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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Mining our ABCs: pharmacogenomic approach for evaluating transporter function in cancer drug resistance
Douglas D Ross1, L Austin Doyle
1University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Program in Experimental Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pathology, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA. dross@som.umaryland.edu
Abstract:
The association of transporter proteins and cancer drug resistance has been known for approximately 25 years, with recent discoveries pointing to an ever-increasing number of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins involved with the response of cancer cells to pharmacotherapy. As reported in this issue of Cancer Cell, Szakács et al. couple quantitative, real-time PCR assays for all 48 human ABC transporters with chemosensitivity information mined from the NCI-60 cancer cell line database. Predictions of transporter involvement in drug effect were validated in selected cases, and furthermore produced novel leads relating ABC transporter expression and chemoresistance or chemosensitivity.
Insights
Researchers linked ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters to cancer drug resistance. They analyzed all 48 human ABC transporters and cancer cell drug sensitivity, identifying new connections between transporter expression and treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The role of transporter proteins in cancer drug resistance is a well-established area of research.
- Numerous ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins have been identified as key players in cancer cell pharmacotherapy response.
Discussion:
- This study integrates quantitative real-time PCR data for all 48 human ABC transporters with chemosensitivity data from the NCI-60 cancer cell line database.
- The research validates predictions of transporter involvement in drug effects and uncovers novel associations between ABC transporter expression and chemoresistance/chemosensitivity.
Key Insights:
- A comprehensive analysis links the expression of all 48 human ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters to cancer cell drug resistance.
- Novel correlations were discovered between specific ABC transporter expression levels and the efficacy or failure of chemotherapy.
Outlook:
- Further investigation into identified ABC transporters could lead to new therapeutic strategies for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
- This work provides a foundation for personalized medicine approaches by predicting patient response to chemotherapy based on transporter profiles.
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