Regulation of the water channel aquaporin-2 by posttranslational modification

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2011 May;300(5):F1062-73. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00721.2010. Epub 2011 Feb 9.

Abstract

The cellular functions of many eukaryotic membrane proteins, including the vasopressin-regulated water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2), are regulated by posttranslational modifications. In this article, we discuss the experimental discoveries that have advanced our understanding of how posttranslational modifications affect AQP2 function, especially as they relate to the role of AQP2 in the kidney. We review the most recent data demonstrating that glycosylation and, in particular, phosphorylation and ubiquitination are mechanisms that regulate AQP2 activity, subcellular sorting and distribution, degradation, and protein interactions. From a clinical perspective, posttranslational modification resulting in protein misrouting or degradation may explain certain forms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In addition to providing major insight into the function and dynamics of renal AQP2 regulation, the analysis of AQP2 posttranslational modification may provide general clues as to the role of posttranslational modification for regulation of other membrane proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Aquaporin 2 / metabolism*
  • Endocytosis
  • Exocytosis
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating*
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Protein Transport
  • Ubiquitination
  • Water / metabolism*

Substances

  • Aquaporin 2
  • Water
  • Protein Kinases