The gene expression of aquaporins in various cutaneous tissues of the mouse

Objective: Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of water-transporting proteins that are expressed in many cell types where they play important physiological functions. The accurate distribution of AQP gene expression has not yet been examined in various cutaneous tissues of the mouse. Changes in AQP expression have been useful for understanding their functions. Due to the lack of information regarding the cutaneous tissue distribution of AQP genes, we first evaluated the cutaneous tissue distribution of AQP gene expression. Methods: To study the expression of potential reference genes and to validate the most stable ones as internal standards in the various cutaneous tissues, raw values were analyzed. The gene expression of AQPs in various cutaneous tissues was analyzed quantitatively by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The expression orders of AQP3 and 9 genes were tail = paw skin > auricle > abdominal skin > dorsal skin and abdominal skin > auricle = tail > dorsal skin > paw skin. The AQP4 gene was found in the dorsal and abdominal cutaneous tissues. The gene expression of AQP5 was expressed in only paw skins. The AQP6 gene was not found in all cutaneous tissues. The AQP0, 7, 8, 11 and 12 gene expressions were comparatively much lower in all cutaneous tissues. Conclusion: The present study suggests that multiple AQPs exist in the various skins.