New members of mammalian aquaporins: AQP10-AQP12

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2009:(190):251-62. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-79885-9_13.

Abstract

Thirteen members of mammalian aquaporins have been identified. Initial ten members (AQP-AQP9) are relatively well detailed and their roles are clarified. However, the last three members, AQP10-AQP12, are poorly characterized and little is known about their roles though they were cloned 6 years ago. In this review, we focus on these three AQPs. AQP10 is an aquaglyceroporin while AQP11 and AQP12 belong to a new subfamily, superaquaporins. Knockout mice for these aquaporins are now available. The AQP11 null mouse has a remarkable phenotype, polycystic kidneys, which is neonatally fatal. On the other hand, the absence of the other two affected little. In some animals, AQP10 is even a pseudogene. This review summarizes the current knowledge on these AQPs and will hopefully stimulate future research on the subject.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquaglyceroporins / metabolism
  • Aquaporins / genetics
  • Aquaporins / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / metabolism
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pancreas / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Polycystic Kidney Diseases / genetics
  • Polycystic Kidney Diseases / metabolism

Substances

  • AQP12 protein, mouse
  • Aqp11 protein, mouse
  • Aquaglyceroporins
  • Aquaporins