Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro
Published on: March 17, 2023
Aquaglyceroporins serve as metabolic gateways in adiposity and insulin resistance control
Amaia Rodríguez1, Victoria Catalán, Javier Gómez-Ambrosi
1Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. arodmur@unav.es
Abstract:
Aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, AQP7, AQP9 and AQP10) encompass a subfamily of aquaporins that allow the movement of water and other small solutes, especially glycerol, through cell membranes. Adipose tissue constitutes a major source of glycerol via AQP7. We have recently reported that, in addition to the well-known expression of AQP7 in adipose tissue, AQP3 and AQP9 are also expressed in omental and subcutaneous fat depots. Moreover, insulin and leptin act as regulators of aquaglyceroporins through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. AQP3 and AQP7 appear to facilitate glycerol efflux from adipose tissue while reducing the glycerol influx into hepatocytes via AQP9 to prevent the excessive lipid accumulation and the subsequent aggravation of hyperglycemia in human obesity. This Extra View focuses on the control of glycerol release by aquaglyceroporins in the adipose tissue and briefly discusses the importance of glycerol as a substrate for hepatic gluconeogenesis, pancreatic insulin secretion and cardiac ATP production.
More Related Videos
08:34Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
10:40Characterization of Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Secretion Using a CD63-GFP Reporter Mouse Model In Vivo and In Vitro
Published on: December 5, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Aquaporins
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are typically...
Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...