The Expression and Role of Aquaporin 4 in Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Aquaporins (AQPs) were initially discovered as water channel proteins that facilitate transcellular water movements. Recent studies have shown that AQPs are expressed and play an oncogenic role in various cancers. However, the expression and role of Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in colon cancer have not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the clinical and pathophysiologic significance of AQP4 in colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of AQP4 for 145 primary tumor samples obtained from patients with stage II or III colon cancer was performed, and the relationship between AQP4 expression and patients' prognoses was analyzed. Knockdown experiments with AQP4 small interfering RNA using human colon cancer cells were conducted to analyze the effects on cell invasiveness. RESULTS: IHC revealed that AQP4 was scarcely expressed in the noncancerous colonic mucosa. Of the 145 patients who enrolled in this study, 109 (75.2%) and 36 (24.8%) patients were classified as negative and positive for AQP4 expression, respectively. A high level of AQP4 expression is significantly associated with deeper tumors with lymph node metastasis and venous invasion. A 5-year progression-free survival rate of AQP4-positive patients was significantly worse than that of AQP-4 negative patients (70.7% vs. 87.0%, p=0.049). Furthermore, AQP4 knockdown significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in HCT116 cells. CONCLUSION: AQP4 may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for colon cancer.

A novel interaction between aquaporin 1 and caspase-3 in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition in which remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature leads to hypertrophy of the muscular vascular wall and extension of muscle into nonmuscular arteries. These pathological changes are predominantly due to the abnormal proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), enhanced cellular functions that have been linked to increases in the cell membrane protein aquaporin 1 (AQP1). However, the mechanisms underlying the increased AQP1 abundance have not been fully elucidated. Here we present data that establishes a novel interaction between AQP1 and the proteolytic enzyme caspase-3. In silico analysis of the AQP1 protein reveals two caspase-3 cleavage sites on its C-terminal tail, proximal to known ubiquitin sites. Using biotin proximity ligase techniques, we establish that AQP1 and caspase-3 interact in both human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293A cells and rat PASMCs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that AQP1 levels increase and decrease with enhanced caspase-3 activity and inhibition, respectively. Ultimately, further work characterizing this interaction could provide the foundation for novel PH therapeutics.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are integral to pulmonary vascular remodeling, a characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PASMCs isolated from robust animal models of disease demonstrate enhanced proliferation and migration, pathological functions associated with increased abundance of the membrane protein aquaporin 1 (AQP1). We present evidence of a novel interaction between the proteolytic enzyme caspase-3 and AQP1, which may control AQP1 abundance. These data suggest a potential new target for novel PAH therapies.

Hypo-osmolality activates Wnt/ß-catenin mediated by AQP1 in nucleus pulposus cells degeneration.

The goals of this study were to investigate whether Wnt/ß-catenin signaling plays a role in hypo-osmolality-related degeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, and if so, to define the mechanism underlying AQP1 in this effect. Human NP cells were cultured under hypo-osmotic (300/350/400 mOsm) and iso-osmotic (450 mOsm) conditions. The cell viability, AQP1, the expression of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, collagen II/I, and MMP3/9 were evaluated. To determine the effects of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, we used the inhibitor and the activator of Wnt during the hypo-osmotic culture of NP cells. We also examined whether the silencing and overexpressing of the AQP1 gene would affect the Wnt/ß-catenin expression in NP cells. Hypo-osmolality caused NP cell degeneration and activated the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling but suppressed the AQP1 level. Inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling alleviated the hypo-osmolality-induced NP cell degeneration. On the contrary, activating Wnt/ß-catenin aggravated the NP cell degeneration under hypo-osmotic conditions, which did not affect AQP1 expression. AQP1-overexpressed NP cells exhibited decreased Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and alleviated cell degeneration under the hypo-osmotic condition. Besides, AQP1 silencing accelerated NP cell degeneration and activated Wnt/ß-catenin expression compared with untreated control. Hypo-osmolality promotes NP cell degeneration via activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, which is suppressed by AQP1 expression. The upregulation of AQP1 suppressed the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and alleviated the hypo-osmolality induced by the NP cell degeneration.

