The aquaporin field has matured at an exceptionally fast pace and we are at the verge to develop serious strategies to therapeutically modulate aquaporin function directly or via regulatory networks. Key prerequisites are available today: i. a considerable (and growing) number of aquaporin crystal structures for the rational design of inhibitory molecules, ii. elaborate molecular dynamics simulation techniques for theoretical analyses of selectivity mechanisms and docking experiments, iii. comprehensive data on aquaporin immunohistochemistry, iv. aquaporin knockout animals for physiological studies, and v. assay systems for compound library screenings. The structure of this volume on aquaporins follows the points laid out above and thus covers the developments from basic research to potential pharmacological use. Situated between pharmacology textbooks and recent scientific papers this book provides a timely overview for readers from the fundamental as well as the applied disciplines.

Aquaporin Protein Structure and Selectivity Mechanisms

Discovery of the Aquaporins and Development of the Field
The AQP Structure and Functional Implications
Dynamics and Energetics of Permeation Through Aquaporins. What Do We Learn from Molecular Dynamics Simulations?
In Vitro Analysis and Modification of Aquaporin Pore Selectivity
Aquaporin Function in Mammalian Water Homeostasis
Aquaporins in the Kidney
Regulation of Aquaporin-2 Trafficking
Role of Aquaporin-4 in Cerebral Edema and Stroke
Aquaporins as Potential Drug Targets for Meniere's Disease and its Related Diseases
Aquaporins in Secretory Glands and their Role in Sjögren's Syndrome
Aquaporin Glycerol Permeability in Mammalian Physiology
Skin Aquaporins: Function in Hydration, Wound Healing, and Skin Epidermis Homeostasis
Function of Aquaporin-7 in the Kidney and the Male Reproductive System
Role of Aquaporin-7 and Aquaporin-9 in Glycerol Metabolism; Involvement in Obesity
New Members of Mammalian Aquaporins: AQP10-AQP12
Aquaporin Functions Apart from Water and Glycerol Transport
Structural Function of MIP/Aquaporin 0 in the Eye Lens; Genetic Defects Lead to Congenital Inherited Cataracts
pH Regulated Anion Permeability of Aquaporin-6
Aquaglyceroporins and Metalloid Transport: Implications in Human Diseases
Ammonia and Urea Permeability of Mammalian Aquaporins
Knock-Out Models Reveal New Aquaporin Functions
Towards Therapeutic Use of Aquaporins
Design, Synthesis and Assaying of Potential Aquaporin Inhibitors
Aquaporin-1 Gene Transfer to Correct Radiation-Induced Salivary Hypofunction.