CURRENT RESEARCH
PROJECT 2 - Aquaporin expression in the H-Tx rat and their possible alterations in the hydrocephalic condition
Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of highly important membrane proteins that are bidirectional pathways that transport fluid. These channels are believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of brain edema and hydrocephalus, and the goal is to discover a drug or other method to recruit these channels to function as gateways for CSF
Water is a critical component of all living cells. Interestingly, tissue membranes show a great degree of water permeability. Choroid plexus, mammalian red cells, renal proximal tubules, and descending thin limb of Henle are extraordinary permeable to water. Water crosses hydrophobic plasma membranes either by simple diffusion or through a facilitative transport mechanism mediated by a special protein known as “aquaporin”.
Almost all members of the aquaporin family have, at least in part, a homology to MIP (Major Intrinsic Protein), and contain six trans membrane domains. Taking into account the involvement of membrane-associated proteins in diagnostic and therapeutic studies, aquaporins may be of considerable importance in biomedical research.
Our research team hopes to open a window of cure and early diagnosis of hydrocephalus. We are also studying aquaporin (Aqp1, Aqp4, and Aqp9) expression in the H-Tx rat and their possible alterations in the hydrocephalic condition. Considering the importance of membrane proteins, this recent study complements our main project to study the role of ciliary proteins in hydrocephalus. The research team at UCF is highly focused on discovering the molecular mechanism of hydrocephalus.
PROJECT 2 - Aquaporin expression in the H-Tx rat and their possible alterations in the hydrocephalic condition
Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of highly important membrane proteins that are bidirectional pathways that transport fluid. These channels are believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of brain edema and hydrocephalus, and the goal is to discover a drug or other method to recruit these channels to function as gateways for CSF
Water is a critical component of all living cells. Interestingly, tissue membranes show a great degree of water permeability. Choroid plexus, mammalian red cells, renal proximal tubules, and descending thin limb of Henle are extraordinary permeable to water. Water crosses hydrophobic plasma membranes either by simple diffusion or through a facilitative transport mechanism mediated by a special protein known as “aquaporin”.
Almost all members of the aquaporin family have, at least in part, a homology to MIP (Major Intrinsic Protein), and contain six trans membrane domains. Taking into account the involvement of membrane-associated proteins in diagnostic and therapeutic studies, aquaporins may be of considerable importance in biomedical research.
Our research team hopes to open a window of cure and early diagnosis of hydrocephalus. We are also studying aquaporin (Aqp1, Aqp4, and Aqp9) expression in the H-Tx rat and their possible alterations in the hydrocephalic condition. Considering the importance of membrane proteins, this recent study complements our main project to study the role of ciliary proteins in hydrocephalus. The research team at UCF is highly focused on discovering the molecular mechanism of hydrocephalus.
