Aquaporin 4

Aquaporin 4 also known as AQP4 is a protein which in humans is encoded by the AQP4 gene. AQP4 belongs to the aquaporin family of integral membrane proteins that conduct water through the cell membrane.

Function

AQP4 is constitutively expressed in the basolateral cell membrane of principal collecting duct cells in the kidney and provide a pathway for water to exit these cells.

AQP4 is also expressed in astrocytes and is upregulated by direct insult to the central nervous system.

Pathology

Aquaporin-4 is the primary autoimmune target in neuromyelitis optica, in which AQP4-specific IgG antibodies target astrocytic AQP4, resulting in complement activation and inflammation.

See also

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Further reading

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