Aquaporin water channel protein (AQP)

Aquaporins are integral membrane proteins that form water-selective channels, allowing rapid and regulated movement of water across cell membranes in response to osmotic gradients. These channels are essential for physiological water homeostasis, including renal water reabsorption, brain fluid balance, gland secretion, and many other biological processes. Aquaporins function by providing a hydrophilic pore that permits water molecules (but not most ions or protons) to move in single file at extremely fast rates. Different isoforms may be variably expressed in tissues, have unique gating mechanisms, or transport other small solutes such as glycerol. Aquaporins are established as therapeutic targets in disorders of fluid imbalance and have been experimentally probed for roles in cancer, inflammation, and other diseases.

Other names

Aquaporin (AQP)water channel proteinaquaglyceroporinmajor intrinsic protein (MIP)

Inhibition or facilitation of water passage through aquaporins, modulating osmotic gradients and water reabsorption, especially in renal, neural, or glandular tissues.