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Cheng Q, Zhang J, Ding H, Wang Z, Fang J, Fang X, Li M, Li R, Meng J, Liu H, Lu X, Xu Y, Chen C, Zhang W. Integrated multiomics analysis reveals changes in liver physiological function in Aqp9 gene knockout mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125459. [PMID: 37353119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is the main channel by which blood glycerol enters the liver, where it plays key roles in osmotic pressure regulation and energy metabolism. Previous studies have shown that AQP9 is involved in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of AQP9 in maintaining the physiological environment of the liver using Aqp9-/- mice. We constructed Aqp9 knockout mice and used comprehensive multiomics analysis to elucidate the potential molecular effects of AQP9 expression on liver tissue. Knockout of Aqp9 reduced mouse body weight by affecting glycerol metabolism and led to hepatocyte death and inflammatory cell infiltration, which was confirmed by transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Moreover, knockout of Aqp9 triggered immune and inflammatory responses, leading to scattered and mild liver cell pyroptosis and compensatory liver cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quancheng Cheng
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Huiru Ding
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jinyu Fang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuan Fang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jieyi Meng
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huaicun Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yiyao Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Chunhua Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Weiguang Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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2
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Aquaporins Display a Diversity in their Substrates. J Membr Biol 2023; 256:1-23. [PMID: 35986775 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins constitute a family of transmembrane proteins that function to transport water and other small solutes across the cell membrane. Aquaporins family members are found in diverse life forms. Aquaporins share the common structural fold consisting of six transmembrane alpha helices with a central water-transporting channel. Four such monomers assemble together to form tetramers as their biological unit. Initially, aquaporins were discovered as water-transporting channels, but several studies supported their involvement in mediating the facilitated diffusion of different solutes. The so-called water channel is able to transport a variety of substrates ranging from a neutral molecule to a charged molecule or a small molecule to a bulky molecule or even a gas molecule. This article gives an overview of a diverse range of substrates conducted by aquaporin family members. Prime focus is on human aquaporins where aquaporins show a wide tissue distribution and substrate specificity leading to various physiological functions. This review also highlights the structural mechanisms leading to the transport of water and glycerol. More research is needed to understand how one common fold enables the aquaporins to transport an array of solutes.
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3
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Charlestin V, Fulkerson D, Arias Matus CE, Walker ZT, Carthy K, Littlepage LE. Aquaporins: New players in breast cancer progression and treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988119. [PMID: 36212456 PMCID: PMC9532844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small transmembrane proteins that selectively transport water and other small molecules and ions following an osmotic gradient across cell plasma membranes. This enables them to regulate numerous functions including water homeostasis, fat metabolism, proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Previous structural and functional studies highlight a strong biological relationship between AQP protein expression, localization, and key biological functions in normal and cancer tissues, where aberrant AQP expression correlates with tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the roles of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, and AQP7 in breast cancer progression and metastasis, including the role of AQPs in the tumor microenvironment, to highlight potential contributions of stromal-derived to epithelial-derived AQPs to breast cancer. Emerging evidence identifies AQPs as predictors of response to cancer therapy and as targets for increasing their sensitivity to treatment. However, these studies have not evaluated the requirements for protein structure on AQP function within the context of breast cancer. We also examine how AQPs contribute to a patient's response to cancer treatment, existing AQP inhibitors and how AQPs could serve as novel predictive biomarkers of therapy response in breast cancer. Future studies also should evaluate AQP redundancy and compensation as mechanisms used to overcome aberrant AQP function. This review highlights the need for additional research into how AQPs contribute molecularly to therapeutic resistance and by altering the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verodia Charlestin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Daniel Fulkerson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Carlos E. Arias Matus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - Zachary T. Walker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Kevin Carthy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
| | - Laurie E. Littlepage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, United States
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4
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Shi Y, Yasui M, Hara-Chikuma M. AQP9 transports lactate in tumor-associated macrophages to stimulate an M2-like polarization that promotes colon cancer progression. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101317. [PMID: 35967760 PMCID: PMC9372591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play a major role in the immune defense against pathogenic factors; however, they can lead to tumor exacerbation and metastasis, as the tumor microenvironment (TME) polarizes tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into the M2 subtype. Lactate, a metabolite produced by carcinoma cells at high concentrations in the TME, induces an M2-polarization in macrophages, which ultimately leads to the secretion of factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and promotes tumor progression. However, the effect of TAM lactate import on tumor progression has not been fully elucidated. Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is a transporter of water and glycerol expressed in macrophages. Here, we used a tumor allograft mouse model to show that AQP9 knockout (AQP9−/−) mice were more resistant against tumor cell growth and exhibited a suppressive M2-like polarization in tumor tissue than wild-type mice. Moreover, we discovered that the primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from AQP9−/− mice were less sensitive to lactate stimulation and exhibited reduced M2-like polarization as well as decreased VEGF production. To further investigate the role of AQP9 in macrophage polarization, we overexpressed AQP9 in Chinese hamster ovary cells and found that AQP9 functioned in lactate import. In contrast, primary AQP9−/− macrophages and AQP9 knockdown RAW264.7 cells exhibited a reduced lactate transport rate, suggesting the involvement of AQP9 in lactate transport in macrophages. Together, our results reveal the mechanism by which the TME modifies the polarization and function of tumor-infiltrating macrophages via AQP9 transport function. Tumor growth was suppressed in AQP9-deficient mice. M2-like TAMs were reduced in tumor tissues of AQP9-deficient mice. AQP9 deficiency attenuated lactate-induced M2 polarization in macrophages. AQP9 is a lactate transporter in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yundi Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masato Yasui
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
- Center for Water Biology and Medicine, Keio University Global Research Institute, Japan
| | - Mariko Hara-Chikuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
- Corresponding author. Department of Pharmacology, Keio University, School of Medicine, 35 Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160, Japan.
