Evolution and functional diversity of aquaporins.
In this review, we provide a brief synopsis of the evolution and functional diversity of the aquaporin gene superfamily in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Based upon the latest data, we discuss the expanding list of molecules shown to permeate the central pore of aquaporins, and the unexpected diversity of water channel genes in Archaea and Bacteria. We further provide new insight into the origin by horizontal gene transfer of plant glycerol-transporting aquaporins (NIPs), and the functional co-option and gene replacement of insect glycerol transporters. Finally, we discuss the origins of four major grades of aquaporins in Eukaryota, together with the increasing repertoires of aquaporins in vertebrates.
Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway; and nigel.finn@uib.no.
Roderick Nigel
RN
Finn
Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Joan
J
Cerdà
D000818:Animals; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D001105:Archaea / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal; D014644:Genetic Variation
D020346:Aquaporins