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Martínez-Alberquilla I, Gasull X, Pérez-Luna P, Seco-Mera R, Ruiz-Alcocer J, Crooke A. Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular trap components: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets for age-related eye diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 74:101553. [PMID: 34971794 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Age-related eye diseases, including dry eye, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, represent a major global health issue based on their increasing prevalence and disabling action. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases will provide novel opportunities to reduce the burden of age-related eye diseases and improve eye health, contributing to sustainable development goals achievement. The impairment of neutrophil extracellular traps formation/degradation processes seems to be one of these mechanisms. These traps formed by a meshwork of DNA and neutrophil cytosolic granule proteins may exacerbate the inflammatory response promoting chronic inflammation, a pivotal cause of age-related diseases. In this review, we describe current findings that suggest the role of neutrophils and their traps in the pathogenesis of the above-mentioned age-related eye diseases. Furthermore, we discuss why these cells and their constituents could be biomarkers and therapeutic targets for dry eye, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. We also examine the therapeutic potential of some neutrophil function modulators and provide several recommendations for future research in age-related eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martínez-Alberquilla
- Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Eye Research Group, UCM 971009, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Pérez-Luna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Seco-Mera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Ruiz-Alcocer
- Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Eye Research Group, UCM 971009, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Crooke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Eye Research Group, UCM 971009, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Sönmezgöz E, Takci S, Gül A, Uysal M. Ursodeoxycholic acid protects neonatal rats from necrotizing enterocolitis: a biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 34:3761-3767. [PMID: 32954879 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1818210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) includes the massive production of endogenous cytokines with exaggerated activation of inflammatory pathways. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic agent. We investigated the possible protective effects of UDCA in a neonatal rat pup model of NEC. METHODS We randomly divided rat pups into three groups: a control group, a non-treated NEC group, and a UDCA-treated NEC group. We induced NEC by feeding formula enterally and via hypoxia/reoxygenation. Intestinal samples were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses. RESULTS UDCA significantly reduced the extents of terminal ileal and jejunal injuries compared to the NEC group (p < .01), reduced Bax and caspase-3 immunoreactivities (both p < .01), and lowered serum levels of platelet-activating factor and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (p < .01, p = .023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In a rat model of NEC, UDCA protects against adverse intestinal histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical changes. UDCA significantly reduces the effects of NEC on the rat pup intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ergün Sönmezgöz
- Department of Pediatrics, Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Sahin Takci
- Department of Neonatology, Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Ali Gül
- Department of Pediatrics, Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Murat Uysal
- Department of Anatomy, Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi, Tokat, Turkey
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Potential Interplay between Hyperosmolarity and Inflammation on Retinal Pigmented Epithelium in Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041056. [PMID: 29614818 PMCID: PMC5979527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a frequent eyesight threatening complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Under physiological conditions, the inner and the outer blood-retinal barriers protect the retina by regulating ion, protein, and water flux into and out of the retina. During diabetic retinopathy, many factors, including inflammation, contribute to the rupture of the inner and/or the outer blood-retinal barrier. This rupture leads the development of macular edema, a foremost cause of sight loss among diabetic patients. Under these conditions, it has been speculated that retinal pigmented epithelial cells, that constitute the outer blood-retinal barrier, may be subjected to hyperosmolar stress resulting from different mechanisms. Herein, we review the possible origins and consequences of hyperosmolar stress on retinal pigmented epithelial cells during diabetic retinopathy, with a special focus on the intimate interplay between inflammation and hyperosmolar stress, as well as the current and forthcoming new pharmacotherapies for the treatment of such condition.
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Xia T, Rizzolo LJ. Effects of diabetic retinopathy on the barrier functions of the retinal pigment epithelium. Vision Res 2017; 139:72-81. [PMID: 28347688 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a debilitating microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. A rich literature describes the breakdown of retinal endothelial cells and the inner blood-retinal barrier, but the effects of diabetes on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has received much less attention. RPE lies between the choroid and neurosensory retina to form the outer blood-retinal barrier. RPE's specialized and dynamic barrier functions are crucial for maintaining retinal health. RPE barrier functions include a collection of interrelated structures and activities that regulate the transepithelial movement of solutes, including: diffusion through the paracellular spaces, facilitated diffusion through the cells, active transport, receptor-mediated and bulk phase transcytosis, and metabolic processing of solutes in transit. In the later stages of diabetic retinopathy, the tight junctions that regulate the paracellular space begin to disassemble, but there are earlier effects on the other aspects of RPE barrier function, particularly active transport and metabolic processing. With advanced understanding of RPE-specific barrier functions, and more in vivo-like culture models, the time is ripe for revisiting experiments in the literature to resolve controversies and extend our understanding of how diabetes affects the outer blood-retinal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Xia
- Departments of Surgery and Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520-8062, USA.
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Departments of Surgery and Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT 06520-8062, USA.
