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ABC transporters in fish species: a review
Marta Ferreira1, Joana Costa1, Maria A Reis-Henriques1
1CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, University of Porto Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins were first recognized for their role in multidrug resistance (MDR) in chemotherapeutic treatments, which is a major impediment for the successful treatment of many forms of malignant tumors in humans. These proteins, highly conserved throughout vertebrate species, were later related to cellular detoxification and accounted as responsible for protecting aquatic organisms from xenobiotic insults in the so-called multixenobiotic resistance mechanism (MXR). In recent years, research on these proteins in aquatic species has highlighted their importance in the detoxification mechanisms in fish thus it is necessary to continue these studies. Several transporters have been pointed out as relevant in the ecotoxicological context associated to the transport of xenobiotics, such as P-glycoproteins (Pgps), multidrug-resistance-associated proteins (MRPs 1-5) and breast cancer resistance associated protein (BCRP). In mammals, several nuclear receptors have been identified as mediators of phase I and II metabolizing enzymes and ABC transporters. In aquatic species, knowledge on co-regulation of the detoxification mechanism is scarce and needs to be addressed. The interaction of emergent contaminants that can act as chemosensitizers, with ABC transporters in aquatic organisms can compromise detoxification processes and have population effects and should be studied in more detail. This review intends to summarize the recent advances in research on MXR mechanisms in fish species, focusing in (1) regulation and functioning of ABC proteins; (2) cooperation with phase I and II biotransformation enzymes; and (3) ecotoxicological relevance and information on emergent pollutants with ability to modulate ABC transporters expression and activity. Several lines of evidence are clearly suggesting the important role of these transporters in detoxification mechanisms and must be further investigated in fish to underlay the mechanism to consider their use as biomarkers in environmental monitoring.
Insights
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are crucial for detoxification in fish, protecting aquatic life from harmful chemicals. Further research is needed to understand their role as biomarkers for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Molecular biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are vital for cellular detoxification, protecting aquatic organisms via the multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) mechanism.
- Key ABC transporters in aquatic species include P-glycoproteins (Pgps), multidrug-resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).
- Understanding the co-regulation of detoxification mechanisms, including ABC transporters and metabolizing enzymes, is limited in aquatic species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in MXR mechanisms in fish.
- To focus on the regulation, function, and ecotoxicological relevance of ABC proteins in fish.
- To explore the interaction of emergent contaminants with ABC transporters and their impact on detoxification.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current research on ABC proteins and MXR mechanisms in fish.
- It examines the interplay between ABC transporters and phase I and II biotransformation enzymes.
- The review discusses the ecotoxicological significance of ABC transporters and the effects of emerging pollutants.
Main Results:
- ABC proteins play a significant role in the detoxification of xenobiotics in fish.
- Emergent contaminants can modulate ABC transporter expression and activity, potentially compromising detoxification.
- Evidence suggests ABC transporters are important in environmental monitoring as biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- ABC proteins are critical for detoxification in fish, mediating the MXR mechanism.
- Further investigation into the co-regulation of detoxification pathways is essential.
- ABC transporters hold potential as biomarkers for assessing environmental pollution and its effects on aquatic populations.
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