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da Silva IV, Garra S, Calamita G, Soveral G. The Multifaceted Role of Aquaporin-9 in Health and Its Potential as a Clinical Biomarker. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070897. [PMID: 35883453 PMCID: PMC9313442 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channels essential for water, energy, and redox homeostasis, with proven involvement in a variety of pathophysiological conditions such as edema, glaucoma, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, oxidative stress, sepsis, cancer, and metabolic dysfunctions. The 13 AQPs present in humans are widely distributed in all body districts, drawing cell lineage-specific expression patterns closely related to cell native functions. Compelling evidence indicates that AQPs are proteins with great potential as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is the most expressed in the liver, with implications in general metabolic and redox balance due to its aquaglyceroporin and peroxiporin activities, facilitating glycerol and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) diffusion across membranes. AQP9 is also expressed in other tissues, and their altered expression is described in several human diseases, such as liver injury, inflammation, cancer, infertility, and immune disorders. The present review compiles the current knowledge of AQP9 implication in diseases and highlights its potential as a new biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês V. da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sabino Garra
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.S.)
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6
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Jing J, Sun J, Wu Y, Zhang N, Liu C, Chen S, Li W, Hong C, Xu B, Chen M. AQP9 Is a Prognostic Factor for Kidney Cancer and a Promising Indicator for M2 TAM Polarization and CD8+ T-Cell Recruitment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:770565. [PMID: 34804972 PMCID: PMC8602816 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.770565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is undeniable that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an indispensable role in the progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). However, the precise mechanism of activities in TME is still unclear. Methods and Results Using the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE calculation methods, the scores of the two main fractions of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database of 537 KIRC patients were calculated. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were drawn out by performing an overlap between Cox regression analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) was identified as a latent predictor through the process. Following research revealed that AQP9 expression was positively correlated with the pathological characteristics (TNM stage) and negatively connected with survival time. Then, by performing gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), it can be inferred that genes with high expression level of AQP9 were mainly enriched in immune-related activities, while low AQP9 group was associated with functions of cellular metabolism. Further studies have shown that regulatory T cells (Tregs), macrophages M2, macrophages M0, CD4+ T cells, and neutrophils were positively correlated with AQP9 expression. While the levels of mast cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and CD8+ T cells are negatively correlated with AQP9. The result of multiple immunohistochemistry (mIHC) suggests a negative relevance between AQP9 and CD8+ T cells and reveals a trend of consistent change on AQP9 and M2 macrophages. Conclusion The expression level of AQP9 may be helpful in predicting the prognosis of patients with KIRC, especially to the TME state transition, the mechanism of which is possibly through lipid metabolism and P53, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways that affect M2 polarization. AQP9 was associated with the expression levels of M2, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and the recruitment of CD8+ T cells in tumor environment. The research result indicates that AQP9 may be an obstacle to maintain the immune activity of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibo Jing
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Xuyi County, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nieke Zhang
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunhui Liu
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Saisai Chen
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Hong
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Institute of Urology, Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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7
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Shen Y, Li H, Zhao J, Tang S, Zhao Y, Gu Y, Chen X. Genomic and expression characterization of aquaporin genes from Siniperca chuatsi. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 38:100819. [PMID: 33652294 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are major intrinsic proteins that form pores in the membranes of biological cells. We first cloned the full-length sequences of aqp0, 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 genes in Siniperca chuatsi. The 10 S. chuatsi aqp (Sc-aqp) genes included complete open reading frames and exhibited different exon-intron organizations. Sc-aqp1, 3, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were mostly expressed in the gallbladder, gills, gastric cecum, liver, ovaries, and spleen, respectively; Sc-aqp0 and 4 were mostly expressed in larvae at 1 day after hatching and in gastrula; Sc-aqp7 and 12 were mostly expressed in 2K-cell embryos. The expression levels of Sc-aqp1, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 after 10 part per thousand (ppt) salt treatment had significantly changed compared with those after 0 ppt salt treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis further showed that in the intestines, the mRNA levels of Sc-aqp1 and 10 significantly decreased by approximately 2.07- and 2.85-fold, respectively, whereas those of Sc-aqp8 and 9 significantly increased by approximately 7.08- and 4.14-fold, respectively. Sc-aqp1, 8, 9, and 10 showed no significant differences in the gills. Sc-aqp3 significantly decreased by approximately 1.51- and 1.67-fold in the gills and intestines, respectively. Sc-aqp7 significantly increased by approximately 4.18- and 7.04-fold in the gills and intestines, respectively. This study was the first to investigate the tissue expression profiles and response to salt stress of aqp genes in S. chuatsi. Moreover, altering diet and suffering from immune stress could cause changes in the expression level of aqps. This study provided valuable reference information for AQPs' roles in osmoregulation in freshwater fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Huiyang Li
