title: Aquaporin-5 is expressed in adipocytes with implications in adipose differentiation.
abstract: Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane channels widely distributed in nature. Typically, multiple isoforms are expressed in a single tissue. The adipose tissue is no exception where several AQP members have been identified. The importance of overlapped AQPs expression is unclear, yet interisoforms interactions might be required for key cellular functions. Recently, AQP5 was described as a regulator of other AQP isoforms. Therefore, we hypothesized for a role of AQP5 in adipocyte biology. Gene expression analysis revealed the presence of AQP5 in both 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and adipocytes, being more abundant in the later. AQP5 depletion impaired adipocyte differentiation, which was confirmed by decreased expression of specific differentiation markers. By overexpressing the human AQP5 in mature adipocytes it was possible to ascertain its role as a water channel in a gain-of-function scenario. To our knowledge, this is the first time that AQP5 is reported on adipose tissue. Our data revealed AQP5 as a new player in adipose tissue biology.
authors: Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Bioquimica e Biologia Humana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Madeira
authors: Andreia F
authors: AF
authors: Mósca
authors: Teresa F
authors: TF
authors: Moura
authors: Graça
authors: G
authors: Soveral
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D051402:Aquaporin 5 / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000502:physiology; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D051402:Aquaporin 5; D017931:DNA Primers
keywords: adipocytes; aquaporins; lipid droplet; membrane transport; water permeability