NCIt related terms : AQP-4; Aquaporin 4 Water Channel; Aquaporin 4 Receptor; AQUAPORIN 4; Mercurial-Insensitive Water Channel;
NCIt definition : Aquaporin-4 (323 aa, 35 kDa) is encoded by the human AQP4 gene. This protein is involved
in water exchange across the blood brain interface and normal clearance of solutes
from the brain interstitial fluid.;
Alternative definition : CDISC: An antigen encoded by the AQP4 gene that forms water-selective channels in
the plasma membranes of cells, and thereby regulates brain water homeostasis. It can
be considered as an autoantigen and is commonly associated with the autoimmune disease
neuromyelitis optica.;
NCIt note : Autoantibodies specific for aquaporin-4 are associated with neuromyelitis optica.;