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Active efflux of CPT-11 and its metabolites in human KB-derived cell lines

X Y Chu1, H Suzuki, K Ueda

  • 1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Insights

Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediate the efflux of irinotecan (CPT-11) and its metabolite SN-38. This study reveals distinct substrate specificities among glutathione S-conjugate export pump (GS-X pump) family members, impacting drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Chemotherapeutic agents like irinotecan (CPT-11) are subject to efflux by transporter proteins, contributing to drug resistance.
  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), and glutathione S-conjugate export pump (GS-X pump) families are implicated in drug efflux.
  • Understanding the specific roles of these pumps in CPT-11 and its metabolite SN-38 transport is crucial for overcoming resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of P-gp, MRP, and GS-X pump family members in the active efflux of CPT-11 and its metabolites.
  • To determine the contribution of these transporters to the acquisition of resistance against CPT-11 and SN-38.
  • To elucidate the substrate specificity of different GS-X pump family members.

Main Methods:

  • Uptake studies of CPT-11, SN-38, and SN38-glucuronide (SN38-Glu) using membrane vesicles from human epidermoid KB-3-1 derived cell lines overexpressing P-gp (KB-C2), MRP (C-A500), and an unidentified GS-X pump (KCP-4).
  • Assessed ATP-dependent transport kinetics (Michaelis constant) for SN-38 and CPT-11.
  • Evaluated drug resistance using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Main Results:

  • SN-38 carboxylate form showed significant ATP-dependent transport into C-A500 (MRP) vesicles (Km = 17 microM).
  • CPT-11 carboxylate form exhibited ATP-dependent uptake primarily in KB-C2 (P-gp) vesicles.
  • SN38-Glu uptake was ATP-dependent in C-A500 and KB-C2 vesicles, with higher activity in C-A500; KCP-4 showed minimal uptake.
  • Resistance fold-changes compared to KB-3-1 were: KB-C2 (CPT-11: 6.3x, SN-38: 6.8x), C-A500 (CPT-11: 12x, SN-38: 27x), KCP-4 (CPT-11: 2.3x, SN-38: 20x).

Conclusions:

  • MRP and P-gp are involved in the active efflux of SN-38 and CPT-11, respectively, from human KB-derived cells.
  • The study demonstrates distinct substrate specificities among members of the GS-X pump family.
  • These findings highlight the complex role of drug efflux transporters in mediating resistance to irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

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