Inhibitors of aquaporin 1 and its role in tumor development and progression

Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), the first water channel protein discovered among the aquaporin family, is a hydrophobic transmembrane protein involved in transcellular water movement. Recent evidence shows that AQP1 plays a role in tumor cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis and tumor development and progression, representing a potential therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the structures, functions and inhibitors of AQP1, as well as the involvement of AQP1 in tumor development and progression.