Aquaporins in female specific cancers.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are hydrophobic integral trans-membrane channel proteins implicated in cellular proliferation and water transport in various cancers. They compose a family of 13 different isoforms (25-34 kDa) in mammals that have been identified to date. These AQPs exhibit a unique pattern of tissue expression. Though they can be found in most tissues, they are mostly active in endothelial and epithelial tissues. In this review, the AQPs associated with female-specific cancers are comprehensively explored and their significant features are analysed. Recent findings revealing their role in female-specific carcinogenesis, especially cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, and breast, will be also discussed.