Aquaporins, NADPH oxidases and hydrogen peroxide signaling
Aquaporins are integral membrane proteins which are best know for the ability to facilitate water transport across cell membranes. In addition to water, aquaporins have also been found to facilitate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) transport across the membrane. Our initial studies showed in colonic epithelial cells that AQP3 in the membrane allows for cytosolic increases in H2O2 at low concentrations of extracellular H2O2. This results in altered cellular responses to the environment including changes in inflammatory /innate immune signaling and in cellular migration and wound healing. Our current studies aim to understand the mechanisms and contexts by which AQPs in the membrane alter H2O2 signaling and downstream responses in the cell.