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Purpose: Investigate whether C-terminally end-cleaved aquaporin 0 (AQP0) functions as a water channel and a cell-to-cell adhesion (CTCA) protein in the lens fiber cells.

Methods: A genetically engineered KI mouse model (AQP0-KI) expressing C-terminally end cleaved AQP0 that has 1-246 amino acids, instead of the full length 263 amino acids, was developed. Lens fiber cell membrane vesicles (FCMVs) were prepared from wild type (WT), AQP0-KI, AQP0 heterozygous (AQP0-Htz) and AQP0 knockout (AQP0-KO) mice, and water permeability (P f) was measured. Adhesion assay was performed using adhesion-deficient L-cell and FCMVs from the above mentioned genotypes.

Results: FCMVs of AQP0-Htz showed reduced P f and CTCA compared to those of WT, whereas AQP0-KO FCMVs showed lack of P f and CTCA. FCMVs of AQP0-KI exhibited no significant alteration in P f compared to those of WT. However …