title: Cloning and functional expression of an MIP (AQP0) homolog from killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) lens.
abstract: The major intrinsic protein (MIP) of lens fiber cells is a member of the aquaporin (AQP) water channel family. The protein is expressed at very high levels in lens fiber cells, but its physiological function is unclear. By homology to known AQPs, we have cloned a full-length cDNA encoding an MIP from the lens of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). The predicted protein (263 amino acids; GenBank accession no. AF191906) shows 77% identity to amphibian MIPs, 70% identity to mammalian MIPs, and 46% identity to mammalian AQP1. Expression of MIPfun in Xenopus laevis oocytes causes an approximately 40-fold increase in oocyte water permeability. This stimulation is comparable to that seen with AQP1 and substantially larger than that seen with other MIPs. The mercurials HgCl(2) and p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate inhibit the water permeability of MIPfun by approximately 25%. MIPfun is not permeable to glycerol, urea, or formic acid but is weakly permeable to CO(2).
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM-B 133, PO Box 208026, New Haven, CT 06520-8026, USA. leila.virkki@yale.edu
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Virkki
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Boron
mesh_terms: D002731:4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D051398:Aquaporin 1; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D017931:DNA Primers; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D023781:Fundulidae; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism*; D008322:Mammals; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics; D008627:Mercuric Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism; D014982:Xenopus laevis
chemical_list: D020346:Aquaporins; D017931:DNA Primers; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D005136:Eye Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; C030328:aquaporin 0; D014867:Water; D051398:Aquaporin 1; D008627:Mercuric Chloride; D002731:4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate