title: The Dichotomy of MIP Family Suggests Two Separate Origins of Water Channels.
abstract: MIP family proteins can be divided into two groups according to their primary sequences. The CHIP group is predominant in the plant and animal kingdoms and functions primarily as water channels. The GLP group is a minor group with limited prevalence and functions primarily as glycerol transporters. Both prototypes are present in bacteria and may have evolved separately.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Internal Medicine of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113, Japan.
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ishibashi
authors.forename: Sei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sasaki