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Liu J, Xia Z, Peng S, Xia J, Xu R, Wang X, Li F, Zhu W. The Important Role of Aquaglyceroporin 7 in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1228. [PMID: 39456161 PMCID: PMC11505742 DOI: 10.3390/biom14101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are highly conserved small transmembrane proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across cell membranes. Aquaglyceroporin 7 (AQP7), a significant member of the AQP family, is widely distributed throughout the body. For years, AQP7 was predominantly recognized for its role as a small-molecule transporter, facilitating the passage of small molecular substances. However, growing studies have revealed that AQP7 is also involved in the regulation of lipid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and energy homeostasis, and it is intimately linked to a variety of diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the structure of AQP7, its regulatory mechanisms, its vital roles in both healthy and diseased states, and potential therapeutic advancements. We hope that these studies will serve as a valuable reference for the development of future treatments and diagnostic protocols targeting AQP7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; (J.L.); (Z.X.); (J.X.); (R.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Ziwei Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; (J.L.); (Z.X.); (J.X.); (R.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Shuhong Peng
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Theory, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China;
| | - Juanjuan Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; (J.L.); (Z.X.); (J.X.); (R.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Ruixiang Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; (J.L.); (Z.X.); (J.X.); (R.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; (J.L.); (Z.X.); (J.X.); (R.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Fei Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; (J.L.); (Z.X.); (J.X.); (R.X.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
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2
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Lan Q, Li J, Zhang H, Zhou Z, Fang Y, Yang B. Mechanistic complement of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: the role of aquaporins. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:773-785. [PMID: 38668786 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a genetic kidney disease caused by mutations in the genes PKD1 or PKD2. Its course is characterized by the formation of progressively enlarged cysts in the renal tubules bilaterally. The basic genetic explanation for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the double-hit theory, and many of its mechanistic issues can be explained by the cilia doctrine. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning this condition's occurrence are still not completely understood. Experimental evidence suggests that aquaporins, a class of transmembrane channel proteins, including aquaporin-1, aquaporin-2, aquaporin-3, and aquaporin-11, are involved in the mechanism of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Aquaporins are either a potential new target for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and further study into the physiopathological role of aquaporins in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease will assist to clarify the disease's pathophysiology and increase the pool of potential treatment options. We primarily cover pertinent findings on aquaporins in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Lan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Jie Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Yaxuan Fang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Bo Yang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China.
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.88, Changling Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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Bankir L, Crambert G, Vargas-Poussou R. The SLC6A18 Transporter Is Most Likely a Na-Dependent Glycine/Urea Antiporter Responsible for Urea Secretion in the Proximal Straight Tubule: Influence of This Urea Secretion on Glomerular Filtration Rate. Nephron Clin Pract 2024:1-27. [PMID: 38824912 DOI: 10.1159/000539602] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urea is the major end-product of protein metabolism in mammals. In carnivores and omnivores, a large load of urea is excreted daily in urine, with a concentration that is 30-100 times above that in plasma. This is important for the sake of water economy. Too little attention has been given to the existence of energy-dependent urea transport that plays an important role in this concentrating activity. SUMMARY This review first presents functional evidence for an energy-dependent urea secretion that occurs exclusively in the straight part of the proximal tubule (PST). Second, it proposes a candidate transmembrane transporter responsible for this urea secretion in the PST. SLC6A18 is expressed exclusively in the PST and has been identified as a glycine transporter, based on findings in SLC6A18 knockout mice. We propose that it is actually a glycine/urea antiport, secreting urea into the lumen in exchange for glycine and Na. Glycine is most likely recycled back into the cell via a transporter located in the brush border. Urea secretion in the PST modifies the composition of the tubular fluid in the thick ascending limb and, thus, contributes, indirectly, to influence the "signal" at the macula densa that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by the tubulo-glomerular feedback. KEY MESSAGES Taking into account this secondary active secretion of urea in the mammalian kidney provides a new understanding of the influence of protein intake on GFR, of the regulation of urea excretion, and of the urine-concentrating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Bankir
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Rénale et Tubulopathies, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- CNRS EMR 8228, Unité Métabolisme et Physiologie Rénale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Crambert
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Rénale et Tubulopathies, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- CNRS EMR 8228, Unité Métabolisme et Physiologie Rénale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Rosa Vargas-Poussou
- CNRS EMR 8228, Unité Métabolisme et Physiologie Rénale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies Rares, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires de l'Enfant et de l'Adulte, MARHEA, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
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Oberska P, Grabowska M, Marynowska M, Murawski M, Gączarzewicz D, Syczewski A, Michałek K. Cellular Distribution of Aquaporin 3, 7 and 9 in the Male Reproductive System: A Lesson from Bovine Study ( Bos taurus). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1567. [PMID: 38338845 PMCID: PMC10855163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of male infertility in humans and animals creates the need to search for new factors that significantly affect the course of reproductive processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the temporospatial expression of aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9) in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The study also included morphological analysis and identification of GATA-4. In brief, in immature individuals, AQP3 and AQP7 were found in gonocytes. In reproductive bulls, AQP3 was observed in spermatocytes and spermatogonia, while AQP7 was visible in all germ cells and the Sertoli cells. AQP7 and AQP9 were detected in the Leydig cells. Along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls, aquaglyceroporins were visible, among others, in basal cells (AQP3 and AQP7), in epididymal sperm (AQP7) and in the stereocilia of the principal cells (AQP9). In males of all ages, aquaglyceroporins were identified in the principal and basal cells of the vas deferens. An increase in the expression of AQP3 in the testis and cauda epididymis and a decrease in the abundance of AQP7 in the vas deferens with age were found. In conclusion, age-related changes in the expression and/or distribution patterns of AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 indicate the involvement of these proteins in the normal development and course of male reproductive processes in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Oberska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Marta Marynowska
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Maciej Murawski
- Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 24/28 Mickiewicza Avenue, 30-059 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Gączarzewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | | | - Katarzyna Michałek
- Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (P.O.); (M.M.)
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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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Aquaporins and Ion Channels as Dual Targets in the Design of Novel Glioblastoma Therapeutics to Limit Invasiveness. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030849. [PMID: 36765806 PMCID: PMC9913334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) focus on eradicating primary tumors using radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical resection, but have limited success in controlling the invasive spread of glioma cells into a healthy brain, the major factor driving short survival times for patients post-diagnosis. Transcriptomic analyses of GBM biopsies reveal clusters of membrane signaling proteins that in combination serve as robust prognostic indicators, including aquaporins and ion channels, which are upregulated in GBM and implicated in enhanced glioblastoma motility. Accumulating evidence supports our proposal that the concurrent pharmacological targeting of selected subclasses of aquaporins and ion channels could impede glioblastoma invasiveness by impairing key cellular motility pathways. Optimal sets of channels to be selected as targets for combined therapies could be tailored to the GBM cancer subtype, taking advantage of differences in patterns of expression between channels that are characteristic of GBM subtypes, as well as distinguishing them from non-cancerous brain cells such as neurons and glia. Focusing agents on a unique channel fingerprint in GBM would further allow combined agents to be administered at near threshold doses, potentially reducing off-target toxicity. Adjunct therapies which confine GBM tumors to their primary sites during clinical treatments would offer profound advantages for treatment efficacy.
