework for further studies of signaling in IMCD.

Distribution and possible roles of aquaporin 9 in the brain

Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is a member of the aquaporin channel family involved in water flux through plasma membranes and exhibits the distinct feature of being also permeable to monocarboxylates, such as lactate, and various solutes, including glycerol, carbamides, purines, pyrimidines, and urea. AQP9 is constitutively expressed at high levels in the liver. In the brain under physiological conditions, AQP9 was first observed in tanycytes, and then in astrocytes. Only recently, its expression was also shown in neurons. Neurons expressing AQP9 are catecholaminergic and glucose sensitive. The expression of neuronal AQP9 can be negatively regulated by insulin and in diabetic animals an increase in AQP9 expression is observed in the catecholaminergic nuclei of the hindbrain, similar to the regulation of AQP9 by insulin in the liver. Furthermore, after transient brain ischemia, AQP9 expression is increased in astrocytes and its regulation may implicate the MAP-kinase pathways stimulated in such pathological conditions. Despite these new data, the exact role of AQP9 in the brain is still unclear. However, we may hypothesize that AQP9 is implicated in brain energy metabolism, as a neutral solute channel. AQP9 could facilitate the diffusion of lactate from the astrocyte to the neuron. In glucose sensitive neurons, diffusion of lactate and glycerol could stimulate these neurons in a similar manner to glucose and could regulate the energy balance. In pathological conditions, induction of AQP9 in astrocytes could participate in the clearance of excess lactate in the extracellular space. These hypotheses concerning the function of brain AQP9 are still speculative and open new areas of investigation.

Nature's ingenuity: bypassing the classical secretory route via apocrine secretion

Although it has been suggested that epithelial cells of the male reproductive system are involved in apocrine secretion, this method of secretion is not fully understood. In the present study, apocrine secretion was investigated in epithelial principal cells lining the epididymis and vas deferens (VD) of adult mice. The tissues were fixed by cardiac vascular perfusion with glutaraldehyde for routine electron microscope (EM) analysis and Bouin's fixative for light microscope (LM) immunocytochemistry to access functional roles. In the epididymis and VD, the apex of principal cells revealed protrusions of cytoplasm referred to as apical blebs (ABs). The latter contained solely numerous free ribosomes, 20 nm vesicles and few ER cisternae, suggesting segregation of their contents. While some ABs displayed wide areas of contact with the apical principal cell cytoplasm, others showed thin stalk-like attachment points as well as fissures at the junction of the two areas. Together with images of ABs and their contents deep in the lumen, it is suggested that ABs detach from principal cells whereupon they breakdown to release their contents therein. As ABs of the epididymis were immunoreactive for glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and ubiquitin, it is proposed that these proteins are synthesized on free ribosomes in ABs and that apocrine secretion represents the manner whereby they enter the lumen to effectively protect sperm from free radical injury and ubiquitinate proteins for degradation, respectively. ABs of the VD were immunoreactive for 3beta-HSD, suggesting that they are also capable of synthesis of steroids with their release via apocrine secretion. Taken together the data provide evidence for apocrine secretion in the adult mouse epididymis and VD that could play important roles in relation to sperm maturation, protection and viability.

Ion permeation of AQP6 water channel protein. Single channel recordings after Hg2+ activation

Aquaporin-6 (AQP6) has recently been identified as an intracellular vesicle water channel with anion permeability that is activated by low pH or HgCl2. Here we present direct evidence of AQP6 channel gating using patch clamp techniques. Cell-attached patch recordings of AQP6 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that AQP6 is a gated channel with intermediate conductance (49 picosiemens in 100 mm NaCl) induced by 10 microm HgCl2. Current-voltage relationships were linear, and open probability was fairly constant at any given voltage, indicating that Hg2+-induced AQP6 conductance is voltage-independent. The excised outside-out patch recording revealed rapid activation of AQP6 channels immediately after application of 10 microm HgCl2. Reduction of both Na+ and Cl- concentrations from 100 to 30 mm did not shift the reversal potential of the Hg2+-induced AQP6 current, suggesting that Na+ is as permeable as Cl-. The Na+ permeability of Hg2+-induced AQP6 current was further demonstrated by 22Na+ influx measurements. Site-directed mutagenesis identified Cys-155 and Cys-190 residues as the sites of Hg2+ activation both for water permeability and ion conductance. The Hill coefficient from the concentration-response curve for Hg2+-induced conductance was 1.1 +/- 0.3. These data provide the first evidence of AQP6 channel gating at a single-channel level and suggest that each monomer contains the pore region for ions based on the number of Hg2+-binding sites and the kinetics of Hg2+-activation of the channel.

