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Published on: September 15, 2018
Defect of multidrug-resistance 3 gene expression in a subtype of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
J F Deleuze1, E Jacquemin, C Dubuisson
1Unité INSERM U 347, le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
Abstract:
Disruption of the murine mdr2 (multidrug-resistance) gene, which encodes a phosphatidylcholine flippase, leads to a hepatic disorder because of loss of biliary phospholipid secretion. Among the hereditary human cholestasis, a subtype of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis with high gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) serum activity shares histological, biochemical, and genetic features with mice lacking mdr2 gene expression (mdr2 -/- mice). No MDR3 (human mdr2 homolog) messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected by Northern blotting in the liver of a patient suffering from this form of PFIC, and the biliary phospholipid level in a second patient was substantially decreased. Thus, the absence of the MDR3 P-glycoprotein may be responsible for this type of PFIC, which, as in the murine model, may be due to a toxic effect of bile acids on the biliary epithelium in absence of biliary phospholipids.
Insights
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) may result from a lack of MDR3 P-glycoprotein, which impairs biliary phospholipid secretion. This mirrors a murine model, suggesting bile acid toxicity in the absence of phospholipids.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Genetics
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Background:
- The murine mdr2 gene encodes a phosphatidylcholine flippase, crucial for biliary phospholipid secretion.
- Disruption of mdr2 in mice causes a hepatic disorder characterized by impaired bile formation.
Observation:
- A subtype of human progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) with high gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) exhibits similarities to mdr2-deficient mice.
- Absence of MDR3 (human mdr2 homolog) mRNA and decreased biliary phospholipid levels were noted in PFIC patients.
Findings:
- The absence of functional MDR3 P-glycoprotein is implicated as a cause of this PFIC subtype.
- This deficiency leads to a loss of biliary phospholipid secretion, similar to the mdr2-/- murine model.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that MDR3 deficiency may render the biliary epithelium susceptible to bile acid toxicity.
- Understanding this mechanism could inform therapeutic strategies for PFIC and related cholestatic disorders.
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