Evolution and functional diversity of aquaporins
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Published on: December 12, 2025
Roderick Nigel Finn1, Joan Cerdà2
1Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway; and nigel.finn@uib.no.
Abstract:
In this review, we provide a brief synopsis of the evolution and functional diversity of the aquaporin gene superfamily in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Based upon the latest data, we discuss the expanding list of molecules shown to permeate the central pore of aquaporins, and the unexpected diversity of water channel genes in Archaea and Bacteria. We further provide new insight into the origin by horizontal gene transfer of plant glycerol-transporting aquaporins (NIPs), and the functional co-option and gene replacement of insect glycerol transporters. Finally, we discuss the origins of four major grades of aquaporins in Eukaryota, together with the increasing repertoires of aquaporins in vertebrates.
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