Aquaporin water channels--from atomic structure to clinical medicine

The water permeability of biological membranes has been a longstanding problem in physiology, but the proteins responsible for this remained unknown until discovery of the aquaporin 1 (AQP1) water channel protein. AQP1 is selectively permeated by water driven by osmotic gradients. The atomic structure of human AQP1 has recently been defined. Each subunit of the tetramer contains an individual aqueous pore that permits single-file passage of water molecules but interrupts the hydrogen bonding needed for passage of protons. At least 10 mammalian aquaporins have been identified, and these are selectively permeated by water (aquaporins) or water plus glycerol (aquaglyceroporins). The sites of expression coincide closely with the clinical phenotypes--ranging from congenital cataracts to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. More than 200 members of the aquaporin family have been found in plants, microbials, invertebrates and vertebrates, and their importance to the physiology of these organisms is being uncovered.

Aquaporins in the kidney: from molecules to medicine

The discovery of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) answered the long-standing biophysical question of how water specifically crosses biological membranes. In the kidney, at least seven aquaporins are expressed at distinct sites. AQP1 is extremely abundant in the proximal tubule and descending thin limb and is essential for urinary concentration. AQP2 is exclusively expressed in the principal cells of the connecting tubule and collecting duct and is the predominant vasopressin-regulated water channel. AQP3 and AQP4 are both present in the basolateral plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells and represent exit pathways for water reabsorbed apically via AQP2. Studies in patients and transgenic mice have demonstrated that both AQP2 and AQP3 are essential for urinary concentration. Three additional aquaporins are present in the kidney. AQP6 is present in intracellular vesicles in collecting duct intercalated cells, and AQP8 is present intracellularly at low abundance in proximal tubules and collecting duct principal cells, but the physiological function of these two channels remains undefined. AQP7 is abundant in the brush border of proximal tubule cells and is likely to be involved in proximal tubule water reabsorption. Body water balance is tightly regulated by vasopressin, and multiple studies now have underscored the essential roles of AQP2 in this. Vasopressin regulates acutely the water permeability of the kidney collecting duct by trafficking of AQP2 from intracellular vesicles to the apical plasma membrane. The long-term adaptational changes in body water balance are controlled in part by regulated changes in AQP2 and AQP3 expression levels. Lack of functional AQP2 is seen in primary forms of diabetes insipidus, and reduced expression and targeting are seen in several diseases associated with urinary concentrating defects such as acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, postobstructive polyuria, as well as acute and chronic renal failure. In contrast, in conditions with water retention such as severe congestive heart failure, pregnancy, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, both AQP2 expression levels and apical plasma membrane targetting are increased, suggesting a role for AQP2 in the development of water retention. Continued analysis of the aquaporins is providing detailed molecular insight into the fundamental physiology and pathophysiology of water balance and water balance disorders.

Osmotic stress up-regulates aquaporin-3 gene expression in cultured human keratinocytes

Of ten members of the aquaporin family (AQP), the mRNA expression and regulation of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4 and AQP9 in cultured human keratinocytes were examined by an RNase protection assay. AQP3 mRNA was expressed in growing and differentiating cells, while AQP9 mRNA was only detected in differentiating cells. The epidermis in skin-equivalent cultures expressed both AQP3 and AQP9 mRNA. However, neither AQP1 nor AQP4 mRNA was detectable in either monolayer or skin-equivalent cultures. Incubation of keratinocytes in sorbitol-added hypertonic medium increased AQP3 mRNA expression. This was confirmed using other solutes such as NaCl, mannitol, glucose and sucrose. The effect of sorbitol was reversible, dose-dependent and maximal at 24 h after addition. However, AQP1, AQP4 and AQP9 mRNA expression were unchanged under any of the hypertonic conditions examined. These findings indicated that osmotic stress up-regulates AQP3 gene expression in cultured keratinocytes.

