Junction-forming aquaporins.

ABSTRACT: Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of ubiquitous membrane channels that conduct water and solutes across membranes. This review focuses on AQP0 and AQP4, which in addition to forming water channels also appear to play a role in cell adhesion. We discuss the recently determined structures of the membrane junctions mediated by these two AQPs, the mechanisms that regulate junction formation, and evidence that supports a role for AQP0 and AQP4 in cell adhesion.

SUBMITTER: Engel A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2396442 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature