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Bhattacharjee A, Jana A, Bhattacharjee S, Mitra S, De S, Alghamdi BS, Alam MZ, Mahmoud AB, Al Shareef Z, Abdel-Rahman WM, Woon-Khiong C, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Ashraf GM. The role of Aquaporins in tumorigenesis: implications for therapeutic development. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:106. [PMID: 38336645 PMCID: PMC10854195 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are ubiquitous channel proteins that play a critical role in the homeostasis of the cellular environment by allowing the transit of water, chemicals, and ions. They can be found in many different types of cells and organs, including the lungs, eyes, brain, glands, and blood vessels. By controlling the osmotic water flux in processes like cell growth, energy metabolism, migration, adhesion, and proliferation, AQPs are capable of exerting their regulatory influence over a wide range of cellular processes. Tumour cells of varying sources express AQPs significantly, especially in malignant tumours with a high propensity for metastasis. New insights into the roles of AQPs in cell migration and proliferation reinforce the notion that AQPs are crucial players in tumour biology. AQPs have recently been shown to be a powerful tool in the fight against pathogenic antibodies and metastatic cell migration, despite the fact that the molecular processes of aquaporins in pathology are not entirely established. In this review, we shall discuss the several ways in which AQPs are expressed in the body, the unique roles they play in tumorigenesis, and the novel therapeutic approaches that could be adopted to treat carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadyuti Bhattacharjee
- Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA
| | - Ankit Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Swagato Bhattacharjee
- KoshKey Sciences Pvt Ltd, Canara Bank Layout, Karnataka, Bengaluru, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Kodigehalli, 560065, India
| | - Sankalan Mitra
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT-DU), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Swagata De
- Department of English, DDE Unit, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, West Bengal, 713104, India
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Pre-clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Zubair Alam
- Pre-clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah, Almunwarah, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wael M Abdel-Rahman
- College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chan Woon-Khiong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, 1030, Wien, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, University of Witten-Herdecke, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
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Camillo L, Esposto E, Gironi LC, Airoldi C, Alhamed SA, Boldorini RL, Zavattaro E, Savoia P. Aquaporin 1, Aquaporin 8, and Aquaporin 9 Expressions in Malignant Melanoma: A Possible Correlation with Prognosis and Clinical Outcome. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7137. [PMID: 38002749 PMCID: PMC10672695 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are small transmembrane proteins able to facilitate the passive transport of water and small molecules throughout cells. Several studies have demonstrated that modulation of AQPs' expression contributes to cancer development and progression. However, to date, very little is known about their involvement in malignant melanoma (MM) progression. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the correlation between AQP1, -8, and -9 expression and the clinical outcomes of 58 patients diagnosed with MM from 2014 to 2016, of which 14 were diagnosed as nodular melanoma (NM) and 44 as superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). In general, we found that AQPs were more highly expressed in SSM than NM, suggesting a potential correlation with prognosis. While analyzing the expression of each AQP, we discovered that AQP1 was associated with a specific body site and low mitotic index, AQP8 with a negative sentinel lymph node, and AQP9 with the Breslow thickness and lack of ulcerations. Together with the survival analysis performed in this study, our results suggest that the expression of AQP1, -8, and -9 could be correlated with a better prognosis for malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Camillo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.A.A.); (R.L.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Elia Esposto
- AOU Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.E.); (L.C.G.)
| | | | - Chiara Airoldi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Shahd Abdullah Alhamed
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.A.A.); (R.L.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Renzo Luciano Boldorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.A.A.); (R.L.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Elisa Zavattaro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.A.A.); (R.L.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Paola Savoia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.A.A.); (R.L.B.); (P.S.)
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Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of our body and plays a protective role against the external environment. The skin functions as a mechanical and water permeability barrier, assisting with thermoregulation and defending our body against a variety of stresses such as ultraviolet radiation, microbial infection, physical injuries, and chemical hazards. The structure of the skin consists of three main layers: the hypodermis, the dermis, and the epidermis. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of integral membrane proteins whose function is to regulate intracellular fluid hemostasis by facilitating the transportation of water, and in some cases small molecules, across the cell membranes. Up to six different AQPs (AQP1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10) are expressed in a variety of cell types in the skin. The AQP family plays an important role in these various locations, contributing to many key functions of the skin including hydration, wound healing, and immune responses. The involvement of different aquaporin family members in skin is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuming Yin
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Sino-Russian Joint Research Center for Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiwen Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Cellular Distribution of Brain Aquaporins and Their Contribution to Cerebrospinal Fluid Homeostasis and Hydrocephalus. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040530. [PMID: 35454119 PMCID: PMC9025855 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain aquaporins facilitate the movement of water between the four water compartments: blood, cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid. This work analyzes the expression of the four most abundant aquaporins (AQPs) (AQP1, AQP4, AQP9, and AQP11) in the brains of mice and discuss their contribution to hydrocephalus. We analyzed available data from single-cell RNA sequencing of the central nervous system of mice to describe the expression of aquaporins and compare their distribution with that based on qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays. Expression of AQP1 in the apical cell membrane of choroid plexus epithelial cells and of AQP4 in ependymal cells, glia limitans, and astrocyte processes in the pericapillary end foot is consistent with the involvement of both proteins in cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis. The expression of both aquaporins compensates for experimentally induced hydrocephalus in the animals. Recent data demonstrate that hypoxia in aged animals alters AQP4 expression in the choroidal plexus and cortex, increasing the ventricle size and intraventricular pressure. Cerebral distensibility is reduced in parallel with a reduction in cerebrospinal fluid drainage and cognitive deterioration. We propose that aged mice chronically exposed to hypoxia represent an excellent experimental model for studying the pathophysiological characteristics of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and roles for AQPs in such disease.