Overexpression of aquaporin-1 plays a vital role in proliferation, apoptosis, and pyroptosis of Wilms' tumor cells.

BACKGROUND: Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor (WT), is an embryonic malignant tumor and one of the most common malignant tumors in the abdominal region of children. The exact role and underlying mechanisms of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in the occurrence and development of nephroblastoma remain unclear. METHODS: After overexpression of AQP1, cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 proliferation assay and EdU staining. Flow cytometry was employed to assess cell apoptosis, and Western blotting (WB) analysis was conducted to validate the expression of relevant protein markers. mRNA sequencing (mRNA-Seq) was performed on WT cells overexpressing AQP1 to predict and characterize the associated mechanisms. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe changes in the ultrastructure of WT cells undergoing apoptosis and pyroptosis following AQP1 overexpression. Functional in vivo validation was conducted through animal experiments. RESULTS: We validated that overexpression of AQP1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis and pyroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. mRNA-Seq analysis of WT cells with AQP1 overexpression suggested that these effects might be mediated through the inhibition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Additionally, we discovered that overexpression of AQP1 activated the classical pyroptosis signaling pathway dependent on caspase-1, thereby promoting pyroptosis in WT. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the important functional role of AQP1 in the pathobiology of nephroblastoma, providing novel insights into the development of this disease. Moreover, these results offer new perspectives on the potential therapeutic targeting of AQP1 as a treatment strategy for nephroblastoma.

Shen Qi Wan ameliorates nephritis in chronic kidney disease via AQP1 and DEFB1 regulation.

Shen Qi Wan (SQW) has been proven to exert anti-inflammatory effects in the kidneys of CKD models accompanied by unclear therapeutic mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the kidney-protective and anti-inflammatory effects of SQW and to elucidate its fundamental mechanisms for CKD treatment. Firstly, the main active components of SQW were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique. Subsequently, we evaluated inflammatory factors, renal function and renal pathology changes following SQW treatment utilizing adenine-induced CKD mice and aquaporin 1 knockout (AQP1-/-) mice. Additionally, we conducted RNA-seq analysis and bioinformatics analysis to predict the SQW potential therapeutic targets and anti-nephritis pathways. Simultaneously, WGCNA analysis method and machine learning algorithms were used to perform a clinical prognostic analysis of potential biomarkers in CKD patients from the GEO database and validated through clinical samples. Lipopolysaccharide-induced HK-2 cells were further used to explore the mechanism. We found that renal collagen deposition was reduced, serum inflammatory cytokine levels decreased, and renal function was improved after SQW intervention. It can be inferred that ß-defensin 1 (DEFB1) may be a pivotal target, as confirmed by serum and renal tissue samples from CKD patients. Furthermore, SQW assuages inflammatory responses by fostering AQP1-mediated DEFB1 expression was confirmed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Significantly, the renal-protective effect of SQW is to some extent attenuated after AQP1 gene knockout. SQW could reduce inflammatory responses by modulating AQP1 and DEFB1. These findings underscore the potential of SQW as a promising contender for novel prevention and treatment strategies within the ambit of CKD management.

Actin cytoskeleton aggregation involves the water channel protein aquaporin 1-mediated human chondrocyte degeneration.

Water metabolism and actin cytoskeleton remoulding act as essential characters in the process of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the relation between water channel protein aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and actin filament during chondrocytes (CHs) degeneration is not evident. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the role of actin remoulding in the AQP1 mediated CHs degeneration. Primary CHs were collected from human hip cartilage and were degenerated from long-time monolayer culture or IL-1ß stimulation. Besides, the CHs were transfected with AQP1­specific siRNA or vectors to mediate the AQP1 gene expression. The potent inhibitor of actin polymerization Cytochalasin D was also supplemented during culture. RT-PCR was performed to determine the relative gene expression. AQP1 and F-actin fluorescence staining were performed to determine the AQP1 and F-actin organization. Moreover, the cell area and viability were also analyzed. AQP1 and F-actin organization were both increased during seven days' CHs culture or three days' IL-1ß stimulation. Silencing of AQP1 prevented the cell area spreading and degenerated phenotype of CHs with suppression of F-actin aggregation in both natural or IL-1ß-caused inflammatory-related degeneration. Besides, upregulating the AQP1 in the CHs via gene editing promoted the cell area spreading, and F-actin accumulation, and accelerated the CHs degeneration, which can be alleviated by Cytochalasin D treatment. These findings suggested that AQP1-mediated human CHs degeneration is related to F-actin aggregation.

