Anti-AQP4

This gene encodes a member of the aquaporin family of intrinsic membrane proteins that function as water-selective channels in the plasma membranes of many cells. The encoded protein is the predominant aquaporin found in brain. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been found for this gene. Protein function: Forms a water-specific channel. Osmoreceptor which regulates body water balance and mediates water flow within the central nervous system. It is expressed predominantly in the ependymal cell lining the aqueductal system and over the space of the brain in contact with the subarachnoid space, as cerebrospinal fluid fills these structures it may facilitate water balance between brain parenchyma and the fluid compartment. In the plasma membranes of the neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, it may mediate rapid changes in cell volume in response to local shifts in extracellular osmolarity. [The UniProt Consortium]