Neurological Research and Practice (Jan 2021)

Glymphatic system, AQP4, and their implications in Alzheimer’s disease

  • Inês Silva,
  • Jéssica Silva,
  • Rita Ferreira,
  • Diogo Trigo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-021-00102-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Lacking conventional lymphatic system, the central nervous system requires alternative clearance systems, such as the glymphatic system, which promotes clearance of interstitial solutes. Aquaporin-4 water channels (AQP4) are an integral part of this system and related to neuropathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The clearance of Alzheimer’s associated proteins amyloid β and tau is diminished by glymphatic system impairment, due to lack of AQP4. Even though AQP4 mislocalisation (which affects its activity) is a phenotype of AD, it remains a controversial topic, as it is still unclear if it is a phenotype-promoting factor or a consequence of this pathology. This review provides important and updated knowledge about glymphatic system, AQP4 itself, and their link with Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, AQP4 as a therapeutic target is proposed to ameliorate Alzheimer’s Disease and other neuropathologies AQP4-related.

Keywords