Blood-nerve barrier enhances chronic postsurgical pain via the HIF-1α/ aquaporin-1 signaling axis.

BACKGROUND: Blood nerve barrier (BNB) participates in the development of neuropathic pain. AQP1 is involved in peripheral pain perception and is negatively correlated with HIF-1α phenotype, which regulates endothelial permeability. However, the role of HIF-1α-AQP1-mediated BNB dysfunction in Chronic Postsurgical Pain (CPSP) has not been reported. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups: (i) Naive group; (ii) Sham group; (iii) SMIR group: skin/muscle incision and retraction for one hour. Behavioral tests were performed for the three groups, BNB vascular permeability and western blotting were conducted to determine HIF-1α and AQP1 protein expression. (iv) The SMIR + HIF-1α inhibitor group; (v) SMIR + DMSO group. Rats in the two groups were administered with HIF-1α inhibitor (2ME2) or DMSO intraperitoneally on the third day post-SMIR surgery followed by performance of behavioral tests, BNB permeability assessment, and determination of HIF-1α, AQP1 and NF200 protein levels. RESULTS: The permeability of BNB was significantly increased and the expression of AQP1 was downregulated on the 3rd and 7th days post-operation. AQP1 is mainly located in neurons and NF200, CGRP-positive nerve fibers. HIF-1α was highly expressed on the third day post-operation. HIF-1α inhibitor reversed the decrease in AQP1 expression and increase in NF200 expression, barrier permeability and hyperalgesia induced by SMIR on the 3rd day post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Early dysfunction of BNB mediated by HIF-1α/AQP1 activated by SMIR may be an important mechanism to promote acute postoperative painful transformation of CPSP. Preadaptive protection of endothelial cells around nerve substructures may be an important countermeasure to inhibit CPSP transformation. Early impairment of BNB function mediated by HIF-1α/AQP1 activated by SMIR may be an important mechanism for promoting acute postoperative pain transformation of CPSP.

Identification of key genes and validation of key gene aquaporin 1 on Wilms' tumor metastasis.

Background: Wilms' tumor (WT) is one of the most common solid tumors in children with unsatisfactory prognosis, but few molecular prognostic markers have been discovered for it. Many genes are associated with the occurrence and prognosis of WT. This study aimed to explore the key genes and potential molecular mechanisms through bioinformatics and to verify the effects of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) on WT metastasis. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated from WT gene expression data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene functional enrichment analysis was carried out with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). A protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed and visualized by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database and Cytoscape software. Minimal Common Oncology Data Elements (MCODE) was used to detect the important modules in the PPI network, and the important nodes (genes) in the PPI module were sorted by CytoHubba. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the expression of the key genes in WT. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration and invasion abilities of AQP1-overexpressing cells. Phalloidin-iFlour 488 was used to stain the cytoskeleton to observe how AQP1 overexpression affects cytoskeletal microfilament structure. Results: A total of 73 co-expressed DEGs were chosen for further investigation. The importance of homeostasis and transmembrane transport of ions and water were highlighted by functional analysis. Gene regulatory network and PPI network were predicted. MCODE plug identified two important modules. Finally, top five key genes were identified using CytoHubba, including Renin (REN), nephrosis 2 (NPHS2), Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 3 (SLC12A3), Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 1 (SLC12A1) and AQP1. The five key genes were mainly enriched in cell volume and ion homeostasis. RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of the five key genes in WT. AQP1 was validated to be expressed at significantly lower levels in WT than in normal tissue. AQP1 overexpression significantly reduced the migratory and invasive capacity of Wit-49 cells, as evidenced by reducing the scratch healing rate and the number of perforated control cells by Wit-49 cells. AQP1 overexpression also reduced the expression of biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, decreased levels of vimentin and N-cadherin and increased expression of E-cadherin, resulting in decreased formation of conspicuous lamellipodial protrusions, characteristic of diminished WT cell invasion and migration. Conclusion: Our study reveals the key genes of WT. These key genes may provide novel insight for the mechanism and diagnosis of WT. AQP1 overexpression inhibited invasion, migration, EMT, and cytoskeletal rearrangement of WT cells, indicating that AQP1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of WT.

