Aquaporin-3 channel (AQP3)

Aquaporin-3 is an integral membrane water and glycerol channel belonging to the major intrinsic protein family. It forms homotetrameric complexes within the plasma membrane; each monomer independently mediates selective passage of water and small solutes such as glycerol across biological membranes along osmotic gradients. Unlike some other aquaporins that are strictly water-selective (“classic” AQPs), Aquaporin-3 is classified as an aquaglyceroporin, allowing both water and glycerol permeability. It is widely expressed—including kidney collecting ducts (basolateral membrane), skin keratinocytes, respiratory tract epithelium—and plays roles in fluid balance, epidermal hydration/barrier function, wound healing processes, energy metabolism via glycerol transport, and possibly oxidative stress response due to hydrogen peroxide permeability. Overexpression has been linked to tumor growth/metastasis; altered expression is associated with several dermatological disorders. Its unique dual selectivity makes it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment as well as certain inflammatory or metabolic diseases.

Other names

Aquaporin 3AQP-3Gill blood group proteinWater channel protein AQP-3

For drugs like SAHA: indirect upregulation of gene/protein expression via histone deacetylase inhibition. For hypothetical/experimental inhibitors: direct blockade of water/glycerol permeation through the channel pore.