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jinliang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Shoujie Tang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yifeng Gu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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8
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Im JW, Lee CY, Kim DH, Bae HR. Differential Expressions of Aquaporin Subtypes in Female Reproductive Tract of Mice. Dev Reprod 2020; 24:177-185. [PMID: 33110949 PMCID: PMC7576970 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2020.24.3.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although many aquaporin (AQP) transcripts have been demonstrated to express in
the female reproductive tract, the defined localizations and functions of AQP
subtype proteins remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression
of AQP1, AQP3, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP9 proteins in female reproductive tract of
mouse and characterized their precise localizations at the cellular and
subcellular levels. Immunofluorescence analyses for AQP1, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP9
showed that these proteins were abundantly expressed in female reproductive
tract and that intense immunoreactivities were observed in mucosa epithelial
cells with a subtype-specific pattern. The most abundant aquaporin in both
vagina and uterine cervix was AQP3. Each of AQP1, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP9 exhibited
its distinct distribution in stratified squamous or columnar epithelial cells.
AQP9 expression was predominant in oviduct and ovary. AQP1, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP9
proteins were mostly seen in apical membrane of ciliated epithelial cells of the
oviduct as well as in both granulosa and theca cells of ovarian follicles. Most
of AQP subtypes were also expressed in surface epithelial cells and glandular
cells of endometrium in the uterus, but their expression levels were relatively
lower than those observed in the vagina, uterine cervix, oviduct and ovary. This
is the first study to investigate the expression and localization of 5 AQP
subtype proteins simultaneously in female reproductive tract of mouse. Our
results suggest that AQP subtypes work together to transport water and glycerol
efficiently across the mucosa epithelia for lubrication, proliferation, energy
metabolism and pH regulation in female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woo Im
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea
| | - Chae Young Lee
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea
| | - Dong-Hwan Kim
- Human Life Research Center, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Hae-Rahn Bae
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea.,Human Life Research Center, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
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9
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Alghamdi AH, Munday JC, Campagnaro GD, Gurvic D, Svensson F, Okpara CE, Kumar A, Quintana J, Martin Abril ME, Milić P, Watson L, Paape D, Settimo L, Dimitriou A, Wielinska J, Smart G, Anderson LF, Woodley CM, Kelly SPY, Ibrahim HM, Hulpia F, Al-Salabi MI, Eze AA, Sprenger T, Teka IA, Gudin S, Weyand S, Field M, Dardonville C, Tidwell RR, Carrington M, O'Neill P, Boykin DW, Zachariae U, De Koning HP. Positively selected modifications in the pore of TbAQP2 allow pentamidine to enter Trypanosoma brucei. eLife 2020; 9:56416. [PMID: 32762841 PMCID: PMC7473772 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Trypanosoma brucei aquaporin AQP2 are associated with resistance to pentamidine and melarsoprol. We show that TbAQP2 but not TbAQP3 was positively selected for increased pore size from a common ancestor aquaporin. We demonstrate that TbAQP2’s unique architecture permits pentamidine permeation through its central pore and show how specific mutations in highly conserved motifs affect drug permeation. Introduction of key TbAQP2 amino acids into TbAQP3 renders the latter permeable to pentamidine. Molecular dynamics demonstrates that permeation by dicationic pentamidine is energetically favourable in TbAQP2, driven by the membrane potential, although aquaporins are normally strictly impermeable for ionic species. We also identify the structural determinants that make pentamidine a permeant although most other diamidine drugs are excluded. Our results have wide-ranging implications for optimising antitrypanosomal drugs and averting cross-resistance. Moreover, these new insights in aquaporin permeation may allow the pharmacological exploitation of other members of this ubiquitous gene family. African sleeping sickness is a potentially deadly illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The disease is treatable, but many of the current treatments are old and are becoming increasingly ineffective. For instance, resistance is growing against pentamidine, a drug used in the early stages in the disease, as well as against melarsoprol, which is deployed when the infection has progressed to the brain. Usually, cases resistant to pentamidine are also resistant to melarsoprol, but it is still unclear why, as the drugs are chemically unrelated. Studies have shown that changes in a water channel called aquaglyceroporin 2 (TbAQP2) contribute to drug resistance in African sleeping sickness; this suggests that it plays a role in allowing drugs to kill the parasite. This molecular ‘drain pipe’ extends through the surface of T. brucei, and should allow only water and a molecule called glycerol in and out of the cell. In particular, the channel should be too narrow to allow pentamidine or melarsoprol to pass through. One possibility is that, in T. brucei, the TbAQP2 channel is abnormally wide compared to other members of its family. Alternatively, pentamidine and melarsoprol may only bind to TbAQP2, and then ‘hitch a ride’ when the protein is taken into the parasite as part of the natural cycle of surface protein replacement. Alghamdi et al. aimed to tease out these hypotheses. Computer models of the structure of the protein were paired with engineered changes in the key areas of the channel to show that, in T. brucei, TbAQP2 provides a much broader gateway into the cell than observed for similar proteins. In addition, genetic analysis showed that this version of TbAQP2 has been actively selected for during the evolution process of T. brucei. This suggests that the parasite somehow benefits from this wider aquaglyceroporin variant. This is a new resistance mechanism, and it is possible that aquaglyceroporins are also larger than expected in other infectious microbes. The work by Alghamdi et al. therefore provides insight into how other germs may become resistant to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Alghamdi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C Munday
