Transport of glutathione and glutathione conjugates by MRP1

Role of nanomedicine in reversing drug resistance mediated by ATP binding cassette transporters and P-glycoprotein in melanoma

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the most common complex phenomenons exhibited by cancer cells. It is a very common property of melanoma postchemotherapy. MDR transporters, ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, play a critical role in conferring this property to melanoma cells. miRNA are post-transcriptional regulators that regulate the expression of these ABC transporters. Targeting these miRNA, in turn targeting ABC transporters with the help of nanodelivery systems to overcome drug resistance, is the primary focus for attaining successful treatment methods for drug-resistant melanoma. These delivery systems are endocytosed by the cancer cells and do not require ABC transporters for their delivery, being a promising therapeutic measure for melanoma.

Glutathione in cancer cell death

Glutathione (L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) in cancer cells is particularly relevant in the regulation of carcinogenic mechanisms; sensitivity against cytotoxic drugs, ionizing radiations, and some cytokines; DNA synthesis; and cell proliferation and death. The intracellular thiol redox state (controlled by GSH) is one of the endogenous effectors involved in regulating the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex and, in consequence, thiol oxidation can be a causal factor in the mitochondrion-based mechanism that leads to cell death. Nevertheless GSH depletion is a common feature not only of apoptosis but also of other types of cell death. Indeed rates of GSH synthesis and fluxes regulate its levels in cellular compartments, and potentially influence switches among different mechanisms of death. How changes in gene expression, post-translational modifications of proteins, and signaling cascades are implicated will be discussed. Furthermore, this review will finally analyze whether GSH depletion may facilitate cancer cell death under in vivo conditions, and how this can be applied to cancer therapy.

Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs, ABCCs): importance for pathophysiology and drug therapy

The nine multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) represent the major part of the 12 members of the MRP/CFTR subfamily belonging to the 48 human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Cloning, functional characterization, and cellular localization of most MRP subfamily members have identified them as ATP-dependent efflux pumps with a broad substrate specificity for the transport of endogenous and xenobiotic anionic substances localized in cellular plasma membranes. Prototypic substrates include glutathione conjugates such as leukotriene C(4) for MRP1, MRP2, and MRP4, bilirubin glucuronosides for MRP2 and MRP3, and cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP for MRP4, MRP5, and MRP8. Reduced glutathione (GSH), present in living cells at millimolar concentrations, modifies the substrate specificities of several MRPs, as exemplified by the cotransport of vincristine with GSH by MRP1, or by the cotransport of GSH with bile acids or of GSH with leukotriene B(4) by MRP4.The role of MRP subfamily members in pathophysiology may be illustrated by the MRP-mediated release of proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostanoids. Pathophysiological consequences of many genetic variants leading to a lack of functional MRP protein in the plasma membrane are observed in the hereditary MRP2 deficiency associated with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in Dubin-Johnson syndrome, in pseudoxanthoma elasticum due to mutations in the MRP6 (ABCC6) gene, or in the type of human earwax and osmidrosis determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MRP8 (ABCC8) gene. The hepatobiliary and renal elimination of many drugs and their metabolites is mediated by MRP2 in the hepatocyte canalicular membrane and by MRP4 as well as MRP2 in the luminal membrane of kidney proximal tubules. Therefore, inhibition of these efflux pumps affects pharmacokinetics, unless compensated by other ATP-dependent efflux pumps with overlapping substrate specificities.

The "specific" P-glycoprotein inhibitor Tariquidar is also a substrate and an inhibitor for breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2)

Tariquidar was developed as a specific inhibitor of the efflux transporter ABCB1. Recent positron emission tomographic brain imaging studies using [(11)C]tariquidar to measure ABCB1 (P-gp, P-glycoprotein) density in mice indicate that the inhibitor may not be as specific as previously thought. We examined its selectivity as an inhibitor and a substrate for the human transporters P-gp, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2), and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1). Our results show that at low concentrations, tariquidar acts selectively as an inhibitor of P-gp and also as a substrate of BCRP. At much higher concentrations (≥100 nM), tariquidar acts as an inhibitor of both P-gp and BCRP. Thus, the in vivo specificity of tariquidar depends on concentration and the relative density and capacity of P-gp vs BCRP.

Lentinan enhances cisplatin-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation in human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901

AIM: To investigate whether lentinan enhances cisplatin-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation in human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and to explore its effect on the expression of multidrug resistance genes.

METHODS: SGC-7901 cells were divided into four groups: untreated cells (control group), those treated with lentinan alone (lentinan group), those treated with cisplatin alone (cisplatin group), and those treated with both lentinan and cisplatin (lentinan + cisplatin group). RT-PCR was applied to detect the mRNA expression of MDR1, MRP1, and LRP in SGC-7901 cells. The proliferation of SGC-7901 cells was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8.

