Molecular cloning and expression of a member of the aquaporin family with permeability to glycerol and urea in addition to water expressed at the basolateral membrane of kidney collecting duct cells

Kenichi Ishibashi, Sei Sasaki*, Kiyohide Fushimi, Shinichi Uchida, Michio Kuwahara, Hideyuki Saito, Tetsushi Furukawa, Kichiro Nakajima, Yumi Yamaguchi, Takashi Gojobori, Fumiaki Marumo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

556 Scopus citations

Abstract

Water transport in highly water-permeable membranes is conducted by water- selective pores-namely, water channels. The recent cloning of water channels revealed the water-selective characteristics of these proteins when expressed in Xenopus oocytes or reconstituted in liposomes. Currently, it is assumed that the function of water channels is to transport only water. We now report the cloning of a member of the water channel that also transports nonionic small molecules such as urea and glycerol. We named this channel aquaporin 3 (AQP3) for its predominant water permeability. AQP3 has amino acid sequence identity with major intrinsic protein (MIP) family proteins including AQP- channel-forming integral membrane protein, AQP-collecting duct, MIP, AQP-γ tonoplast intrinsic protein, nodulin 26, and glycerol facilitator (33-42%). Thus, AQP3 is an additional member of the MIP family. Osmotic water permeability of Xenopus oocytes measured by videomicroscopy was 10-fold higher in oocytes injected with AQP3 transcript than with water-injected oocytes. The increase in osmotic water permeability was inhibited by HgCl2, and this effect was reversed by a reducing agent, 2-mercaptoethanol. Although to a smaller degree, AQP3 also facilitated the transport of nonionic small solutes such as urea and glycerol, while the previously cloned water channels are permeable only to water when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. AQP3 mRNA was expressed abundantly in kidney medulla and colon. In kidney, it was exclusively immunolocalized at the basolateral membrane of collecting duct cells. AQP3 may function as a water and urea exit mechanism in antidiuresis in collecting duct cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6269-6273
Number of pages5
JournalPROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Volume91
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 5 1994
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • glycerol facilitator
  • major intrinsic protein family
  • urine concentration

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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