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Investigation of the effects of aging on the expression of aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 4 protein in heart tissue. Anatol J Cardiol 2016; 17:18-23. [PMID: 27443479 PMCID: PMC5324856 DOI: 10.14744/anatoljcardiol.2016.7033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aquaporin (AQP) 1 and AQP 4 are expressed in human heart and several studies have been focused on these two aquaporins. For this purpose, the present study is aimed to research the effects of aging on AQP 1 and AQP 4 in heart tissue. Methods: In this study, 14 Balb/C type white mice were used. Animals were divided into two equal groups. Group I consisted of 2-month-old young animals (n=7), and group II consisted of 18-month-old animals (n=7). To determine the AQP1 and AQP4 expression in the myocardium, the heart tissue was removed to perform western blotting and immunohistochemical and histopathological evaluations. Results: Muscle fibers of the heart in aged animals were more irregular and loosely organized in hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) stained sections. H-score analysis revealed that AQP1 and AQP4 immunoreactivity significantly increased in heart tissues of old mice compared with those of young mice (p<0.001). In addition, AQP1 and AQP4 protein expressions in the tissues of old animals were increased significantly according to western blot analysis (p=0.018 and p<0.001 for AQP1 and AQP4, respectively). Conclusion: Increased AQP1 and AQP4 levels in the heart tissue may be correlated with the maintenance of water and electrolytes balance, which decreases with aging. In this context, it might be the result of a compensatory response to decreased AQP4 functions. In addition, this increase with aging as demonstrated in our study might be one of the factors that increases the tendency of ischemia in elder people.
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Bogner B, Schroedl F, Trost A, Kaser-Eichberger A, Runge C, Strohmaier C, Motloch KA, Bruckner D, Hauser-Kronberger C, Bauer HC, Reitsamer HA. Aquaporin expression and localization in the rabbit eye. Exp Eye Res 2016; 147:20-30. [PMID: 27107794 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are important for ocular homeostasis and function. While AQP expression has been investigated in ocular tissues of human, mouse, rat and dog, comprehensive data in rabbits are missing. As rabbits are frequently used model organisms in ophthalmic research, the aim of this study was to analyze mRNA expression and to localize AQPs in the rabbit eye. The results were compared with the data published for other species. In cross sections of New Zealand White rabbit eyes AQP0 to AQP5 were labeled by immunohistology and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Immunohistological findings were compared to mRNA expression levels, which were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The primers used were homologous against conserved regions of AQPs. In the rabbit eye, AQP0 protein expression was restricted to the lens, while AQP1 was present in the cornea, the chamber angle, the iris, the ciliary body, the retina and, to a lower extent, in optic nerve vessels. AQP3 and AQP5 showed immunopositivity in the cornea. AQP3 was also present in the conjunctiva, which could not be confirmed for AQP5. However, at a low level AQP5 was also traceable in the lens. AQP4 protein was detected in the ciliary non-pigmented epithelium (NPE), the retina, optic nerve astrocytes and extraocular muscle fibers. For most tissues the qRT-PCR data confirmed the immunohistology results and vice versa. Although species differences exist, the AQP protein expression pattern in the rabbit eye shows that, especially in the anterior section, the AQP distribution is very similar to human, mouse, rat and dog. Depending on the ocular regions investigated in rabbit, different protein and mRNA expression results were obtained. This might be caused by complex gene regulatory mechanisms, post-translational protein modifications or technical limitations. However, in conclusion the data suggest that the rabbit is a useful in-vivo model to study AQP function and the effects of direct and indirect intervention strategies to investigate e. g. mechanisms for intraocular pressure modulation or cornea transparency regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bogner
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Falk Schroedl
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria; Department of Anatomy, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andrea Trost
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian Runge
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Clemens Strohmaier
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Karolina A Motloch
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniela Bruckner
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Hans Christian Bauer
- Department of Tendon-and Bone Regeneration, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Herbert A Reitsamer
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria.
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Tran TL, Bek T, la Cour M, Prause JU, Hamann S, Heegaard S. Aquaporin-1 Expression in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Overlying Retinal Drusen. Ophthalmic Res 2016; 55:180-4. [DOI: 10.1159/000443207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Jha KA, Nag TC, Kumar V, Kumar P, Kumar B, Wadhwa S, Roy TS. Differential Expression of AQP1 and AQP4 in Avascular Chick Retina Exposed to Moderate Light of Variable Photoperiods. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:2153-66. [PMID: 26285902 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1698-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins which maintain cellular water and ion homeostasis. Alterations in AQP expression have been reported in rod-dominated rodent retinas exposed to light. In rodents and also in birds, light of moderate intensities (700-2000 lux) damages the retina, though detailed changes were not examined in birds. The aim of our study was to see if light affects cone dominated retinas, which would be reflected in expression levels of AQPs. We examined AQP1 and AQP4 expressions in chick retina exposed to 2000 lux under 12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D; normal photoperiod), 18L:6D (prolonged photoperiod) and 24L:0D (constant light). Additionally, morphological changes, apoptosis (by TUNEL) and levels of glutamate and GFAP (a marker of injury) in the retina were examined to correlate these with AQP expressions. Constant light caused damage in outer and inner nuclear layer (ONL, INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). Also, there were associated increases in GFAP and glutamate levels in retinal extracts. In normal photoperiod, AQP1 was expressed in GCL, outer part of INL and photoreceptor inner segments of. AQP4 was additionally expressed in nerve fiber layer. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed over all decreased AQP1 and AQP4 expression in constant light condition compared to those in other two groups. The elevated GFAP and glutamate levels might be involved in the reduction of AQPs in constant light group. Such decreases in AQP expressions are perhaps linked with retinal cell damage seen in constant light condition, while their relatively enhanced expression in two other conditions may help in maintaining a normal retinal architecture, indicating their neuroprotective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Abhiram Jha
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Tapas Chandra Nag
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Binit Kumar
- Ocular Pharmacology Lab, Department of Pharmacology, DIPSAR, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Shashi Wadhwa
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Tara Sankar Roy
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
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Ayan M, Tas U, Sogut E, Caylı S, Kaya H, Esen M, Erdemir F, Uysal M. Protective effect of thymoquinone against testicular torsion induced oxidative injury. Andrologia 2015; 48:143-51. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Ayan
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Gaziosmanpasa University; Tokat Turkey
| | - U. Tas
- Department of Anatomy; Faculty of Medicine; Gaziosmanpasa University; Tokat Turkey
| | - E. Sogut
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; Katip Celebi University; İzmir Turkey
| | - S. Caylı
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Faculty of Medicine; Yildirim Beyazit University; Ankara Turkey
| | - H. Kaya
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Harran University; Urfa Turkey
| | - M. Esen
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Gaziosmanpasa University; Tokat Turkey
| | - F. Erdemir
- Department of Urology; Faculty of Medicine; Gaziosmanpasa University; Tokat Turkey
| | - M. Uysal
- Department of Anatomy; Faculty of Medicine; Gaziosmanpasa University; Tokat Turkey
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Willermain F, Libert S, Motulsky E, Salik D, Caspers L, Perret J, Delporte C. Origins and consequences of hyperosmolar stress in retinal pigmented epithelial cells. Front Physiol 2014; 5:199. [PMID: 24910616 PMCID: PMC4038854 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is composed of retinal pigmented epithelial cells joined by tight junctions and represents the outer blood-retinal barrier (BRB). The inner BRB is made of endothelial cells joined by tight junctions and glial extensions surrounding all the retinal blood vessels. One of the functions of the RPE is to maintain an osmotic transepithelial gradient created by ionic pumps and channels, avoiding paracellular flux. Under such physiological conditions, transcellular water movement follows the osmotic gradient and flows normally from the retina to the choroid through the RPE. Several diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, are characterized by the BRB breakdown leading to leakage of solutes, proteins, and fluid from the retina and the choroid. The prevailing hypothesis explaining macular edema formation during diabetic retinopathy incriminates the inner BRB breakdown resulting in increased osmotic pressure leading in turn to massive water accumulation that can affect vision. Under these conditions, it has been hypothesized that RPE is likely to be exposed to hyperosmolar stress at its apical side. This review summarizes the origins and consequences of osmotic stress in the RPE. Ongoing and further research advances will clarify the mechanisms, at the molecular level, involved in the response of the RPE to osmotic stress and delineate potential novel therapeutic targets and tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Willermain
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann Brussels, Belgium ; I.R.I.B.H.M, Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Libert
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann Brussels, Belgium ; Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elie Motulsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann Brussels, Belgium ; Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dany Salik
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann Brussels, Belgium ; Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laure Caspers
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre and Brugmann Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jason Perret
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium
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Schey KL, Wang Z, L Wenke J, Qi Y. Aquaporins in the eye: expression, function, and roles in ocular disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1840:1513-23. [PMID: 24184915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND All thirteen known mammalian aquaporins have been detected in the eye. Moreover, aquaporins have been identified as playing essential roles in ocular functions ranging from maintenance of lens and corneal transparency to production of aqueous humor to maintenance of cellular homeostasis and regulation of signal transduction in the retina. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the expression and known functions of ocular aquaporins and discusses their known and potential roles in ocular diseases. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Aquaporins play essential roles in all ocular tissues. Remarkably, not all aquaporin function as a water permeable channel and the functions of many aquaporins in ocular tissues remain unknown. Given their vital roles in maintaining ocular function and their roles in disease, aquaporins represent potential targets for future therapeutic development. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Since aquaporins play key roles in ocular physiology, an understanding of these functions is important to improving ocular health and treating diseases of the eye. It is likely that future therapies for ocular diseases will rely on modulation of aquaporin expression and/or function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Schey
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jamie L Wenke
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ying Qi
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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