Aquaporin‑1 Regulates Microglial Polarization and Inflammatory Response in Traumatic Brain Injury

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Med

Specialty Genetics

Date 2025 Jan 3

PMID 39749692

Authors

Yixuan Ma

Yimin Huang

Xuyang Liu

Liwu Jiao

Hongtao Zhu

Zhiye Chen

Zhuojin Wu

Yuanzhong Shen

Kehan Lin

Feng Hu

Kai Shu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The present study investigated the mechanisms by which aquaporin 1 (AQP1) influences microglial polarization and neuroinflammatory processes in traumatic brain injury (TBI). A model of TBI was generated in AQP1‑knockout mice to assess the impact of AQP1 deletion on inflammatory cytokine release, neuronal damage and cognitive function. Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting and enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay were employed to evaluate pro‑inflammatory and anti‑inflammatory markers. Behavioral assessments, including the Barnes maze, were performed to determine cognitive outcomes. Moreover, AQP1 knockout inhibited the activation of inflammation‑related signaling pathways, including nuclear factor‑κB, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/protein kinase B and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase/mitogen‑activated protein kinase pathways. Further studies indicated that the AQP1 inhibitor m‑phenylenediacrylic acid demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of TBI. These findings suggested that AQP1 may be essential in post‑TBI inflammatory responses and neuronal injury, establishing a theoretical foundation for future therapies aimed at AQP1.

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