Cloning of a new aquaporin (AQP10) abundantly expressed in duodenum and jejunum

A new aquaporin (AQP10) was identified in human small intestine. This gene encoded a 264-amino-acid protein with high sequence identity with AQP3 (53%), 9 (52%), and 7 (43%). These AQPs constitute one subfamily of AQP family that is differentiated from the other subfamily of AQP (AQP0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8) by sequence homology. Ribonuclease protection assay and Northern blotting demonstrated almost exclusive expression of AQP10 mRNA in the duodenum and jejunum. In situ hybridization localized it in absorptive jejunal epithelial cells. Xenopus oocytes expressing AQP10 exhibited an increased osmotic water permeability in a mercury-sensitive manner. Although AQP10 belongs to the AQP subfamily, which has been characterized by permeability to water and neutral solutes such as urea and glycerol, it was not permeable to urea nor glycerol. The specific expression of AQP10 suggests its contribution to the water transport in the upper portion of small intestine.

Expression and immunolocalization of AQP6 in intercalated cells of the rat kidney collecting duct

The expression and localization of AQP6 were examined in rat kidneys. In the kidney compartments, the expression was more intense in the outer medulla than in the cortex or inner medulla, and was negative in the glomerulus. During development, the AQP6 mRNA expression in the kidney was not detected in the fetus, but was recognized at birth, increased gradually by 4 weeks of age, and was unchanged thereafter. In situ hybridization demonstrated significant signals for AQP6 mRNA along the outer and inner medullary collecting ducts. Since the localization of the AQP6 mRNA-expressing cells was comparable to that of immunoreactive H+ ATPase-bearing cells in the collecting duct, they were identified as intercalated cells. No AQP6 mRNA signals were recognizable in other cells in the kidneys, including glomerular cells. No glomerular expression of AQP6 mRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR using total RNA extracted from the glomeruli. Immunohistochemistry using an antibody raised against recombinant rat AQP6 protein could localize the immunoreactivity in a population of collecting duct cells. Serial section observations indicated that the AQP6-immunoreactive cells corresponded to H+ ATPase bearing intercalated cells.

Alterations in the expression of the AQP family in cultured rat astrocytes during hypoxia and reoxygenation

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water-selective transporting proteins with homology to the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of lens [Cell 39 (1984) 49], that increase plasma membrane water permeability in secretory and absorptive cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), we detected the transcripts of AQP3, 5 and 8 in addition to the previously reported transcripts of AQP4 and 9 in astrocytes, of AQP3, 5 and 8 in neurons, of AQP8 in oligodendrocytes, and none of them in microglia using RNase protection assay and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Hypoxia evoked a marked decrease in the expression levels of AQP4, 5 and 9, but not of AQP3 and 8 mRNAs, and in astrocytes in vitro subsequent reoxygenation elicited the restoration of the expression of AQP4 and 9 to their basal levels. Interestingly, AQP5 showed a transient up-regulation (about 3-fold) and subsequent down-regulation of its expression within 20 h of reoxygenation after hypoxia. The changes in the profiles of AQP expression during hypoxia and reoxygenation were also observed by Western blot analysis. These results suggest that AQP5 may be one of the candidates for inducing the intracranial edema in the CNS after ischemia injury.

Regulation of AQP6 mRNA and protein expression in rats in response to altered acid-base or water balance

In the rat, aquaporin-6 (AQP6) is mainly localized in intercalated cells (ICs) in collecting ducts, where it is exclusively associated with intracellular vesicles. In this study, we examined whether AQP6 protein and mRNA expression were regulated in the inner medulla or inner stripe of the outer medulla. Rats treated with dietary alkali or acid load for 7 days with a fixed daily water intake revealed appropriate changes in urine pH but unchanged urine output. AQP6 protein and mRNA abundance were increased in alkali-loaded rats (187 +/- 18 and 151 +/- 17% of control, respectively), whereas no changes were observed in acid-loaded rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased IC AQP6 labeling in alkali-loaded rats but not in acid-loaded rats. In contrast, administration of NH(4)Cl in the drinking water for 2 wk (free access to water) revealed a significant increase in AQP6 protein abundance (194 +/- 9% of control), but this was associated with increased water intake. Combined, this suggests that AQP6 expression was not affected by acid loading per se but rather was in response to changes in water intake. Consistent with this, water loading for 48 h was associated with increased AQP6 protein abundance, compared with thirsted rats. Moreover, rats with lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus had a threefold increase in both AQP6 protein and mRNA expression. Overall, these results suggest that AQP6 expression in collecting duct ICs is regulated by altered acid/alkali load or water balance. Thus AQP6 may contribute to maintenance of acid-base homeostasis and water balance.