title: Aquaporin-4 and Alzheimer's Disease.
abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Although the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear, AD is thought to result from an imbalance in the production and clearance of amyloid-β protein (Aβ). Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the major aquaporin in the mammalian brain, is mostly expressed on astrocytic endfeet, and functions as a water transporter. However, the distribution and expression of AQP4 are altered in both AD clinical populations and animal models. Recent studies have revealed that AQP4 is important to the clearance of Aβ in brain via lymphatic clearance, transcytotic delivery, and glial degradation, as well as to the synaptic function. Thus, AQP4 likely plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Further studies would provide new targets for prevention, ultimately leading to improved treatment options for AD.
authors.forename: Canhong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xiaomin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Xiaoyu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Hantao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mai
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Xiaofeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Tianming
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lü
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051401:Aquaporin 4
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; amyloid-β protein; aquaporin-4; astrocyte; cerebral amyloid angiopathy; synaptic function