What are aquaporins?

Aquaporin is a specialized protein located in the cell membrane of body cells. It creates a mechanism responsible for pumping water into and out of the cell as needed. Aquaporins are part of a large family of main inner proteins, proteins that create gusts or channels in the cell membrane, and work to regulate the composition of the inner cell. During a study on the antigen of the RH blood group, he discovered aquaporins more Serendipit, which confirmed the long -term suspicion of the scientific community that there was a mechanism for transporting water through the cell wall. The specialized form of aquaporin, called aquaglyceroporin, allows the movement of some soluts to and out of the cell, Alesejnice as common aquaporins does not allow the passage of charged particles or ions. Some soluts that allow aquaglyceroporins to cross the cell membrane are ammonia, carbon dioxide and urea. The types of soluts of allowed aquaporins depend on the size of the protein channel.

There are currently 13 known aquaporins in animals, six of which are located in the kidneys. Biologists suspect there are many others. Plants also have aquaporins, which are an integral part of water transport from soil and roots, to various plant structures.

Since their discovery, aquaporins have been found to be involved in a number of human diseases. If they could be manipulated, they can even be the key to cure of some health problems, such as fluid retention resulting from a heart attack or stroke. Mutations and deficiencies of aquaporin can also lead to Disease. Hereditary diabetes insipidus, a disorder characterized by excessive thirst and urination, is caused, for example, by mutation of aquaporin. Devic's disease, also called neuromyelitis opica, autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the optical nerve and spinal cord, is caused by autoimmune reactions against aquaporin.