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ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer: A review of recent updates
Jing-Quan Wang1, Zhuo-Xun Wu1, Yuqi Yang1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, New York.
Abstract:
The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily is one of the largest membrane protein families existing in wide spectrum of organisms from prokaryotes to human. ABC transporters are also known as efflux pumps because they mediate the cross-membrane transportation of various endo- and xenobiotic molecules energized by ATP hydrolysis. Therefore, ABC transporters have been considered closely to multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, where the efflux of structurally distinct chemotherapeutic drugs causes reduced itherapeutic efficacy. Besides, ABC transporters also play other critical biological roles in cancer such as signal transduction. During the past decades, extensive efforts have been made in understanding the structure-function relationship, transportation profile of ABC transporters, as well as the possibility to overcome MDR via targeting these transporters. In this review, we discuss the most recent knowledge regarding ABC transporters and cancer drug resistance in order to provide insights for the development of more effective therapies.
Insights
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, or efflux pumps, are crucial in multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Understanding ABC transporters and cancer drug resistance offers insights for developing more effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large superfamily of membrane proteins.
- These transporters, also known as efflux pumps, facilitate the movement of molecules across membranes using ATP hydrolysis.
- ABC transporters are implicated in multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer by exporting chemotherapeutic drugs, reducing treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding ABC transporters in the context of cancer drug resistance.
- To explore the structure-function relationships and transport profiles of ABC transporters.
- To provide insights into targeting ABC transporters for overcoming MDR and improving cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on ABC transporters and cancer.
- Analysis of structure-function relationships and transport mechanisms.
- Discussion of strategies for targeting ABC transporters to combat MDR.
Main Results:
- ABC transporters play a significant role in mediating cancer multidrug resistance.
- These transporters are involved in other critical cancer-related biological processes, including signal transduction.
- Targeting ABC transporters presents a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Continued research into ABC transporters is vital for understanding their multifaceted roles in cancer.
- Developing novel therapeutic strategies that target ABC transporters holds promise for overcoming drug resistance.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge to guide future development of more effective cancer treatments.
