Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a member of the aquaporin family, a class of integral membrane proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across cellular membranes. Unlike classical aquaporins that primarily transport water, AQP3 belongs to the aquaglyceroporin subfamily, which also allows the passage of glycerol, urea, and other small uncharged molecules. Expressed in various tissues—including the kidneys, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory epithelium—AQP3 plays critical roles in maintaining cellular hydration, epidermal barrier function, and cell proliferation. Its involvement in physiological processes, such as wound healing, and pathological conditions, like cancer progression and metabolic disorders, has drawn significant research interest.
AQP3 antibodies are essential tools for studying the protein’s expression, localization, and function. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to detect AQP3 in tissue samples or cultured cells. Researchers rely on AQP3-specific antibodies to investigate its regulatory mechanisms in diseases, such as impaired skin hydration in dermatitis, renal water imbalance, or tumor metastasis linked to glycerol transport. Additionally, species-specific antibodies (e.g., human, mouse, rat) enable cross-species comparative studies. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity, while polyclonal versions may detect multiple epitopes, enhancing sensitivity. Validating antibody specificity via knockout controls remains crucial to ensure accurate experimental outcomes, advancing both basic research and therapeutic targeting of AQP3-related pathways.