Aquaporin 3

Domain

Aquaporins contain two tandem repeats each containing three membrane-spanning domains and a pore-forming loop with the signature motif Asn-Pro-Ala (NPA).

Function

Aquaglyceroporins form homotetrameric transmembrane channels, with each monomer independently mediating glycerol and water transport across the plasma membrane along their osmotic gradient (PubMed:12239222, PubMed:30420639). Could also be permeable to urea (By similarity). Also participates in cell permeability to H2O2 and H2O2-mediated signaling (PubMed:20724658). In skin, transports glycerol to the epidermis and stratum corneum, where it maintains hydration, elasticity, and supports lipid biosynthesis for barrier repair (By similarity). In kidney, contributes to the reabsorption of water, helping the body maintain proper fluid balance (By similarity).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the MIP/aquaporin (TC 1.A.8) family.

Tissue specificity

Widely expressed in epithelial cells of kidney (collecting ducts) and airways, in keratinocytes, immature dendritic cells and erythrocytes. Isoform 2 is not detectable in erythrocytes at the protein level.

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Multi-pass membrane protein
• Basolateral cell membrane
• Multi-pass membrane protein

Alternative names

• Aquaporin-3
• AQP-3
• Aquaglyceroporin-3
• AQP3

Database links

• entrezGene:360
• omim:600170
• swissprot:Q92482

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

31544Da