Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of ubiquitous membrane channels that conduct water and solutes across membranes. This review focuses on AQP0 and AQP4, which in addition to forming water channels also appear to play a role in cell adhesion. We discuss the recently determined structures of the membrane junctions mediated by these two AQPs, the mechanisms that regulate junction formation, and evidence that supports a role for AQP0 and AQP4 in cell adhesion.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Aquaporin 4 / chemistry
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Aquaporin 4 / metabolism
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Aquaporins / chemistry*
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Aquaporins / metabolism*
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Eye Proteins / chemistry
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Eye Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Intercellular Junctions / chemistry
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Intercellular Junctions / metabolism*
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Models, Molecular
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Protein Structure, Quaternary
Substances
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Aquaporin 4
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Aquaporins
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Eye Proteins
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aquaporin 0