Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Discovery of Driver Genes in Colorectal HT29-derived Cancer Stem-Like Tumorspheres
Published on: July 22, 2020
ABC transporters as cancer drivers: Potential functions in cancer development
Alice Domenichini1, Aleksandra Adamska1, Marco Falasca1
1Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia.
Background:
ABC transporters have attracted considerable attention for their function as drug transporters in a broad range of tumours and are therefore considered as major players in cancer chemoresistance. However, less attention has been focused on their potential role as active players in cancer development and progression.
Scope Of Review:
This review presents the evidence suggesting that ABC transporters might have a more active role in cancer other than the well known involvement in multidrug resistance and discusses the potential strategies to target each ABC transporter for a specific tumour setting.
Major Conclusions:
Emerging evidence suggests that ABC transporters are able to transport bioactive molecules capable of playing key roles in tumour development. Characterization of the effects of these transporters in specific cancer settings opens the possibility for the development of personalized treatments.
General Significance:
A more targeted approach of ABC transporters should be implemented that considers which specific transporter is playing a major role in a particular tumour setting in order to achieve a more successful outcome for ABC transporters inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Insights
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are key in cancer chemoresistance. Emerging evidence reveals their active roles in tumor development, suggesting targeted therapies for personalized cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are recognized for their role in multidrug resistance in various cancers.
- Their potential involvement in cancer development and progression has received less attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence of ABC transporters' active roles in cancer beyond chemoresistance.
- To discuss strategies for targeting specific ABC transporters in distinct cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ABC transporters in cancer.
- Analysis of evidence for transporter function in tumor development.
- Exploration of therapeutic targeting strategies.
Main Results:
- ABC transporters can transport bioactive molecules crucial for tumor development.
- Specific ABC transporters play distinct roles in various cancer settings.
Conclusions:
- ABC transporters have active roles in cancer development and progression.
- Targeting specific ABC transporters offers potential for personalized cancer therapy.
- A tailored approach to ABC transporter inhibition is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:31ABC Transporters: Exporter
01:27ABC Transporters: Importer
In bacteria, based on the number of transmembrane helices and the chemical nature of their substrates, the ABC importers can be divided into three types:
02:18Cancer
02:12What is Cancer?
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Some...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...