Of the aquaporins found in humans, seven are known to be expressed in the kidneys. In this Review, Noda et al. discuss evidence from clinical and animal studies regarding the localization, physiological function and mechanism of regulation of these water channels in renal cells. The authors also describe the pathological conditions associated with dysfunctional aquaporins with particular attention dedicated to the water channel aquaporin-2 and to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a condition associated with dysfunctional aquaporin-2.
- Yumi Noda
- Eisei Sohara
- Sei Sasaki