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Importance of Water Transport in Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010050. [PMID: 36669051 PMCID: PMC9865491 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in water homeostasis in tissues and are ubiquitous in the reproductive tract. AQPs are classified into classical aquaporins (AQP0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8), aquaglycerolporins (AQP3, 7, 9, and 10) and superaquaporins (AQP11 and 12). Nine AQPs were described in the mammalian female reproductive tract. Some of their functions are influenced by sexual steroid hormones. The continuous physiological changes that occur throughout the sexual cycle, pregnancy and parturition, modify the expression of AQPs, thus creating at every moment the required water homeostasis. AQPs in the ovary regulate follicular development and ovulation. In the vagina and the cervix, AQPs are involved mainly in lubrication. In the uterus, AQPs are mostly mediated by estradiol and progesterone to prepare the endometrium for possible embryo implantation and fetal development. In the placenta, AQPs are responsible for the fluid support to the fetus to maintain fetal homeostasis that ensures correct fetal development as pregnancy goes on. This review is focused on understanding the role of AQPs in the mammalian female reproductive tract during the sexual cycle of pregnancy and parturition.
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Geng X, Shao G, Jiang T, Yang B. Transport Characteristics of Aquaporins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:53-64. [PMID: 36717486 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangying Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- College of Basic Medicine, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Abulizi A, Dawuti A, Yang B. Aquaporins in Tumor. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:303-315. [PMID: 36717503 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent researches have demonstrated that aquaporins (AQPs), including water-selective channels, aquaglyceroporins and superaquaporins, are generally expressed in various tumors, such as lung, colorectal, liver, brain, breast tumors, etc. Therefore, it is imperative to study the accurate relationship between AQPs and tumor, which may provide innovative approaches to treat and prevent tumor development. In this chapter, we mainly reviewed the expression and pathophysiological function of AQPs in tumor, and summarize recent work on AQPs in tumor. Although, the underlying mechanism of AQP in tumor is not very clear, growing evidences suggest that cell migration, adhesion, angiogenesis, and division contribute to tumor development, in which AQPs might be involved. Therefore, it is still necessary to conduct further studies to determine the specific roles of AQPs in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abudumijiti Abulizi
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
| | - Awaguli Dawuti
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Xu L, Guo X, Wang W, Li C. Classification and Gene Structure of Aquaporins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:1-13. [PMID: 36717483 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xu
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Guo
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chunling Li
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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11
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Xiao M, Hou J, Xu M, Li S, Yang B. Aquaporins in Nervous System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:99-124. [PMID: 36717489 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) mediate water flux between the four distinct water compartments in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present chapter, we mainly focus on the expression and function of the nine AQPs expressed in the CNS, which include five members of aquaporin subfamily: AQP1, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP8; three members of aquaglyceroporin subfamily: AQP3, AQP7, and AQP9; and one member of superaquaporin subfamily: AQP11. In addition, AQP1, AQP2, and AQP4 expressed in the peripheral nervous system are also reviewed. AQP4, the predominant water channel in the CNS, is involved both in the astrocyte swelling of cytotoxic edema and the resolution of vasogenic edema and is of pivotal importance in the pathology of brain disorders such as neuromyelitis optica, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, AQP4 has been demonstrated as a functional regulator of recently discovered glymphatic system that is a main contributor to clearance of toxic macromolecule from the brain. Other AQPs are also involved in a variety of important physiological and pathological process in the brain. It has been suggested that AQPs could represent an important target in treatment of brain disorders like cerebral edema. Future investigations are necessary to elucidate the pathological significance of AQPs in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaoyu Hou
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mengmeng Xu
- Basic Medical College, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Shao Li
- Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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12
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Costa IPD, Hautem N, Schiano G, Uchida S, Nishino T, Devuyst O. Fasting influences aquaporin expression, water transport and adipocyte metabolism in the peritoneal membrane. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022; 38:1408-1420. [PMID: 36520078 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The water channels AQP1 and AQP7 are abundantly expressed in the peritoneal membrane. While AQP1 facilitates water transport during peritoneal dialysis (PD), the role of AQP7, which mediates glycerol transport during fasting, remains unknown. METHODS We investigated the distribution of AQP7 and AQP1 and used a mouse model of PD to investigate the role of AQP7 in the peritoneal membrane at baseline and after fasting. Results. Single nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed that AQP7 was mostly detected in mature adipocytes, whereas AQP1 was essentially expressed in endothelial cells. Fasting induced significant decreases in whole body fat, plasma glucose, insulin, and triglycerides, as well as higher plasma glycerol and corticosterone levels in mice, paralleled by major decreases in adipocyte size and levels of fatty acid synthase and leptin, and increased levels of hormone sensitive lipase mRNAs in the peritoneum. Mechanistically, fasting upregulated the expression of AQP1 and AQP7 in the peritoneum, with increased ultrafiltration but no change in small solute transport. Studies based on Aqp1 and Aqp7 knockout mice and RU-486 inhibition demonstrated that the glucocorticoid induction of AQP1 mediates the increase in ultrafiltration whereas AQP7 regulates the size of adipocytes in the peritoneum. CONCLUSIONS Fasting induces a coordinated regulation of lipolytic and lipogenic factors and aqua(glycero)porins in the peritoneum, driving structural and functional changes. These data yield novel information on the specific roles of aquaporins in the peritoneal membrane and indicate that fasting improves fluid removal in a mouse model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gugliemo Schiano
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shinichi Uchida
- Department of Nephrology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nishino
- IREC, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Nephrology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- IREC, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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HARTATI, PUTRA WIDYAPINTAKABAYU. Polymorphisms of aquaporin 7 (AQP7) gene in Madura bulls (Bos indicus). THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v92i10.125479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a PCR-RFLP method was employed to investigate the evidence of two mutation sites in exon 2 (c.N8S) and exon 3 (c.E36Q) regions of AQP7/TaaI gene in Madura bulls. Both mutation sites were polymorphic with presence of three genotypes. However, a mutation of c.N8S had the moderate PIC value (>0.30). Hence, it can be suggested that the mutation of c.N8S can be used for the genetic marker of sperm quality traits in Madura bulls. However, the association study with 15 selected Madura bulls revealed that there are no significant association between c.N8S and sperm quality traits. However, the mutation of c.N8S in animal studies was not associated with sperm quality traits of sperm volume, progressive motility sperm concentration and daily sperm viability. In future, a further research with large number of animal samples and records data are important to obtain the genetic markers for productivity traits accurately.
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14
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Insight into the Mammalian Aquaporin Interactome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179615. [PMID: 36077012 PMCID: PMC9456110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane water channels expressed in all living organisms. AQPs facilitate osmotically driven water flux across biological membranes and, in some cases, the movement of small molecules (such as glycerol, urea, CO2, NH3, H2O2). Protein-protein interactions play essential roles in protein regulation and function. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the AQP interactomes and addresses the molecular basis and functional significance of these protein-protein interactions in health and diseases. Targeting AQP interactomes may offer new therapeutic avenues as targeting individual AQPs remains challenging despite intense efforts.
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15
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The Water Transport System in Astrocytes–Aquaporins. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162564. [PMID: 36010640 PMCID: PMC9406552 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Highlights (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins responsible for fast water movement across cell membranes, including those of astrocytes. The expression and subcellular localization of AQPs in astrocytes are highly dynamic under physiological and pathological conditions. Besides their primary function in water homeostasis, AQPs participate in many ancillary functions including glutamate clearance in tripartite synapses and cell migration.
