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Aquaporin 2 promotes cell migration and epithelial morphogenesis.
Ying Chen1, William Rice, Zhizhan Gu
1Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|August 4, 2012
Summary
Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) is a water channel crucial for kidney function. New research reveals AQP2 also binds integrins, promoting cell migration and kidney development.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Renal Physiology
- Membrane Protein Function
Background:
- Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) is essential for water homeostasis in mammalian kidney collecting ducts.
- AQP2 deficiency causes urinary concentrating defects, renal tubular abnormalities, and neonatal mortality.
- The known role of AQP2 is primarily as a water channel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate novel functions of Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) beyond water transport.
- To determine if AQP2 plays a role in cell migration and epithelial morphogenesis.
- To elucidate the interaction between AQP2 and integrins in renal epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using cell cultures to assess AQP2-integrin interactions and cell migration.
- Mutagenesis of the RGD motif in AQP2 to disrupt integrin binding.
- In vivo studies using AQP2-null mice to examine renal tubular structure and integrin localization.
Main Results:
- AQP2 functions as an integrin-binding protein, promoting cell migration and epithelial tubulogenesis.
- Disturbing the AQP2-integrin β1 interaction impairs integrin trafficking and cell migration.
- AQP2-null mice display retained integrin β1 at the basolateral membrane and renal tubular defects.
Conclusions:
- Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) possesses a dual role as a water channel and an integrin-binding protein.
- AQP2-integrin interactions are critical for renal epithelial cell migration and kidney development.
- These findings reveal new therapeutic targets for kidney diseases involving structural and functional integrity.
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