AQP1 is not only a water channel: It contributes to cell migration through Lin7/beta-catenin.

AQPs are water channel proteins. In particular, AQP1 was demonstrated to be involved in cell migration. According to the model proposed by Verkman and collaborators, AQP drives water influx, facilitating lamellipodia extension and cell migration. Investigating the possible connection between AQP1 and cytoskeleton, our group showed that such a water channel through Lin7/beta-catenin affects the organization of the cytoskeleton and proposed a model. All together, these data appear particularly intriguing since the use of AQP1 as target might be useful to modulate angiogenesis/vasculogenic mimicry.