Abstract Astrocytes have distinctive morphological and functional characteristics, and are found throughout the central nervous system. Astrocytes are now known to be far more than just housekeeping cells in the brain. Their functions include contributing to the formation of the blood–brain barrier, physically and metabolically supporting and communicating with neurons, regulating the formation and functions of synapses, and maintaining water homeostasis and the microenvironment in the brain. Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane proteins responsible for fast water movement across cell membranes. Various subtypes of AQPs (AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP8 and AQP9) have been reported to be expressed in astrocytes, and the expressions and subcellular localizations of AQPs in astrocytes are highly correlated with both their physiological and pathophysiological functions. This review describes and summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of astrocytes and AQPs in regard to controlling water homeostasis in the brain. Findings regarding the features of different AQP subtypes, such as their expression, subcellular localization, physiological functions, and the pathophysiological roles of astrocytes are presented, with brain edema and glioma serving as two representative AQP-associated pathological conditions. The aim is to provide a better insight into the elaborate “water distribution” system in cells, exemplified by astrocytes, under normal and pathological conditions.
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16
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Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane water channel proteins, which were initially characterized as a novel protein family that plays a vital role in transcellular and transepithelial water movement. AQP1, AQP2, AQP4, AQP5, and AQP8 are primarily water selective, whereas AQP3, AQP7, AQP9, and AQP10 (called “aqua-glyceroporins”) also transport glycerol and other small solutes. Recently, multiple reports have suggested that AQPs have important roles in cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, each of which is important in human carcinogenesis. Here, we review recent data concerning the involvement of AQPs in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis and explore the expression profiles from various resected cancer samples to further dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the potential role of AQPs during the development of genomic instability and performed modeling to describe the integration of binding between AQPs with various SH3 domain binning adaptor molecules. Throughout review and discussion of numerous reports, we have tried to provide key evidence that AQPs play key roles in tumor biology, which may provide a unique opportunity in designing a novel class of anti-tumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul So Moon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, MD, United States.,HJM Cancer Research Foundation Corporation, Lutherville, MD, United States
| | - David Moon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, MD, United States.,HJM Cancer Research Foundation Corporation, Lutherville, MD, United States
| | - Sung Koo Kang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, MD, United States.,HJM Cancer Research Foundation Corporation, Lutherville, MD, United States
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17
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Zhong C, Long R, Stewart GS. The role of rumen epithelial urea transport proteins in urea nitrogen salvage: A review. ANIMAL NUTRITION 2022; 9:304-313. [PMID: 35600543 PMCID: PMC9097623 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Teng GC, Boo MV, Lam SH, Pang CZ, Chew SF, Ip YK. Molecular characterization and light-dependent expression of glycerol facilitator (GlpF) in coccoid Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates of the giant clam Tridacna squamosa. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Markou A, Unger L, Abir-Awan M, Saadallah A, Halsey A, Balklava Z, Conner M, Törnroth-Horsefield S, Greenhill SD, Conner A, Bill RM, Salman MM, Kitchen P. Molecular mechanisms governing aquaporin relocalisation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183853. [PMID: 34973181 PMCID: PMC8825993 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aquaporins (AQPs) form a family of integral membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of water across biological membrane by osmosis, as well as facilitating the diffusion of small polar solutes. AQPs have been recognised as drug targets for a variety of disorders associated with disrupted water or solute transport, including brain oedema following stroke or trauma, epilepsy, cancer cell migration and tumour angiogenesis, metabolic disorders, and inflammation. Despite this, drug discovery for AQPs has made little progress due to a lack of reproducible high-throughput assays and difficulties with the druggability of AQP proteins. However, recent studies have suggested that targetting the trafficking of AQP proteins to the plasma membrane is a viable alternative drug target to direct inhibition of the water-conducting pore. Here we review the literature on the trafficking of mammalian AQPs with a view to highlighting potential new drug targets for a variety of conditions associated with disrupted water and solute homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Markou
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Lucas Unger
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Mohammed Abir-Awan
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Ahmed Saadallah
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Andrea Halsey
- MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Zita Balklava
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Matthew Conner
- School of Sciences, Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | | | - Stuart D Greenhill
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alex Conner
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK; Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK.
| | - Philip Kitchen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
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20
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Relevance of Aquaporins for Gamete Function and Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050573. [PMID: 35268142 PMCID: PMC8909058 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance; changes in medium composition can drive water movement across plasma membranes. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane channels involved in the transport of water and some solutes across membranes. When sperm enter the female reproductive tract after ejaculation, they encounter a drastic change in extracellular composition, which leads to water flowing across the plasma membrane. This triggers a series of events that are crucial to allowing fertilization to take place, such as regulation of sperm motility. In the context of assisted reproduction techniques (ART), long-term storage of gametes is sometimes required, and, during cryopreservation, these cells undergo drastic changes in extracellular medium composition. As a result, AQPs are crucial in both sperm and oocytes during this process. Cryopreservation is of considerable importance for fertility preservation in livestock, endangered species and for individuals undergoing certain medical treatments that compromise their fertility. Further research to fully elucidate the roles and underlying mechanisms of AQPs in mammalian sperm is therefore warranted. Abstract The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance, and drastic changes in extracellular solute concentrations drive water movement across the plasma membrane. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channels that allow the transport of water and small solutes across cell membranes. Different members of this family have been identified in gametes. In sperm, they are relevant to osmoadaptation after entering the female reproductive tract, which is crucial for sperm motility activation and capacitation and, thus, for their fertilizing ability. In addition, they are relevant during the cryopreservation process, since some members of this family are also permeable to glycerol, one of the most frequently used cryoprotective agents in livestock. Regarding oocytes, AQPs are very important in their maturation but also during cryopreservation. Further research to define the exact sets of AQPs that are present in oocytes from different species is needed, since the available literature envisages certain AQPs and their roles but does not provide complete information on the whole set of AQPs. This is of considerable importance because, in sperm, specific AQPs are known to compensate the role of non-functional members.
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21
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Wagner K, Unger L, Salman MM, Kitchen P, Bill RM, Yool AJ. Signaling Mechanisms and Pharmacological Modulators Governing Diverse Aquaporin Functions in Human Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1388. [PMID: 35163313 PMCID: PMC8836214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small integral membrane proteins that facilitate the bidirectional transport of water across biological membranes in response to osmotic pressure gradients as well as enable the transmembrane diffusion of small neutral solutes (such as urea, glycerol, and hydrogen peroxide) and ions. AQPs are expressed throughout the human body. Here, we review their key roles in fluid homeostasis, glandular secretions, signal transduction and sensation, barrier function, immunity and inflammation, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Evidence from a wide variety of studies now supports a view of the functions of AQPs being much more complex than simply mediating the passive flow of water across biological membranes. The discovery and development of small-molecule AQP inhibitors for research use and therapeutic development will lead to new insights into the basic biology of and novel treatments for the wide range of AQP-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wagner
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Lucas Unger
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (L.U.); (P.K.)
