research progress in aquaporins protein and cataract

Water channel protein(aquaporins, AQPs)mainly mediates the passive transport of free water along the osmotic pressure gradient to across biological membrane. It is highly selective for water. There are only two kinds of water channel protein in lens, lens epithelial cells express AQP1, lens fiber cells express AQP0, together they adjust the lens water metabolism, physiological functions and maintain the lens transparency, their abnormal expression can lead to cataracts. We reviewed the research of the water channel protein 0, 1 in recent years and discussed the relationship between water channel protein and cataract.