Aquaporins: Navigating the channels of cellular hydration

Aquaporin’s are water channel proteins found in all plasma membrane of various cells in all forms of life from bacteria to mammals. Around 17 mammalian aquaporin’s have been identified till date, which are classified into 3 subcategories based on their permeability. In normal physiology, AQPs serve as essential modulators of fluid transport and homeostasis in multiple organs and tissues. Altered expression of aquaporin’s is linked to numerous pathologies including fluid dysregulation, tumor metastasis and traumatic injury. Although some potential AQP modulators have been identified, challenges associated with the development of better modulators, include the suitability of the assay methods used to identify modulators and the drug ability of the target. The present review focus on aquaporin types and their altered conditions along with role of aquaporin’s in cancer and other diseases.