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK;
- Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Philip Kitchen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (L.U.); (P.K.)
| | - Roslyn M. Bill
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; (L.U.); (P.K.)
| | - Andrea J. Yool
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
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22
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Varricchio A, Ramesh SA, Yool AJ. Novel Ion Channel Targets and Drug Delivery Tools for Controlling Glioblastoma Cell Invasiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111909. [PMID: 34769339 PMCID: PMC8584308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprising more than half of all brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a leading cause of brain cancer-related deaths worldwide. A major clinical challenge is presented by the capacity of glioma cells to rapidly infiltrate healthy brain parenchyma, allowing the cancer to escape control by localized surgical resections and radiotherapies, and promoting recurrence in other brain regions. We propose that therapies which target cellular motility pathways could be used to slow tumor dispersal, providing a longer time window for administration of frontline treatments needed to directly eradicate the primary tumors. An array of signal transduction pathways are known to be involved in controlling cellular motility. Aquaporins (AQPs) and voltage-gated ion channels are prime candidates as pharmacological targets to restrain cell migration in glioblastoma. Published work has demonstrated AQPs 1, 4 and 9, as well as voltage-gated potassium, sodium and calcium channels, chloride channels, and acid-sensing ion channels are expressed in GBM and can influence processes of cell volume change, extracellular matrix degradation, cytoskeletal reorganization, lamellipodial and filopodial extension, and turnover of cell-cell adhesions and focal assembly sites. The current gap in knowledge is the identification of optimal combinations of targets, inhibitory agents, and drug delivery systems that will allow effective intervention with minimal side effects in the complex environment of the brain, without disrupting finely tuned activities of neuro-glial networks. Based on published literature, we propose that co-treatments using AQP inhibitors in addition to other therapies could increase effectiveness, overcoming some limitations inherent in current strategies that are focused on single mechanisms. An emerging interest in nanobodies as drug delivery systems could be instrumental for achieving the selective delivery of combinations of agents aimed at multiple key targets, which could enhance success in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanah Varricchio
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Sunita A. Ramesh
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Andrea J. Yool
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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23
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Recuero S, Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Sandu A, Barranco I, Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M. Aquaporins Are Essential to Maintain Motility and Membrane Lipid Architecture During Mammalian Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:656438. [PMID: 34540822 PMCID: PMC8440886 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.656438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins are a family of ubiquitous transmembrane proteins that allow the transport of water and small molecules across the cell plasma membrane. The different members of this family present a characteristic distribution across different cell types, which is species-specific. In mammalian sperm, different AQPs, including AQP3, AQP7, and AQP11, have been identified; their main roles are related to osmoadaptation and sperm motility activation after ejaculation. Capacitation, which is a post-ejaculatory process that sperm must undergo to achieve fertilizing ability, is triggered by pH changes and different extracellular ions that are present in the female reproductive tract. Considering the function of AQPs and their influence on pH through the regulation of water flow, this study aimed to elucidate the potential role of different AQPs during in vitro sperm capacitation using three different transition metal compounds as AQP inhibitors. Cooper sulfate, a specific inhibitor of AQP3, caused a drastic increase in peroxide intracellular levels compared to the control. Mercury chloride, an unspecific inhibitor of all AQPs except AQP7 produced an increase in membrane lipid disorder and led to a decrease in sperm motility and kinetics parameters. Finally, the addition of silver sulfadiazine, an unspecific inhibitor of all AQPs, generated the same effects than mercury chloride, decreased the intracellular pH and altered tyrosine phosphorylation levels after the induction of the acrosome reaction. In the light of the aforementioned, (a) the permeability of AQP3 to peroxides does not seem to be crucial for sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction; (b) AQPs have a key role in preserving sperm motility during that process; and (c) AQPs as a whole seem to contribute to the maintenance of lipid membrane architecture during capacitation and may be related to the intracellular signaling pathways involved in the acrosome reaction. Hence, further research aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the involvement of AQPs in mammalian sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Andra Sandu
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Zhang L, Yao D, Xia Y, Zhou F, Zhang Q, Wang Q, Qin A, Zhao J, Li D, Li Y, Zhou L, Cao Y. The structural basis for glycerol permeation by human AQP7. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:1550-1558. [PMID: 36654284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human glycerol channel aquaporin 7 (AQP7) conducts glycerol release from adipocyte and enters the cells in pancreatic islets, muscles, and kidney tubules, and thus regulates glycerol metabolism in those tissues. Compared with other human aquaglyceroporins, AQP7 shows a less conserved "NPA" motif in the center cavity and a pair of aromatic residues at Ar/R selectivity filter. To understand the structural basis for the glycerol conductance, we crystallized the human AQP7 and determined the structure at 3.7 Å. A substrate binding pocket was found near the Ar/R filter where a glycerol molecule is bound and stabilized by R229. Glycerol uptake assay on human AQP7 as well as AQP3 and AQP10 demonstrated strong glycerol transportation activities at the physiological condition. The human AQP7 structure, in combination with the molecular dynamics simulation thereon, reveals a fully closed conformation with its permeation pathway strictly confined by the Ar/R filter at the exoplasmic side and the gate at the cytoplasmic side, and the binding of glycerol at the Ar/R filter plays a critical role in controlling the glycerol flux by driving the dislocation of the residues at narrowest parts of glycerol pathway in AQP7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- CAS Center for Excellence on Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deqiang Yao
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implant, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Fu Zhou
- CAS Center for Excellence on Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- CAS Center for Excellence on Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - An Qin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implant, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implant, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Dianfan Li
- CAS Center for Excellence on Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yu Cao
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implant, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
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25
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WAKAYAMA Y, HIRAKO S, OHTAKI H, ARATA S, JIMI T, HONDA K. Histopathological and aquaporin7 mRNA expression analyzes in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of obese db/db mice. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1155-1160. [PMID: 34053976 PMCID: PMC8349804 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine 1) muscle fiber type composition, 2) myofiber diameter, and 3) aquaporin (AQP) 7 and AQP 9 mRNA expressions by quantitative PCR in muscles of obese db/db mice. The myofiber type composition of skeletal muscle was not statistically significantly different between db/db mice and control mice; while the average myofiber diameter ratio showed a decrease in db/db mice. The expression of AQP7 but not AQP9 mRNA in the skeletal and cardiac muscles was significantly upregulated in db/db mice. Thus this study revealed quantitatively that type 2 myofiber atrophy was shown in the skeletal muscles of db/db mice. AQP7 mRNA expression was upregulated in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of db/db mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro WAKAYAMA
- Wakayama Clinic, 2-3-18 Kanai, Machida-shi, Tokyo 195-0072, Japan
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi HIRAKO
- Department of Health and Nutrition, University of Human Arts and Sciences, 1288 Magome, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama 339-8539,
Japan
| | - Hirokazu OHTAKI
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Satoru ARATA
- Center for Biotechnology, Showa University, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
- Center for Laboratory Animal Science, Showa University, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Showa University, 4562 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi 403-0005,
Japan
| | - Takahiro JIMI
- Division of Neurology, Machida Keisen Hospital, 2-1-47 Minamimachida, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194-005, Japan
| | - Kazuho HONDA
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
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Aquaporins implicated in the cell proliferation and the signaling pathways of cell stemness. Biochimie 2021; 188:52-60. [PMID: 33894294 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins facilitating passive transport of water and other small molecules across biomembranes. Regulation of osmotic homeostasis via AQPs is accompanied by dynamic participation of various cellular signaling pathways. Recently emerging evidence reveals that functional roles of AQPs are further extended from the osmotic regulation via water permeation into the cell proliferation and differentiation. In particular, anomalous expression of AQPs has been demonstrated in various types of cancer cells and cancer stem-like cells and it has been proposed as markers for proliferation and progression of cancer cells. Thus, a more comprehensive view on AQPs could bring a great interest in the cell stemness accompanied by the expression of AQPs. AQPs are broadly expressed across tissues and cells in a cell type- and lineage-specific manner during development via spatiotemporal transcriptional regulation. Moreover, AQPs are expressed in various adult stem cells and cells associated with a stem cell niche as well as cancer stem-like cells. However, the expression and regulatory mechanisms of AQP expression in stem cells have not been well understood. This review highlighted the AQPs expression in stem cell niches/stem cells and the involvement of AQPs in the cell proliferation and signaling pathways associated with cell stemness.
