Aquaporins in Urinary System.

ABSTRACT

There are at least eight aquaporins (AQPs) expressed in the kidney. Including AQP1 expressed in proximal tubules, thin descending limb of Henle and vasa recta; AQP2, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, and AQP6 expressed in collecting ducts; AQP7 expressed in proximal tubules; AQP8 expressed in proximal tubules and collecting ducts; and AQP11 expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum of proximal tubular epithelial cells. Over years, researchers have constructed different AQP knockout mice and explored the effect of AQP knockout on kidney function. Thus, the roles of AQPs in renal physiology are revealed, providing very useful information for addressing fundamental questions about transepithelial water transport and the mechanism of near isoosmolar fluid reabsorption. This chapter introduces the localization and function of AQPs in the kidney and their roles in different kidney diseases to reveal the prospects of AQPs in further basic and clinical studies.