Aquaporin 1 Urine Water Channel AQP1 Integral Membrane Proteins

We offer Aquaporin-1, Urine water channel, AQP1, Water channel protein, cell-free protein isolated by nanodiscs.

Our cell-free protein has been Function verificated.

Introduction

Aquaporins (AQP) are integral membrane proteins that serve as channels in the transfer of water, and in some cases, small solutes across the membrane. They are conserved in bacteria, plants, and animals. Structural analyses of the molecules have revealed the presence of a pore in the center of each aquaporin molecule. In mammalian cells, more than 10 isoforms (AQP0-AQP10) have been identified so far. They are differentially expressed in many types of cells and tissues in the body. AQP1 is found in the blood vessels, kidney proximal tubules, eye, and ear. The diverse and characteristic distribution of aquaporins in the body suggests their important and specific roles in each organ.

Function

Aquaporins are "the plumbing system for cells". Water moves through cells in an organized way, most rapidly in tissues that have aquaporin water channels. For many years, scientists assumed that water leaked through the cell membrane, and some water does. However, this did not explain how water could move so quickly through some cells.

Aquaporins selectively conduct water molecules in and out of the cell, while preventing the passage of ions and other solutes. Also known as water channels, aquaporins are integral membrane pore proteins. Some of them, known as aquaglyceroporins, also transport other small uncharged dissolved molecules including ammonia, CO₂, glycerol, and urea. For example, the aquaporin 3 channel has a pore width of 8–10 Ångströms and allows the passage of hydrophilic molecules ranging between 150 and 200 Da. However, the water pores completely block ions including protons, essential to conserve the membrane's electrochemical potential difference.

Water molecules traverse through the pore of the channel in single file. The presence of water channels increases membrane permeability to water. These are also essential for the water transport system in plants and tolerance to drought and salt stresses.

Names & Taxonomy

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.