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27
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Faisal K, Akbarsha MA. Observations on Dag-like defect of spermatozoa induced by treatment of the phytotherapeutic Quassia amara/quassin in the mouse model. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14046. [PMID: 33756011 DOI: 10.1111/and.14046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gross alterations in the morphology of spermatozoa, teratozoospermia, invariably render them incapable of fertilisation. One of the contributory factors to teratozoospermia is failure of spermatozoon to shed the cytoplasmic droplet even after their arrival at epididymis. Quassia amara and quassin are of medicinal value with special reference to malaria. Nevertheless, there are also reports implicating Quassia/quassin in male reproductive toxicity. We were interested in finding if its therapeutic application would jeopardise male fertility. So, we tested it for male reproductive toxicity by analysing, among other aspects, abnormal sperm morphologies, and made a systematic analysis of the spermatozoa of treated mice before they are spermiated and until they arrive at the cauda epididymis. The spermatozoa not only failed to shed the cytoplasmic droplet during epididymal transit but swell to a very large size and were angulated, resulting in Dag-like defect or lasso shape. A link between cytoplasmic droplet that was retained and lasso shape of tail was indicated. This article traces the structural changes in spermatozoa that lead to angulation, flexion and coiling of the tail, caused due to retention of cytoplasmic droplet, and explains one of the mechanisms of toxicant-induced teratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunnathodi Faisal
- Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Mohammad Abdulkader Akbarsha
- Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India.,Department of Biotechnology & Research Coordinator, National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, India
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Calamita G, Delporte C. Involvement of aquaglyceroporins in energy metabolism in health and disease. Biochimie 2021; 188:20-34. [PMID: 33689852 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aquaglyceroporins are a group of the aquaporin (AQP) family of transmembrane water channels. While AQPs facilitate the passage of water, small solutes, and gases across biological membranes, aquaglyceroporins allow passage of water, glycerol, urea and some other solutes. Thanks to their glycerol permeability, aquaglyceroporins are involved in energy homeostasis. This review provides an overview of what is currently known concerning the functional implication and control of aquaglyceroporins in tissues involved in energy metabolism, i.e. liver, adipose tissue and endocrine pancreas. The expression, role and (dys)regulation of aquaglyceroporins in disorders affecting energy metabolism, and the potential relevance of aquaglyceroporins as drug targets to treat the alterations of the energy balance is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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Targeting Aquaporins in Novel Therapies for Male and Female Breast and Reproductive Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020215. [PMID: 33499000 PMCID: PMC7911300 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Yeste M, Cho YS, Calamita G, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and (in)fertility: More than just water transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166039. [PMID: 33338597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has been overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is a global public health problem with one third of the couples suffering from subfertility or even infertility due to male or female factors alone or combined. Thus, there is an urgent need to unveil the molecular mechanisms that control gametes production, maturation and fertilization-related events, to more specifically determine infertility causes. In addition, as more couples seek for fertility treatment through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is pivotal to understand how these techniques can be improved. AQPs are heterogeneously expressed throughout the male and female reproductive tracts, highlighting a possible regulatory role for these proteins in conception. In fact, their function, far beyond water transport, highlights potential intervention points to enhance ART. In this review we discuss AQPs distribution and structural organization, functions, and modulation throughout the male and female reproductive tracts and their relevance to the reproductive success. We also highlight the most recent advances and research trends regarding how the different AQPs are involved and regulated in specific mechanisms underlying (in)fertility. Finally, we discuss the involvement of AQPs in ART-related processes and how their handling can lead to improvement of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yoon S Cho
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Ospedale Santa Maria, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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Dai C, Charlestin V, Wang M, Walker ZT, Miranda-Vergara MC, Facchine BA, Wu J, Kaliney WJ, Dovichi NJ, Li J, Littlepage LE. Aquaporin-7 Regulates the Response to Cellular Stress in Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4071-4086. [PMID: 32631905 PMCID: PMC7899076 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The complex yet interrelated connections between cancer metabolism, gene expression, and oncogenic driver genes have the potential to identify novel biomarkers and drug targets with prognostic and therapeutic value. Here we effectively integrated metabolomics and gene expression data from breast cancer mouse models through a novel unbiased correlation-based network analysis. This approach identified 35 metabolite and 34 gene hubs with the most network correlations. These hubs have prognostic value and are likely integral to tumor metabolism and breast cancer. The gene hub Aquaporin-7 (Aqp7), a water and glycerol channel, was identified as a novel regulator of breast cancer. AQP7 was prognostic of overall survival in patients with breast cancer. In mouse breast cancer models, reduced expression of Aqp7 caused reduced primary tumor burden and lung metastasis. Metabolomics and complex lipid profiling of cells and tumors with reduced Aqp7 revealed significantly altered lipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and urea/arginine metabolism compared with controls. These data identify AQP7 as a critical regulator of metabolic and signaling responses to environmental cellular stresses in breast cancer, highlighting AQP7 as a potential cancer-specific therapeutic vulnerability. SIGNIFICANCE: Aquaporin-7 is identified as a critical regulator of nutrient availability and signaling that responds to cellular stresses, making it an attractive therapeutic target in breast cancer. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/19/4071/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Verodia Charlestin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Zachary T Walker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Maria Cristina Miranda-Vergara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Beth A Facchine
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Junmin Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | | | - Norman J Dovichi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Jun Li
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Laurie E Littlepage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, Indiana
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Unravelling the Complex Duplication History of Deuterostome Glycerol Transporters. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071663. [PMID: 32664262 PMCID: PMC7408487 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane glycerol transport is an ancient biophysical property that evolved in selected subfamilies of water channel (aquaporin) proteins. Here, we conducted broad level genome (>550) and transcriptome (>300) analyses to unravel the duplication history of the glycerol-transporting channels (glps) in Deuterostomia. We found that tandem duplication (TD) was the major mechanism of gene expansion in echinoderms and hemichordates, which, together with whole genome duplications (WGD) in the chordate lineage, continued to shape the genomic repertoires in craniates. Molecular phylogenies indicated that aqp3-like and aqp13-like channels were the probable stem subfamilies in craniates, with WGD generating aqp9 and aqp10 in gnathostomes but aqp7 arising through TD in Osteichthyes. We uncovered separate examples of gene translocations, gene conversion, and concerted evolution in humans, teleosts, and starfishes, with DNA transposons the likely drivers of gene rearrangements in paleotetraploid salmonids. Currently, gene copy numbers and BLAST are poor predictors of orthologous relationships due to asymmetric glp gene evolution in the different lineages. Such asymmetries can impact estimations of divergence times by millions of years. Experimental investigations of the salmonid channels demonstrated that approximately half of the 20 ancestral paralogs are functional, with neofunctionalization occurring at the transcriptional level rather than the protein transport properties. The combined findings resolve the origins and diversification of glps over >800 million years old and thus form the novel basis for proposing a pandeuterostome glp gene nomenclature.
