Emerging Role of Water Channels in Regulating Cellular Volume During Oxygen Deprivation and Cell Death
In this review, we will discuss how proteinaceous water channels, termed aquaporins (AQPs), regulate water fluxes across plasma membranes within various physiological and pathophysiological contexts. Particular emphasis has been assigned to changes in aquaporin expression in brain matter in response to conditions where oxygen deprivation, such as hypoxia or ischemia, has been experimentally induced. We also discuss the specific role AQPs play in apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, with special interest paid to AQPs in conjunction with potassium channels, and their seemingly interdependent function in regulating downstream apoptotic cascades. Finally, we argue for the possibility of connected aquaporin and potassium channel translocation during apoptotic insults.
