Overexpression of AQP3 and AQP10 in the skin exacerbates psoriasiform acanthosis

Abstract

We previously observed that aquaporin-3 and aquaporin-10 are upregulated in the epidermis of hand dermatitis patients (Med. Hypotheses, 84, 2015, 498). To address the functional relevance of this upregulation, we overexpressed AQP3/AQP10 in mice using the human K1 promoter. Combining imiquimod with detergent-containing water challenge, a common trigger in hand and other dermatitis, resulted in an increase in acanthosis in mice overexpressing AQP3 or AQP3 and AQP10. Aquaporin overexpression also drove a trend towards greater weight loss in these animals. These data support a role for cutaneous aquaporins in the pathogenesis of dermatitis and as a potential target in their treatment.