Water channels.
The aquaporin water channels are expressed in various fluid-transporting epithelia. Physiological and genetic investigations have revealed that aquaporin channel-like intrinsic protein is expressed in numerous tissues, but its significance in water transport physiology is unclear. It has been shown that aquaporin-collecting duct is a vasopressin-responsive water channel, and that it is regulated by a membrane shuttle mechanism. Three unique models for a water pore have been presented but further studies will be required to verify them. New aquaporin members have been isolated and their discrete localization may reflect their specific physiological roles.
Fushimi
K
K
Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Marumo
F
F
D000818:Animals; D051398:Aquaporin 1; D020346:Aquaporins; D001789:Blood Group Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D017136:Ion Transport; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism*; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
C496020:AQP1 protein, human; D020346:Aquaporins; D001789:Blood Group Antigens; D007473:Ion Channels; D014867:Water; D051398:Aquaporin 1