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Moss FJ, Mahinthichaichan P, Lodowski DT, Kowatz T, Tajkhorshid E, Engel A, Boron WF, Vahedi-Faridi A. Aquaporin-7: A Dynamic Aquaglyceroporin With Greater Water and Glycerol Permeability Than Its Bacterial Homolog GlpF. Front Physiol 2020; 11:728. [PMID: 32695023 PMCID: PMC7339978 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenopus oocytes expressing human aquaporin-7 (AQP7) exhibit greater osmotic water permeability and 3H-glycerol uptake vs. those expressing the bacterial glycerol facilitator GlpF. AQP7-expressing oocytes exposed to increasing extracellular [glycerol] under isosmolal conditions exhibit increasing swelling rates, whereas GlpF-expressing oocytes do not swell at all. To provide a structural basis for these observed physiological differences, we performed X-ray crystallographic structure determination of AQP7 and molecular-dynamics simulations on AQP7 and GlpF. The structure reveals AQP7 tetramers containing two monomers with 3 glycerols, and two monomers with 2 glycerols in the pore. In contrast to GlpF, no glycerol is bound at the AQP7 selectivity filter (SF), comprising residues F74, G222, Y223, and R229. The AQP7 SF is resolved in its closed state because F74 blocks the passage of small solutes. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that F74 undergoes large and rapid conformational changes, allowing glycerol molecules to permeate without orientational restriction. The more rigid GlpF imposes orientational constraints on glycerol molecules passing through the SF. Moreover, GlpF-W48 (analogous to AQP7-F74) undergoes rare but long-lasting conformational changes that block the pore to H2O and glycerol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser J. Moss
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Paween Mahinthichaichan
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - David T. Lodowski
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas Kowatz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Andreas Engel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Walter F. Boron
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ardeschir Vahedi-Faridi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Aquaporins and male (in)fertility: Expression and role throughout the male reproductive tract. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 679:108222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kitchen P, Salman MM, Pickel SU, Jennings J, Törnroth-Horsefield S, Conner MT, Bill RM, Conner AC. Water channel pore size determines exclusion properties but not solute selectivity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20369. [PMID: 31889130 PMCID: PMC6937295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56814-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a ubiquitous family of transmembrane water channel proteins. A subgroup of AQP water channels also facilitates transmembrane diffusion of small, polar solutes. A constriction within the pore, the aromatic/arginine (ar/R) selectivity filter, is thought to control solute permeability: previous studies on single representative water channel proteins suggest narrow channels conduct water, whilst wider channels permit passage of solutes. To assess this model of selectivity, we used mutagenesis, permeability measurements and in silico comparisons of water-specific as well as glycerol-permeable human AQPs. Our studies show that single amino acid substitutions in the selectivity filters of AQP1, AQP4 and AQP3 differentially affect glycerol and urea permeability in an AQP-specific manner. Comparison between in silico-calculated channel cross-sectional areas and in vitro permeability measurements suggests that selectivity filter cross-sectional area predicts urea but not glycerol permeability. Our data show that substrate discrimination in water channels depends on a complex interplay between the solute, pore size, and polarity, and that using single water channel proteins as representative models has led to an underestimation of this complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Kitchen
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, and Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simone U Pickel
- Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jordan Jennings
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Matthew T Conner
- School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alex C Conner
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ruíz-Cristancho A, Vergara-Galván M, Zambrano-Varón J, Jiménez-Escobar C. The Effect of N-N-Dimethylformamide on the Membrane Characteristics of Canine Spermatozoa After Cryopreservation, and its Relationship With Post-Thaw Motility. Top Companion Anim Med 2019; 38:100372. [PMID: 32115080 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2019.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Some studies have demonstrated that glycerol is superior to amides in preserving sperm motion characteristics of canine sperm; however, little is known about the effect of these cryoprotectants on the membrane characteristics of canine spermatozoa after freezing/thawing. In this study, the effects of using either N-N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or glycerol (GLY) on the integrity and function of the canine sperm, after cryopreservation were determined. We hypothesized that the use of a multiparametric approach for assessing the effect of DMF on the membranes of canine sperm would explain the lower values reported for post-thaw motility. Ejaculates from 12 dogs were collected, split into 2 groups, and frozen using a tris-fructose-citrate-egg yolk-based extender containing either 7% (v/v) GLY or 7% (v/v) DMF. Frozen straws (n = 120) were thawed and analyzed for subjectively-assessed sperm progressive motility, normal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, plasma membrane function (HOST+), acrosome membrane integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential, and simultaneous assessment of sperm membrane integrity and function by a triple-staining fluorescent procedure. Overall, sperm motility and membrane intactness/function were higher when GLY was used as a cryoprotectant, as compared to DMF (P < .05). A model to explain the variation in progressive motility using the values obtained from the sperm integrity and function parameters was designed. The percent HOST+ sperm and high mitochondrial membrane potential sperm were mostly associated with the changes observed in the progressive motility (r2 = 0.84; P = .043) when either GLY or DMF were used as cryoprotectants. These results may explain the overall reduced sperm quality observed after cryopreservation, as a reflection of sublethal damage sustained by the sperm membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Section of Theriogenology and Herd Health, Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, DC, Colombia
| | - Andrea Ruíz-Cristancho
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Section of Theriogenology and Herd Health, Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, DC, Colombia
| | - Mónica Vergara-Galván
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Section of Theriogenology and Herd Health, Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, DC, Colombia
| | - Jorge Zambrano-Varón
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Section of Theriogenology and Herd Health, Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, DC, Colombia
| | - Claudia Jiménez-Escobar
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Section of Theriogenology and Herd Health, Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, DC, Colombia.
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Abir-Awan M, Kitchen P, Salman MM, Conner MT, Conner AC, Bill RM. Inhibitors of Mammalian Aquaporin Water Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071589. [PMID: 30934923 PMCID: PMC6480248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins that are essential to life, being expressed in all kingdoms. In humans, there are 13 AQPs, at least one of which is found in every organ system. The structural biology of the AQP family is well-established and many functions for AQPs have been reported in health and disease. AQP expression is linked to numerous pathologies including tumor metastasis, fluid dysregulation, and traumatic injury. The targeted modulation of AQPs therefore presents an opportunity to develop novel treatments for diverse conditions. Various techniques such as video microscopy, light scattering and fluorescence quenching have been used to test putative AQP inhibitors in both AQP-expressing mammalian cells and heterologous expression systems. The inherent variability within these methods has caused discrepancy and many molecules that are inhibitory in one experimental system (such as tetraethylammonium, acetazolamide, and anti-epileptic drugs) have no activity in others. Some heavy metal ions (that would not be suitable for therapeutic use) and the compound, TGN-020, have been shown to inhibit some AQPs. Clinical trials for neuromyelitis optica treatments using anti-AQP4 IgG are in progress. However, these antibodies have no effect on water transport. More research to standardize high-throughput assays is required to identify AQP modulators for which there is an urgent and unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abir-Awan
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Philip Kitchen
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Matthew T Conner
- Research Institute of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
| | - Alex C Conner
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
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Molecular Basis of Aquaporin-7 Permeability Regulation by pH. Cells 2018; 7:cells7110207. [PMID: 30423801 PMCID: PMC6262577 DOI: 10.3390/cells7110207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aquaglyceroporin AQP7, a family member of aquaporin membrane channels, facilitates the permeation of water and glycerol through cell membranes and is crucial for body lipid and energy homeostasis. Regulation of glycerol permeability via AQP7 is considered a promising therapeutic strategy towards fat-related metabolic complications. Here, we used a yeast aqy-null strain for heterologous expression and functional analysis of human AQP7 and investigated its regulation by pH. Using a combination of in vitro and in silico approaches, we found that AQP7 changes from fully permeable to virtually closed at acidic pH, and that Tyr135 and His165 facing the extracellular environment are crucial residues for channel permeability. Moreover, instead of reducing the pore size, the protonation of key residues changes AQP7’s protein surface electrostatic charges, which, in turn, may decrease glycerol’s binding affinity to the pore, resulting in decreased permeability. In addition, since some pH-sensitive residues are located at the monomer-monomer interface, decreased permeability may result from cooperativity between AQP7’s monomers. Considering the importance of glycerol permeation via AQP7 in multiple pathophysiological conditions, this mechanism of hAQP7 pH-regulation may help the design of selective modulators targeting aquaglyceroporin-related disorders.
