Recent Advances in Aquaporins

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaporins (AQPs) are channel-forming proteins that facilitate water diffusion across membranes. They are localized in the plasmalemma (plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs)), vacuoles (tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs)) and other subcellular compartments. More AQP homologs have been identified in plants compared to animals. In plants, they contribute to water uptake by cells and their extension growth, turgor maintenance and water transport through transcellular pathway within a multicellular organism. In addition to water, AQPs mediate the transport of other small solutes such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, urea, ammonia, boric acid, silicic acid, glycerol. Different molecular approaches, such as the study of AQP structure, gene sequencing, tissue-specific expression, transgenic plants and mutants, have been used for a better understanding of AQP-mediated transport systems and its importance for plant development, growth, stress tolerance and productivity. Nevertheless, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of AQP action in plants. Further AQP study will provide novel molecular tools for improving plant productivity and resistance to many types of stresses.

In this Special Issue of IJMS, we will focus on the important roles of AQPs in vital physiological processes involved in regulation of growth and development, hydraulic conductivity, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf CO2 uptake and photosynthesis,  water-use efficiency, responses to environmental changes, resistance to toxic metals, pathogens, drought and salt tolerance and productivity in water-limited environment. We also welcome the papers that address animal AQPs structure, their important roles in water homeostasis regulation in humans emphasized on pathology and in consequence drug screening that can lead to potential inhibitors, enhancers and/or regulators.

Dr. Dmitry S. Veselov
Guest Editor

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