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Evolution and functional diversity of aquaporins
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.
The Biological Bulletin
|September 5, 2015
Summary
Aquaporins are diverse water channel proteins found across all life. This review explores their evolution, function, and gene diversity in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, highlighting horizontal gene transfer and evolutionary origins.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aquaporins (water channels) are integral membrane proteins crucial for transmembrane water and small solute transport.
- The aquaporin gene superfamily exhibits significant diversity across prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution and functional diversity of aquaporins.
- To discuss the expanding list of molecules transported by aquaporins.
- To provide insights into the evolutionary origins and gene transfer events of aquaporins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on aquaporin evolution and function.
- Analysis of gene families and transport capabilities across different domains of life.
Main Results:
- Unexpected diversity of aquaporin genes in Archaea and Bacteria.
- Evidence for horizontal gene transfer in plant glycerol transporters (NIPs).
- Functional co-option and gene replacement of insect glycerol transporters.
- Identification of four major aquaporin grades in Eukaryota and expanding repertoires in vertebrates.
Conclusions:
- Aquaporins display remarkable evolutionary adaptability and functional diversification.
- Horizontal gene transfer plays a significant role in aquaporin evolution, particularly in plants and insects.
- Understanding aquaporin diversity is key to comprehending fundamental biological processes across life.
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