Targeting Aquaporins for Renal Fibrosis Therapy: Mechanisms and Translational Potential

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem characterized by renal fibrosis (RF). Aquaporins (AQPs) are key regulators of water transport across membranes. Key members of this family (such as AQP1, AQP2, etc.) play important roles in renal physiology and fibrotic pathology through mechanisms including imbalance of water transport, epithelial‐mesenchymal cell transformation (EMT) and inflammatory response. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of major members of the AQPs family in renal fibrosis and their potential as treatment targets based on preclinical research, providing a direction for the treatment of renal fibrosis.