Endotoxin induced acute kidney injury modulates expression of AQP1, P53 and P21 in rat kidney, heart, lung and small intestine.

This study was designed to explore whether aquaporin 1(AQP1), P53 and P21 can be used as diagnostic biomarkers of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and potential indicators of sepsis-induced multiple organ injury. Bioinformatics results demonstrated that AQP1, P53, P21 was dramatically elevated 6h after Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-AKI in rat renal tissue. The expression of AQP1, P53, P21, NGAL and KIM-1 in kidney were increased significantly at first and then decreased gradually in LPS-induced AKI rats. Histopathological sections showed swelling of tubular epithelial cells and destruction of basic structures as well as infiltration of numerous inflammatory cells in LPS-induced AKI. Moreover, the expressions of AQP1, P53 and P21 in heart were significantly increased in LPS treatment rats, while the AQP1 expressions in lung and small intestine were significantly decreased. The level of NGAL mRNA in heart, lung and small intestine was firstly increased and then decreased during LPS treatment rats, but the expression of KIM-1 mRNA was not affected. Therefore, our results suggest that AQP1, P53 and P21 is remarkably upregulated in LPS-induced AKI, which may be considered as a potential novel diagnostic biomarker of Septic AKI. NGAL may serve as a biomarker of sepsis-induced multiple organ damage during the process of LPS-induced AKI.

Aquaporin 1 Facilitates Ferroptosis, M1 Polarization, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Autophagy Damage on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophage Through Down-Regulation of P53 Signaling Pathway.

This study was designed to investigate the role of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in ferroptosis, macrophage polarization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired autophagy of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and explored the underlying mechanisms. Si-AQP1-mediated AQP1 silencing RAW264.7 cells was constructed. Si-P53-mediated P53 silencing or pcDNA-P53 overexpression RAW264.7 cells was constructed. Assays of ATP, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) staining were performed to evaluate mitochondrial biological function. Assays of flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, western blot (WB), RT-qPCR, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed to detect cell ferroptosis, macrophage polarization, and impaired autophagy. The involvement of the P53 pathway was revealed by WB. The results showed that LPS (30 µg/mL) could induce ferroptosis, M1 polarization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy damage in RAW264.7 cells. Meanwhile, the expression of AQP1 was increased and the expression of P53 was decreased. In addition, Pifithrin-α (PIF; 15 µM), a P53 inhibitor, significantly aggravated ferroptosis, M1 polarization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy damage as well as up-regulation of AQP1 protein expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Interestingly, this phenomenon was markedly alleviated by Kevetrin hydrochloride (70 µM), a P53 agonist. Mechanistically, silencing AQP1 significantly alleviated ferroptosis, M1 polarization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy damage by up-regulating the expression of P53 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Indeed, inhibition of P53 expression by PIF treatment dramatically reversed this effect on the basis of LPS+si-AQP1. Therefore, we concluded for the first time that AQP1 can promote ferroptosis, M1 polarization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy impairment by inhibiting the expression of P53 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and AQP1 or P53 may be considered as a crucial determiner that can regulate the biological behavior of RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS.

