Aquaporin regulation in metabolic organs

Abstract

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small trans-membrane proteins, which facilitate shuttling of glycerol, water and urea. The peculiar role of AQPs in glycerol transport makes them attractive targets in metabolic organs since glycerol represents the backbone of triglyceride synthesis. Importantly, AQPs are known to be regulated by various nuclear receptors which in turn govern lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammatory cascades. Here, we review the role of AQPs regulation in metabolic organs exploring their physiological impact in health and disease.

Keywords: Aquaporins; Glycerol; Lipogenesis; Metabolism; Nuclear receptors.