A 30 kDa functional size for the erythrocyte water channel determined in situ by radiation inactivation

The functional unit size of the water channel in rabbit erythrocytes was assessed using target size analysis following radiation inactivation. Using Radiochromic nylon dosimetry, accurate values of accumulated dose yielded an absolute target analysis, leading to direct determination of molecular size. The erythrocyte water channel functional size was shown to be 30 kDa, and is identical to the size found in rat renal proximal tubule brush border membranes (1), suggesting close homology of these two water channels. The result suggests that the 28 kDa channel-like intrinsic protein (CHIP28) recently isolated from human erythrocytes and proximal tubule (2), which is believed to form water channels of oligomeric construction may have a functional water channel activity in monomeric form.