Alteration of Aquaporins 1 and 4 immunohistochemical and gene expression in the cerebellum of diabetic albino rat.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins. AQP1 and AQP4 are expressed in cerebellum amongst others. This study was designed to assess the effect of diabetes on AQP1 and AQP4 expression in cerebellum of rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin 45 mg/kg in 24 adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Six rats from control and diabetic groups were sacrificed at one, four, and eight weeks post diabetic confirmation. After eight weeks, measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations, and cerebellar mRNA expression for AQP1 and AQP4 genes were performed. Immunohistochemical evaluation of AQP1, AQP4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for cerebellar sections was performed for all groups. Diabetes caused degenerative changes in Purkinje cells with a significant increase in the cerebellar level of MDA and AQP1 immunoreactivity and a significant decrease in GSH level and AQP4 expression levels. However, the alteration in the AQP1 mRNA level was not statistically significant. GFAP immunoreactivity was increased in 8 W diabetic rats following its decrease in 1 W diabetic rats. Diabetes caused some alteration in the AQPs 1 and 4 expression in the cerebellum of diabetic rats which may contribute to diabetes-induced cerebellar complications.

Saikosaponin d (SSD) alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy by regulating the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

AIMS: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most important complications of diabetes with a poor prognosis. Saikosaponin d (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Radix Bupleuri that has multiple pharmacological activities. However, whether SSD affects DPN is unclarified. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD) to induce DPN, in the presence or absence of SSD, with or without transfection of lentivirus vectors carrying siRNA targeting aquaporin 1 (si-AQP1). The body weight, plasma glucose levels, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and nerve conductive velocity (NCV) of rats were measured. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used for histopathological observation of sciatic nerves. RT-qPCR and western blotting were utilized for measuring expression levels of AQP1 and ras homolog family member A/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK) signaling pathway-related markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats. RESULTS: SSD increased the body weight, decreased plasma glucose levels, attenuated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, enhanced NCV and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in DPN rats. AQP1 displayed a high level in DPN rats and SSD treatment repressed the expression of AQP1. SSD enhanced the protective effect of AQP1 knockdown on the pathological changes of DPN. AQP1 depletion suppressed the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in DPN rats. CONCLUSION: SSD alleviates STZ/HFD-induced DPN in rats by inhibiting the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Water channel protein AQP1 in cytoplasm is a critical factor in breast cancer local invasion.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis of breast cancer grows from the local invasion to the distant colonization. Blocking the local invasion step would be promising for breast cancer treatment. Our present study demonstrated AQP1 was a crucial target in breast cancer local invasion. METHODS: Mass spectrometry combined with bioinformatics analysis was used to identify AQP1 associated proteins ANXA2 and Rab1b. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assays and cell functional experiments were carried out to define the relationship among AQP1, ANXA2 and Rab1b and their re-localization in breast cancer cells. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed toward the identification of relevant prognostic factors. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. RESULTS: Here, we show that the cytoplasmic water channel protein AQP1, a crucial target in breast cancer local invasion, recruited ANXA2 from the cellular membrane to the Golgi apparatus, promoted Golgi apparatus extension, and induced breast cancer cell migration and invasion. In addition, cytoplasmic AQP1 recruited cytosolic free Rab1b to the Golgi apparatus to form a ternary complex containing AQP1, ANXA2, and Rab1b, which induced cellular secretion of the pro-metastatic proteins ICAM1 and CTSS. Cellular secretion of ICAM1 and CTSS led to the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Both in vivo assay and clinical analysis data confirmed above results. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested a novel mechanism for AQP1-induced breast cancer local invasion. Therefore, targeting AQP1 offers promises in breast cancer treatment.

AQP1 in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mice: Expression Pattern and Impact of AQP1 Knockout on Colonic Function.

Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is one of thirteen known mammalian aquaporins. Its main function is the transport of water across cell membranes. Lately, a role of AQP has been attributed to other physiological and pathological functions including cell migration and peripheral pain perception. AQP1 has been found in several parts of the enteric nervous system, e.g., in the rat ileum and in the ovine duodenum. Its function in the intestine appears to be multifaceted and is still not completely understood. The aim of the study was to analyze the distribution and localization of AQP1 in the entire intestinal tract of mice. AQP1 expression was correlated with the hypoxic expression profile of the various intestinal segments, intestinal wall thickness and edema, as well as other aspects of colon function including the ability of mice to concentrate stools and their microbiome composition. AQP1 was found in a specific pattern in the serosa, the mucosa, and the enteric nervous system throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The highest amount of AQP1 in the gastrointestinal tract was found in the small intestine. AQP1 expression correlated with the expression profiles of hypoxia-dependent proteins such as HIF-1α and PGK1. Loss of AQP1 through knockout of AQP1 in these mice led to a reduced amount of bacteroidetes and firmicutes but an increased amount of the rest of the phyla, especially deferribacteres, proteobacteria, and verrucomicrobia. Although AQP-KO mice retained gastrointestinal function, distinct changes regarding the anatomy of the intestinal wall including intestinal wall thickness and edema were observed. Loss of AQP1 might interfere with the ability of the mice to concentrate their stool and it is associated with a significantly different composition of the of the bacterial stool microbiome.

Aquaporin 1 is a prognostic marker and inhibits tumour progression through downregulation of Snail expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recently, some studies have suggested a link between AQP1 and cancer progression. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of AQP1 on the clinicopathology and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively detected the expression of AQP1 protein in 307 patients with ICC who underwent partial hepatectomy. Western blot analysis was used to detect AQP1 protein levels in stable AQP1 overexpression and knockdown cell lines. The influence of AQP1 on the invasion and metastasis ability of ICC cells was assessed by wound-healing and Transwell assays in vitro as well as by a splenic liver metastasis model in vivo. RESULTS: Positive membranous AQP1 expression was identified in 34.2% (105/307) of the ICC specimens. Survival data revealed that positive AQP1 expression was significantly associated with favourable disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0290 and p = 0003, respectively). Moreover, high AQP1 expression inhibited the invasion and migration of ICC cells in vitro as well as inhibited liver metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistically, high AQP1 expression in ICC cells increased the levels of E-cadherin but decreased the levels of the Snail transcription factor. CONCLUSIONS: AQP1 expression is associated with a favourable prognosis in ICC patients. AQP1 inhibits ICC cell invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through downregulation of Snail expression.

Function and evolution of the aquaporin IsAQP1 in the Lyme disease vector Ixodes scapularis.

Ticks are important vectors of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoans to humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. Due to their life cycles, ticks face significant challenges related to water homeostasis. When blood-feeding, they must excrete water and ions, but when off-host (for stretches lasting several months), they must conserve water to avoid desiccation. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane-bound water channels, are key players in osmoregulation in many animals but remain poorly characterized in ticks. Here, we bioinformatically identified AQP-like genes from the deer tick Ixodes scapularis and used phylogenetic approaches to map the evolution of the aquaporin gene family in arthropods. Most arachnid AQP-like sequences (including those of I. scapularis) formed a monophyletic group clustered within aquaglycerolporins (GLPs) from bacteria to vertebrates. This gene family is absent from insects, revealing divergent evolutionary paths for AQPs in different hematophagous arthropods. Next, we sequenced the full-length cDNA of I. scapularis aquaporin 1 (IsAQP1) and expressed it heterologously in Xenopus oocytes to functionally characterize its permeability to water and solutes. Additionally, we examined IsAQP1 expression across different life stages and adult female organs. We found IsAQP1 is an efficient water channel with high expression in salivary glands prior to feeding, suggesting it plays a role in osmoregulation before or during blood feeding. Its functional properties are unique: unlike most GLPs, IsAQP1 has low glycerol permeability, and unlike most AQPs, it is insensitive to mercury. Together, our results suggest IsAQP1 plays an important role in tick water balance physiology and that it may hold promise as a target of novel vector control efforts.

Fasting influences aquaporin expression, water transport and adipocyte metabolism in the peritoneal membrane.