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dominik Gurvic
- Computational Biology Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrik Svensson
- IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd, St Johns Innovation Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chinyere E Okpara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Chemistry Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Juan Quintana
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrik Milić
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Watson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Paape
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Settimo
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Dimitriou
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Wielinska
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Smart
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laura F Anderson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Siu Pui Ying Kelly
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Hasan Ms Ibrahim
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohammed I Al-Salabi
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anthonius A Eze
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Sprenger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim A Teka
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gudin
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Richard R Tidwell
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David W Boykin
- Chemistry Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Ulrich Zachariae
- Computational Biology Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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10
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Zang Y, Chen J, Zhong H, Ren J, Zhao W, Man Q, Shang S, Tang X. Genome-wide analysis of the Aquaporin gene family in reptiles. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 126:1093-1098. [PMID: 30611807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) genes are widely distributed in plants, unicellular organisms, invertebrates and vertebrates. They play a critical role in the transport of water and other solutes across cell membranes. AQP genes have been identified and studied in many species but the AQPs of reptiles are unknown. Newly obtained genome assemblies provide an opportunity to identify the complete AQPs set and explore the evolutionary relationship of these genes. A total of 212 putative AQP genes were identified from 18 reptile species, including 20 partial genes and 192 intact genes. Phylogenetic results showed that 193 AQP genes could be classified into three major clades according to their subfamily. The divergence or phylogenetic distance between reptile AQP genes was closely related to traditional taxonomic groupings. Evolutionary analysis indicated the presence of positively selected sites in the AQP3 (P = 0.0104⁎⁎) and AQP7 (P = 0.0202⁎⁎) among land reptiles, suggesting their relationship to terrestrial environment adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zang
- College of Marine Life, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Marine Life, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Huaming Zhong
- College of Life Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China
| | - Jiayun Ren
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Eco-Environmental Science for the Yellow River Delta, China; College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Binzhou University, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Wangfeng Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Eco-Environmental Science for the Yellow River Delta, China
| | - Qiang Man
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Eco-Environmental Science for the Yellow River Delta, China
| | - Shuai Shang
- College of Marine Life, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Eco-Environmental Science for the Yellow River Delta, China; College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Binzhou University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
| | - Xuexi Tang
- College of Marine Life, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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11
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Calamita G, Perret J, Delporte C. Aquaglyceroporins: Drug Targets for Metabolic Diseases? Front Physiol 2018; 9:851. [PMID: 30042691 PMCID: PMC6048697 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins facilitating the transport of water, small solutes, and gasses across biological membranes. AQPs are expressed in all tissues and ensure multiple roles under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Aquaglyceroporins are a subfamily of AQPs permeable to glycerol in addition to water and participate thereby to energy metabolism. This review focalizes on the present knowledge of the expression, regulation and physiological roles of AQPs in adipose tissue, liver and endocrine pancreas, that are involved in energy metabolism. In addition, the review aims at summarizing the involvement of AQPs in metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes and liver diseases. Finally, challenges and recent advances related to pharmacological modulation of AQPs expression and function to control and treat metabolic diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jason Perret
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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