%0 Journal Article
%T AQP4, Astrogenesis, and Hydrocephalus: A New Neurological Perspective.
%A Castañeyra-Ruiz L
%A González-Marrero I
%A Hernández-Abad LG
%A Lee S
%A Castañeyra-Perdomo A
%A Muhonen M
%J Int J Mol Sci
%V 23
%N 18
%D Sep 2022 9
%M 36142348
%F 6.208
%R 10.3390/ijms231810438
%X Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is a cerebral glial marker that labels ependymal cells and astrocytes' endfeet and is the main water channel responsible for the parenchymal fluid balance. However, in brain development, AQP4 is a marker of glial stem cells and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of pediatric hydrocephalus. Gliogenesis characterization has been hampered by a lack of biomarkers for precursor and intermediate stages and a deeper understanding of hydrocephalus etiology is needed. This manuscript is a focused review of the current research landscape on AQP4 as a possible biomarker for gliogenesis and its influence in pediatric hydrocephalus, emphasizing reactive astrogliosis. The goal is to understand brain development under hydrocephalic and normal physiologic conditions.