AQP5
Description
The AQP5 (aquaporin 5) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
Aquaporin-5 (AQP-5) is a protein encoded by the AQP5 gene in humans. It is a water channel protein, part of a family of small integral membrane proteins related to the major intrinsic protein (MIP or AQP0). AQP-5 contributes to the production of saliva, tears, and pulmonary secretions. AQP0, AQP2, AQP5, and AQP6 are closely related and all map to 12q13.
AQP5 forms a water-specific channel, playing a crucial role in fluid secretion within salivary glands. It is essential for TRPV4 activation in response to hypotonicity and, in conjunction with TRPV4, controls regulatory volume decrease in salivary epithelial cells. While AQP5 appears to have a redundant role in water transport within the eye, lung, and sweat glands, its function in these areas may be less critical. This protein forms a homotetramer and interacts with TRPV4, although this interaction is likely indirect and regulates TRPV4 activation by hypotonicity.
AQP5 is also known as AQP-5, PPKB.
