MIP, AQP0, Lens fiber major intrinsic protein, Aquaporin-0, MIP26, MP26
Major intrinsic protein is a member of the water-transporting aquaporins as well as the original member of the MIP family of channel proteins. The function of the fiber cell membrane protein encoded by this gene is undetermined, yet this protein is speculated to play a role in intracellular communication. The MIP protein is expressed in the ocular lens and is required for correct lens function. This gene has been mapped among aquaporins AQP2, AQP5, and AQP6, in a potential gene cluster at 12q13. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],disease:Defects in MIP are a cause of autosomal recessive congenital cataract [MIM:154050].,domain:Aquaporins contain two tandem repeats each containing three membrane-spanning domains and a pore-forming loop with the signature motif Asn-Pro-Ala (NPA).,function:Water channel. May be responsible for regulating the osmolarity of the lens.,similarity:Belongs to the MIP/aquaporin (TC 1.A.8) family.,tissue specificity:Major component of lens fiber gap junctions.,
