Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
Liaoning Engineering Technology Centre of Target-based Nature Products for Prevention and Treatment of Ageing-related Neurodegeneration, Dalian, 116044, China.
Mol Neurobiol. 2016 Oct;53(8):5300-9. doi: 10.1007/s12035-015-9446-1. Epub 2015 Oct 3.
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the major water channel expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), and it is primarily expressed in astrocytes. It has been studied in various brain pathological conditions. However, the potential for AQP4 to influence Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still unclear. Research regarding AQP4 functions related to AD can be traced back several years and has gradually progressed toward a better understanding of the potential mechanisms. Currently, it has been suggested that AQP4 influences synaptic plasticity, and AQP4 deficiency may impair learning and memory, in part, through glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). AQP4 may mediate the clearance of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ). In addition, AQP4 may influence potassium (K(+)) and calcium (Ca(2+)) ion transport, which could play decisive roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Furthermore, AQP4 knockout is involved in neuroinflammation and interferes with AD. To date, no specific therapeutic agents have been developed to inhibit or enhance AQP4. However, experimental results strongly emphasize the importance of this topic for future investigations.
水通道蛋白 4（AQP4）是中枢神经系统（CNS）中主要表达的水通道，主要在星形胶质细胞中表达。它已经在各种脑病理条件下进行了研究。然而，AQP4 是否会影响阿尔茨海默病（AD）尚不清楚。与 AD 相关的 AQP4 功能的研究可以追溯到几年前，并逐渐深入了解潜在的机制。目前，已经提出 AQP4 影响突触可塑性，AQP4 缺乏可能通过谷氨酸转运蛋白-1（GLT-1）损害学习和记忆。AQP4 可能介导淀粉样β肽（Aβ）的清除。此外，AQP4 可能影响钾（K（+））和钙（Ca（2+））离子转运，这在 AD 的发病机制中可能起决定性作用。此外，AQP4 敲除参与神经炎症并干扰 AD。迄今为止，尚未开发出专门的治疗剂来抑制或增强 AQP4。然而，实验结果强烈强调了这一课题对未来研究的重要性。
