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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
08:59
An Intestine/Liver Microphysiological System for Drug Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Assessment
Published on: December 3, 2020
Pharmacogenetics of intestinal absorption
Tsutomu Nakamura1, Motohiro Yamamori, Toshiyuki Sakaeda
1Department of Clinical Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan. tsutomun@med.kobe-u.ac.jp
Current Drug Delivery
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Drug transporters in the small intestine significantly impact oral drug absorption. Genetic variations in these transporters explain differences in how individuals absorb medications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Molecular Biology
- Gastrointestinal Drug Absorption
- Genetics and Drug Response
Background:
- The small intestine is the main site for oral drug absorption and a key target for pharmacotherapeutic interventions.
- Drug transporters, such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) superfamilies, regulate xenobiotic absorption.
- Variations in transporter expression and function in the small intestine contribute to inter-individual differences in oral drug absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacogenetics of drug transporters in the small intestine.
- To discuss the clinical significance of drug transporter pharmacogenetics.
- To explore how genetic polymorphisms influence drug absorption variability.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in molecular biology and pharmacogenetics.
- Summary of studies on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) superfamilies.
- Analysis of the association between genetic polymorphisms and transporter expression/function.
Main Results:
- Genetic polymorphisms are linked to variations in drug transporter expression and function.
- These genetic variations contribute to inter-individual differences in oral drug absorption.
- The small intestine's transporter pharmacogenetics plays a crucial role in drug efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the pharmacogenetics of small intestine drug transporters is vital for personalized medicine.
- Future clinical applications may involve tailoring drug therapy based on individual genetic profiles.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the clinical impact of transporter pharmacogenetics.
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