Increased expression of aquaporin-1 in dermal fibroblasts and dermal microvascular endothelial cells possibly contributes to skin fibrosis and edema in patients with systemic sclerosis

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1), a water channel protein controlling the water contents of cells and tissues, exerts pleiotropic effects on various biological activities, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, by regulating cell behaviors and tissue water balance.