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da Silva IV, Silva AG, Pimpão C, Soveral G. Skin aquaporins as druggable targets: Promoting health by addressing the disease. Biochimie 2021; 188:35-44. [PMID: 34097985 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Skin is the most vulnerable organ of the human body since it is the first line of defense, covering the entire external body surface. Additionally, skin has a critical role in thermoregulation, sensation, immunological surveillance, and biochemical processes such as Vitamin D3 production by ultraviolet irradiation. The ability of the skin layers and resident cells to maintain skin physiology, such as hydration, regulation of keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation and wound healing, is supported by key proteins such as aquaporins (AQPs) that facilitate the movements of water and small neutral solutes across membranes. Various AQP isoforms have been detected in different skin-resident cells where they perform specific roles, and their dysregulation has been associated with several skin pathologies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of AQPs involvement in skin physiology and pathology, highlighting their potential as druggable targets for the treatment of skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês V da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Andreia G Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pimpão
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Role of Cutaneous Aquaporins in the Development of Xeroderma in Type 2 Diabetes. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020104. [PMID: 33494453 PMCID: PMC7912687 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Xeroderma is induced by diabetes, reducing patients’ quality of life. We aimed to clarify the roles of cutaneous water channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) in diabetic xeroderma using type 2 diabetes model db/db mice. Blood glucose levels were unchanged in 5-week-old db/db mice compared to db/+ mice (control mice), but the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes was confirmed in 12-week-old db/db mice. The dermal water content and AQP3 expression in 5-week-old db/db mice were almost the same as those in the control mice. On the other hand, in 12-week-old db/db mice, the dermal water content and AQP3 expression were significantly decreased. The addition of glucose to HaCaT cells had no effect on AQP3, but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased the AQP3 expression level. Blood TNF-α levels or skin inflammation markers in the 12-week-old db/db mice were significantly higher than those in control mice. AQP3 levels in the skin were decreased in type 2 diabetes, and this decrease in AQP3 may be one of the causes of xeroderma. Therefore, a substance that increases AQP3 may be useful for improving xeroderma. Additionally, a decrease in skin AQP3 may be triggered by inflammation. Therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective as new therapeutic agents for diabetic xerosis.
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Pimpão C, da Silva IV, Mósca AF, Pinho JO, Gaspar MM, Gumerova NI, Rompel A, Aureliano M, Soveral G. The Aquaporin-3-Inhibiting Potential of Polyoxotungstates. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2467. [PMID: 32252345 PMCID: PMC7177757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyoxometalates (POMs) are of increasing interest due to their proven anticancer activities. Aquaporins (AQPs) were found to be overexpressed in tumors bringing particular attention to their inhibitors as anticancer drugs. Herein, we report for the first time the ability of polyoxotungstates (POTs), such as of Wells-Dawson P2W18, P2W12, and P2W15, and Preyssler P5W30 structures, to affect aquaporin-3 (AQP3) activity and impair melanoma cell migration. The tested POTs were revealed to inhibit AQP3 function with different effects, with P2W18, P2W12, and P5W30 being the most potent (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.8, 2.8, and 3.2 µM), and P2W15 being the weakest (IC50 > 100 µM). The selectivity of P2W18 toward AQP3 was confirmed in yeast cells transformed with human aquaglyceroporins. The effect of P2W12 and P2W18 on melanoma cells that highly express AQP3 revealed an impairment of cell migration between 55% and 65% after 24 h, indicating that the anticancer properties of these compounds may in part be due to the blockage of AQP3-mediated permeability. Altogether, our data revealed that P2W18 strongly affects AQP3 activity and cancer cell growth, unveiling its potential as an anticancer drug against tumors where AQP3 is highly expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Pimpão
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.P.); (I.V.d.S.); (A.F.M.); (J.O.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês V. da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.P.); (I.V.d.S.); (A.F.M.); (J.O.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia F. Mósca
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.P.); (I.V.d.S.); (A.F.M.); (J.O.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O. Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.P.); (I.V.d.S.); (A.F.M.); (J.O.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.P.); (I.V.d.S.); (A.F.M.); (J.O.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nadiia I. Gumerova
- Universität Wien, Fakultät für Chemie, Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.I.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Annette Rompel
- Universität Wien, Fakultät für Chemie, Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (N.I.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Manuel Aureliano
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT), CCMar, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.P.); (I.V.d.S.); (A.F.M.); (J.O.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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