Aquaporins in cancer.
BACKGROUND
The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small hydrophobic integral transmembrane water channel proteins involved in transcellular and transepithelial water movement, transport of fluid and cell migration.


OBJECTIVE
This review article summarizes our knowledge concerning the involvement of AQPs in tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastatic process.


CONCLUSIONS
Tumor cells types express AQPs and a positive correlation exists between histological tumor grade and the AQP expression. Moreover, AQPs are involved also in tumor edema formation and angiogenesis in several solid and hematological tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
AQPs inhibition in endothelial and tumor cells might limit tumor growth and spread, suggesting a potential therapeutic use in the treatment of tumors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy; National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II," Bari, Italy. Electronic address: domenico.ribatti@uniba.it.
Domenico
D
Ribatti
National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II," Bari, Italy.
Girolamo
G
Ranieri
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
Tiziana
T
Annese
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
Beatrice
B
Nico
D020346:Aquaporins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*
D020346:Aquaporins
Angiogenesis; Aquaporins; Edema; Glioblastoma; Tumor growth