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Zhou Y, Li L, Qian J, Jia H, Cui Y. Identification of three aquaporin subgroups from Blomia tropicalis by transcriptomics. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:3551-3561. [PMID: 30221673 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), or water channel proteins, are highly conserved across species. These transmembrane proteins promote water and solute transport across cell membranes. No AQP‑related proteins have been identified in mites to date. The present study used transcriptomics (RNA‑sequencing) to identify potential AQPs in the mite species Blomia tropicalis. Molecular cloning techniques were then used to obtain the full‑length gene sequences encoding these AQP family members, and bioinformatics analyses were used to categorize them based on similarity to AQPs in other species. This approach led to the identification of 5 putative AQP‑coding sequences, known as BlotAQP1‑5 (GenBank accession numbers: KX655540, KX655541, KX655542, KX655543 and KX655544, respectively), which were indexed into all three subgroups, i.e., AQPs, aquaglyceroporins and superAQPs. To the best of our knowledge, these represent the first known AQPs in any mite species. Further studies are required to investigate their functional roles in water transport and their potential as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Haoyuan Jia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Yubao Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
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41
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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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De Ieso ML, Yool AJ. Mechanisms of Aquaporin-Facilitated Cancer Invasion and Metastasis. Front Chem 2018; 6:135. [PMID: 29922644 PMCID: PMC5996923 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L De Ieso
- Department of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrea J Yool
- Department of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Méndez-Giménez L, Ezquerro S, da Silva IV, Soveral G, Frühbeck G, Rodríguez A. Pancreatic Aquaporin-7: A Novel Target for Anti-diabetic Drugs? Front Chem 2018; 6:99. [PMID: 29675407 PMCID: PMC5895657 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins comprise a family of 13 members of water channels (AQP0-12) that facilitate a rapid transport of water across cell membranes. In some cases, these pores are also permeated by small solutes, particularly glycerol, urea or nitric oxide, among other solutes. Several aquaporins have been identified in the pancreas, an exocrine and endocrine organ that plays an essential role in the onset of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The exocrine pancreas, which accounts for 90% of the total pancreas, secretes daily large volumes of a near-isotonic fluid containing digestive enzymes into the duodenum. AQP1, AQP5, and AQP8 contribute to fluid secretion especially from ductal cells, whereas AQP12 allows the proper maturation and exocytosis of secretory granules in acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas. The endocrine pancreas (10% of the total pancreatic cells) is composed by the islets of Langerhans, which are distributed in α, β, δ, ε, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells that secrete glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, ghrelin and PP, respectively. AQP7, an aquaglyceroporin permeated by water and glycerol, is expressed in pancreatic β-cells and murine studies have confirmed its participation in insulin secretion, triacylglycerol synthesis and proliferation of these endocrine cells. In this regard, transgenic AQP7-knockout mice develop adult-onset obesity, hyperinsulinemia, increased intracellular triacylglycerol content and reduced β-cell mass in Langerhans islets. Moreover, we have recently reported that AQP7 upregulation in β-cells after bariatric surgery, an effective weight loss surgical procedure, contributes, in part, to the improvement of pancreatic steatosis and insulin secretion through the increase of intracytoplasmic glycerol in obese rats. Human studies remain scarce and controversial, with some rare cases of loss-of function mutations of the AQP7 gene being associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. The present Review is focused on the role of aquaporins in the physiology and pathophysiology of the pancreas, highlighting the role of pancreatic AQP7 as a novel player in the control of β-cell function and a potential anti-diabetic-drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Méndez-Giménez
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ezquerro
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inês V da Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Amaia Rodríguez
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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44
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Kabutomori J, Beloto-Silva O, Geyer RR, Musa-Aziz R. Lithobates catesbeianus (American Bullfrog) oocytes: a novel heterologous expression system for aquaporins. Biol Open 2018. [PMID: 29530931 PMCID: PMC5936062 DOI: 10.1242/bio.031880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Xenopus laevis oocytes are a valuable tool for investigating the function of membrane proteins. However, regulations around the world, specifically in Brazil, render the import of Xenopus laevis frogs impractical, and, in some cases, impossible. Here, as an alternative, we evaluate the usefulness of the North American aquatic bullfrog Lithobates catesebeianus, which is commercially available in Brazil, for the heterologous expression of aquaporin (AQP) proteins. We have developed a method that combines a brief collagenase treatment and mechanical defolliculation for isolating individual oocytes from Lithobates ovaries. We find that they have a similar size, shape, and appearance to Xenopus oocytes and can tolerate and survive following injections with cRNA or water. Furthermore, surface biotinylation, western blot analysis, and measurements of osmotic water permeability (Pf) show that Lithobates oocytes can express AQPs to the plasma membrane and significantly increase the Pf of the oocytes. In fact, the Pf values are similar to historical values gathered from Xenopus oocytes. Due to the presence of a mercury sensitive cysteine (Cys or C) in the throat of the water channel, the Pf of oocytes expressing human (h) AQP1, hAQP1FLAG [FLAG, short protein tag (DYKDDDDK) added to the N-terminus of AQP1], hAQP8, and rat (r) AQP9 was inhibited with the mercurial compound p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (pCMBS), whereas AQPs lacking this Cys - hAQP1C189S mutant [residue Cys 189 was replaced by a serine (Ser or S)] and hAQP7 - were mercury insensitive. Contrary to previous studies with Xenopus oocytes, rAQP3 was also found to be insensitive to mercury, which is consistent with the mercury-sensitive Cys (Cys 11) being located intracellularly. Thus, we consider Lithobates oocytes to be a readily accessible system for the functional expression and study of membrane proteins for international researchers who do not currently have access to Xenopus oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kabutomori
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Olivia Beloto-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil.,Department of Health Sciences, Paulista University (UNIP), Sao Paulo 06542-001, Brazil
| | - R Ryan Geyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05513-970, Brazil
| | - Raif Musa-Aziz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
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45
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Laloux T, Junqueira B, Maistriaux LC, Ahmed J, Jurkiewicz A, Chaumont F. Plant and Mammal Aquaporins: Same but Different. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E521. [PMID: 29419811 PMCID: PMC5855743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) constitute an ancient and diverse protein family present in all living organisms, indicating a common ancient ancestor. However, during evolution, these organisms appear and evolve differently, leading to different cell organizations and physiological processes. Amongst the eukaryotes, an important distinction between plants and animals is evident, the most conspicuous difference being that plants are sessile organisms facing ever-changing environmental conditions. In addition, plants are mostly autotrophic, being able to synthesize carbohydrates molecules from the carbon dioxide in the air during the process of photosynthesis, using sunlight as an energy source. It is therefore interesting to analyze how, in these different contexts specific to both kingdoms of life, AQP function and regulation evolved. This review aims at highlighting similarities and differences between plant and mammal AQPs. Emphasis is given to the comparison of isoform numbers, their substrate selectivity, the regulation of the subcellular localization, and the channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothée Laloux
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-L7.07.14, B-1348 Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Bruna Junqueira
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-L7.07.14, B-1348 Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Laurie C Maistriaux
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-L7.07.14, B-1348 Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Jahed Ahmed
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-L7.07.14, B-1348 Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Agnieszka Jurkiewicz
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-L7.07.14, B-1348 Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium.
