To explore the role of this channel in AD pathology progression, an AD mouse model lacking Aqp4 was used by Smith et al. to show that Aqp4-deficient mice displayed increased amyloid deposition, impairment of peri-plaque astrocyte structural organization and recruitment of microglia to plaques, thus amplifying the damage inflicted upon neurons adjacent to the plaques [139]. The gene discussed is AQP4; the disease is Alzheimer disease.