Domenico Ribatti1, Girolamo Ranieri2, Tiziana Annese3, Beatrice Nico3. 1. Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy; National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II," Bari, Italy. Electronic address: domenico.ribatti@uniba.it. 2. National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II," Bari, Italy. 3. Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small hydrophobic integral transmembrane water channel proteins involved in transcellular and transepithelial water movement, transport of fluid and cell migration. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: This review article summarizes our knowledge concerning the involvement of AQPs in tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastatic process. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Tumor cells types express AQPs and a positive correlation exists between histological tumor grade and the AQP expression. Moreover, AQPs are involved also in tumor edema formation and angiogenesis in several solid and hematological tumors. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: AQPs inhibition in endothelial and tumor cells might limit tumor growth and spread, suggesting a potential therapeutic use in the treatment of tumors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
BACKGROUND: The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of 13 small hydrophobic integral transmembrane water channel proteins involved in transcellular and transepithelial water movement, transport of fluid and cell migration. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: This review article summarizes our knowledge concerning the involvement of AQPs in tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastatic process. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS:Tumor cells types express AQPs and a positive correlation exists between histological tumor grade and the AQP expression. Moreover, AQPs are involved also in tumor edema formation and angiogenesis in several solid and hematological tumors. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: AQPs inhibition in endothelial and tumor cells might limit tumor growth and spread, suggesting a potential therapeutic use in the treatment of tumors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
Authors: Eric C Woolf; Kara L Curley; Qingwei Liu; Gregory H Turner; Julie A Charlton; Mark C Preul; Adrienne C Scheck Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-06-17 Impact factor: 3.240