The Role of Aquaporins in Epileptogenesis—A Systematic Review

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins involved in the transport of water and ions across cell membranes. AQPs have been shown to be implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in the brain, including water homeostasis, cell migration, and inflammation, among others....

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Main Authors: Lapo Bonosi, Umberto Emanuele Benigno, Sofia Musso, Kevin Giardina, Rosa Maria Gerardi, Lara Brunasso, Roberta Costanzo, Federica Paolini, Felice Buscemi, Chiara Avallone, Vincenzo Gulino, Domenico Gerardo Iacopino, Rosario Maugeri
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-07-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/15/11923
Description
Summary:Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins involved in the transport of water and ions across cell membranes. AQPs have been shown to be implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in the brain, including water homeostasis, cell migration, and inflammation, among others. Epileptogenesis is a complex and multifactorial process that involves alterations in the structure and function of neuronal networks. Recent evidence suggests that AQPs may also play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. In animal models of epilepsy, AQPs have been shown to be upregulated in regions of the brain that are involved in seizure generation, suggesting that they may contribute to the hyperexcitability of neuronal networks. Moreover, genetic studies have identified mutations in AQP genes associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Our review aims to investigate the role of AQPs in epilepsy and seizure onset from a pathophysiological point of view, pointing out the potential molecular mechanism and their clinical implications.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067