| | - François Chaumont
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-L7.07.14, B-1348 Louvain-la Neuve, Belgium.
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46
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Iena FM, Lebeck J. Implications of Aquaglyceroporin 7 in Energy Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010154. [PMID: 29300344 PMCID: PMC5796103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aquaglyceroporin AQP7 is a pore-forming transmembrane protein that facilitates the transport of glycerol across cell membranes. Glycerol is utilized both in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is primarily stored in white adipose tissue as part of the triglyceride molecules. During states with increased lipolysis, such as fasting and diabetes, glycerol is released from adipose tissue and metabolized in other tissues. AQP7 is expressed in adipose tissue where it facilitates the efflux of glycerol, and AQP7 deficiency has been linked to increased glycerol kinase activity and triglyceride accumulation in adipose tissue, leading to obesity and secondary development of insulin resistance. However, AQP7 is also expressed in a wide range of other tissues, including kidney, muscle, pancreatic β-cells and liver, where AQP7 also holds the potential to influence whole body energy metabolism. The aim of the review is to summarize the current knowledge on AQP7 in adipose tissue, as well as AQP7 expressed in other tissues where AQP7 might play a significant role in modulating whole body energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Maria Iena
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Janne Lebeck
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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47
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Yeste M, Morató R, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S, Prieto-Martínez N. Aquaporins in the male reproductive tract and sperm: Functional implications and cryobiology. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52 Suppl 4:12-27. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - R Morató
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
- Unit of Animal Reproduction; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Barcelona Spain
| | - JE Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Barcelona Spain
| | - S Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - N Prieto-Martínez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm); Unit of Cell Biology; Department of Biology; Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology; Faculty of Sciences; University of Girona; Girona Spain
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48
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Sutka M, Amodeo G, Ozu M. Plant and animal aquaporins crosstalk: what can be revealed from distinct perspectives. Biophys Rev 2017; 9:545-562. [PMID: 28871493 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-017-0313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) can be revisited from a distinct and complementary perspective: the outcome from analyzing them from both plant and animal studies. (1) The approach in the study. Diversity found in both kingdoms contrasts with the limited number of crystal structures determined within each group. While the structure of almost half of mammal AQPs was resolved, only a few were resolved in plants. Strikingly, the animal structures resolved are mainly derived from the AQP2-lineage, due to their important roles in water homeostasis regulation in humans. The difference could be attributed to the approach: relevance in animal research is emphasized on pathology and in consequence drug screening that can lead to potential inhibitors, enhancers and/or regulators. By contrast, studies on plants have been mainly focused on the physiological role that AQPs play in growth, development and stress tolerance. (2) The transport capacity. Besides the well-described AQPs with high water transport capacity, large amount of evidence confirms that certain plant AQPs can carry a large list of small solutes. So far, animal AQP list is more restricted. In both kingdoms, there is a great amount of evidence on gas transport, although there is still an unsolved controversy around gas translocation as well as the role of the central pore of the tetramer. (3) More roles than expected. We found it remarkable that the view of AQPs as specific channels has evolved first toward simple transporters to molecules that can experience conformational changes triggered by biochemical and/or mechanical signals, turning them also into signaling components and/or behave as osmosensor molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira Sutka
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires e Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Amodeo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires e Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo Ozu
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires e Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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49
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Li L, An M, Qu C, Zheng Z, Wang Y, Liu F, He Y, He X, Miao J. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of major intrinsic protein gene in Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L from Antarctica. Extremophiles 2017; 21:817-827. [PMID: 28597046 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-017-0945-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) form channels facilitating the passive transport of water and other small polar molecules across membranes. In this study, the complete open reading frame (ORF) of CiMIP1 (GenBank ID KY316061) encoding one kind of MIPs in the Antarctic ice microalga Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L is successfully cloned using RACE. In addition, the expression patterns of CiMIP1 gene under different conditions of temperature and salinity are determined by qRT-PCR. The ORF of CiMIP1 gene encodes 308 amino acids, and the deduced amino acid sequence shows 74% homology with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CrMIP1 (GenBank number 159471952). Phylogenetic analysis reveals that algal MIPs are divided into seven groups, and it is speculated that CiMIP1 most likely belongs to the MIPD subfamily. In addition, we are surprised to find that a third NPA motif exists at the carboxy terminus of the target protein except for two highly conserved ones. Expression analysis shows that the transcriptional levels of CiMIP1 gene are upregulated under either lower temperature or higher temperature and high salinity. In summary, the results together have provide new insights into the newly discovered gene in green algae and lay the foundation for further studies on the adaptation mechanism of Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Meiling An
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Ningxia Road 308th, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Changfeng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Zhou Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Yibin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Fangming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Yingying He
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Xiaodong He
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Jinlai Miao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bioactive Substances, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xianxialing Road 6th, Qingdao, 266061, China. .,Medical College, Qingdao University, Ningxia Road 308th, Qingdao, 266071, China. .,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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50
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Rothert M, Rönfeldt D, Beitz E. Electrostatic attraction of weak monoacid anions increases probability for protonation and passage through aquaporins. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:9358-9364. [PMID: 28360107 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.782516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A positive electrostatic field emanating from the center of the aquaporin (AQP) water and solute channel is responsible for the repulsion of cations. At the same time, however, a positive field will attract anions. In this regard, l-lactate/lactic acid permeability has been shown for various isoforms of the otherwise highly water and neutral substrate selective AQP family. The structural requirements rendering certain AQPs permeable for weak monoacids and the mechanism of conduction have remained unclear. Here, we show by profiling pH-dependent substrate permeability, measurements of media alkalization, and proton decoupling that AQP9 acts as a channel for the protonated, neutral monocarboxylic acid species. Intriguingly, the obtained permeability rates indicate an up to 10 times higher probability of passage via AQP9 than given by the fraction of the protonated acid substrate at a certain pH. We generated AQP9 point mutants showing that this effect is independent from properties of the channel interior but caused by the protein surface electrostatics. Monocarboxylic acid-conducting AQPs thus employ a mechanism similar to the family of formate-nitrite transporters for weak monoacids. On a more general basis, our data illustrate semiquantitatively the contribution of surface electrostatics to the interaction of charged molecule substrates or ligands with target proteins, such as channels, transporters, enzymes, or receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monja Rothert
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Deike Rönfeldt
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Eric Beitz
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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