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Harnessing drug resistance: using ABC transporter proteins to target cancer cells

Heather M Leitner1, Remy Kachadourian, Brian J Day

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.

Biochemical Pharmacology
|June 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This review explores using ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to modulate cellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Targeting these transporters, especially multi-drug resistant proteins (MRPs), offers a novel strategy for cancer therapy by altering GSH in cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are a diverse and conserved family of transporters.
  • Glutathione (GSH) is a critical thiol antioxidant involved in numerous cellular processes and altered in diseases like cancer.
  • Depleting GSH is a strategy to sensitize cancer cells to therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of utilizing ABC transporters for cellular glutathione (GSH) modulation.
  • To discuss ABC transporters as therapeutic targets for modulating intracellular GSH levels.
  • To highlight MRP-mediated GSH modulation as an adjunctive cancer therapy approach.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ABC transporter functions and GSH metabolism.
  • Analysis of the role of ABC transporters, particularly MRPs, in GSH transport.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting ABC transporters for cancer treatment.

Main Results:

  • ABC transporters are highly conserved and functionally diverse.
  • Intracellular GSH levels are significantly altered in various disease states, including cancer.
  • MRPs play a key role in GSH efflux and can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions:

  • ABC transporters, especially MRPs, represent viable therapeutic targets for modulating cellular GSH.
  • Targeting MRPs for GSH modulation offers a potential adjunctive strategy for cancer therapy.
  • Further research into MRP-mediated GSH modulation could lead to novel cancer treatment approaches.

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