BACKGROUND: The water channels aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and AQP7 are abundantly expressed in the peritoneal membrane. While AQP1 facilitates water transport during peritoneal dialysis (PD), the role of AQP7, which mediates glycerol transport during fasting, remains unknown. METHODS: We investigated the distribution of AQP7 and AQP1 and used a mouse model of PD to investigate the role of AQP7 in the peritoneal membrane at baseline and after fasting. RESULTS: Single nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed that AQP7 was mostly detected in mature adipocytes, whereas AQP1 was essentially expressed in endothelial cells. Fasting induced significant decreases in whole body fat, plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides, as well as higher plasma glycerol and corticosterone levels in mice, paralleled by major decreases in adipocyte size and levels of fatty acid synthase and leptin, and increased levels of hormone-sensitive lipase mRNAs in the peritoneum. Mechanistically, fasting upregulated the expression of AQP1 and AQP7 in the peritoneum, with increased ultrafiltration but no change in small solute transport. Studies based on Aqp1 and Aqp7 knockout mice and RU-486 inhibition demonstrated that the glucocorticoid induction of AQP1 mediates the increase in ultrafiltration whereas AQP7 regulates the size of adipocytes in the peritoneum. CONCLUSIONS: Fasting induces a coordinated regulation of lipolytic and lipogenic factors and aqua(glycero)porins in the peritoneum, driving structural and functional changes. These data yield novel information on the specific roles of aquaporins in the peritoneal membrane and indicate that fasting improves fluid removal in a mouse model of PD.

Mifepristone increases AQP1 mRNA expression, angiogenesis, and cell permeability through the ERK MAPK pathway.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of mifepristone serves as an anti-implantation contraceptive drug on aquaporins 1 (AQP1) expression. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to detect the effects of different concentrations of mifepristone (0, 0.065, 0.2, and 1 µmol/L) on the activity of angiogenesis and AQP1 expression. The expression of AQP1 was tested by the real-time PCR. The angiogenesis and penetration function of HUVECs was investigated by Matrigel lumen formation and trans-well assay, respectively. RESULTS: The expression of AQP1, angiogenesis and cell permeability were significantly higher than control groups in HUVECs treatment with mifepristone at 1 µmol/L for 12 h. Estrogen and progesterone decreased the up-regulation of AQP1 and cell permeability, not angiogenesis, induced by mifepristone. Mifepristone increased protein levels of p-ERK, not p-p38 or p-JNK, and pre-treatment with ERK MAPK-specific inhibitor significantly inhibited the up-regulation of AQP1 mRNA expression, angiogenesis and cell permeability induced by mifepristone. si-AQP1 significantly reduced the up-regulation of angiogenesis, cell permeability and p-ERK/ERK ratio expression induced by mifepristone treatment. Overexpression of AQP1 enhanced the increase of expression ratio of p-ERK/ERK induced by mifepristone. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose mifepristone increased cell permeability, angiogenesis and AQP1 expression, which was involved in MAPK pathways. This provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of mifepristone serves as an anti-implantation contraceptive drug.

Aquaporin water channels affect the response of conventional anticancer therapies of 3D grown breast cancer cells.

Aquaporin (AQP) water channels facilitate water transport across cellular membranes and are essential in regulation of body water balance. Moreover, several AQPs are overexpressed or ectopically expressed in breast cancer. Interestingly, several in vitro studies have suggested that AQPs can affect the response to conventional anticancer chemotherapies. Therefore, we took a systematic approach to test how AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5, which are often over-/ectopically expressed in breast cancer, affect total viability of 3-dimensional (3D) breast cancer cell spheroids when treated with the conventional anticancer chemotherapies Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Doxorubicin, a Combination of the three drugs as well as the Combination plus the Ras inhibitor Salirasib. Total viability of spheroids overexpressing AQP1 were decreased by all treatments except for 5-FU, which increased total viability by 20% compared to DMSO treated controls. All treatments reduced viability of spheroids overexpressing AQP3. In contrast, only Doxorubicin, Combination and Combination + Salirasib reduced total viability of spheroids overexpressing AQP5. Thus, this study supports a significant role of AQPs in the response to conventional chemotherapies. Evaluating the role of individual proteins that contribute to resistance to chemotherapies is essential in advancing personalized medicine in breast carcinomas.