RESULTS: High expression of multidrug resistance genes MDR1, MRP1 and LRP was detected in untreated SGC-7901 cells. Treatment with lentinan significantly decreased the mRNA expression of multidrug resistance genes but had no effect on cell proliferation (P > 0.05). Cisplatin treatment lessened cell proliferation and promoted the expression of multidrug resistance genes. Treatment with lentinan + cisplatin completely suppressed the mRNA expression of MDR1 and MRP1 and significantly decreased LRP expression and cell proliferation compared with the control group, lentinan group, and cisplatin group (10 d: 0.54 vs 1.90, 1.88, 0.92, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Lentinan combined with cisplatin can significantly inhibit the expression of multidrug resistance genes and strongly enhance cisplatin-mediated inhibition of the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells.

Interactions between detoxification mechanisms and excretion in Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster

Insects have long been known to excrete toxins via the Malpighian (renal) tubules. In addition, exposure to natural or synthetic toxins is commonly associated with increases in the activity of detoxification enzymes such as the P450 monoxygenases (P450s) and the glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs). We examined the links between mechanisms for detoxification and excretion in adult Drosophila melanogaster using functional assays and measurements of changes in gene expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in response to dietary exposure to compounds known to alter activity or gene expression of P450s and GSTs. Dietary exposure to phenol, which alters gene expression for multiple GSTs after seven to 10 generations, was also associated with an increase (more than twofold) in secretion of the organic anion methotrexate (MTX) by isolated tubules. Dietary exposure to the insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was associated with reduced expression of two P450 genes (Cyp4e2, Cyp4p1) and two GST genes (GstD1, GstD5) in the tubules, as well as increased expression of Cyp12d1 and GstE1. Thin layer chromatographic analysis of fluid secreted by isolated tubules indicated that dietary exposure to PBO resulted in increased levels of an MTX metabolite. In addition, exposure to PBO altered the expression of transporter genes in the tubules, including a Drosophila multidrug resistance-associated protein, and was associated with a 73% increase in MTX secretion by isolated tubules. The results suggest that exposure of Drosophila to toxins evokes a coordinated response by the Malpighian tubules, involving both alterations in detoxification pathways as well as enhanced transport.

Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated reduction of IgG-fusion protein aggregation in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Formation of high molecular weight (HMW) species is a common issue encountered during manufacture of protein therapeutics. With advanced purification techniques, efficient removal of protein aggregates is no longer a challenging task, but it is important to minimize protein aggregation level at the culture stage to reduce the downstream burden and improve overall process yield. In this regard, our recent effort on medium optimization has led us to unexpectedly discover that glucocorticoids can significantly reduce the formation of HMW species in IgG-fusion protein produced by CHO cells. First, the effectiveness of dexamethasone can be seen at nanomolar concentrations, which allows this glucocorticoid analog to be a cost-efficient chemical for reducing protein aggregation in cell cultures. Second, this reduction is mediated through glucocorticoid receptors (GR) as it is antagonized by GR antagonist RU486. Third, GR activation upregulates expression of glutathione reductase but not protein disulfide-isomerase, which may help with providing a balanced redox condition in the cells. Last, the beneficial effect of dexamethasone is not limited to one cell line, and it can be repeated in a different cell line, indicating that glucocorticoids are also applicable to other DG44 cell lines for reducing protein aggregation.

Formaldehyde stimulates Mrp1-mediated glutathione deprivation of cultured astrocytes

Formaldehyde (Fal) is an environmental neurotoxin that is also endogenously produced in brain. Since the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in detoxification processes in brain cells, we have investigated the consequences of a Fal exposure on the GSH metabolism of brain cells, using astrocyte-rich primary cultures as model system. Treatment of these cultures with Fal resulted in a rapid time- and concentration-dependent depletion of cellular GSH and a matching increase in the extracellular GSH content. Exposure of astrocytes to 1mm Fal for 3h did not compromise cell viability but almost completely deprived the cells of GSH. Half-maximal deprivation of cellular GSH was observed after application of 0.3mm Fal. This effect was rather specific for Fal, since methanol, formate or acetaldehyde did not affect cellular GSH levels. The Fal-stimulated GSH loss from viable astrocytes was completely prevented by semicarbazide-mediated chemical removal of Fal or by the application of MK571, an inhibitor of the multidrug resistance protein 1. These data demonstrate that Fal deprives astrocytes of cellular GSH by a multidrug resistance protein 1-mediated process.

Differential cellular responses to protein adducts of naphthoquinone and monocrotaline pyrrole

Protein-xenobiotic adducts are byproducts of xenobiotic metabolism. While there is a correlation between protein adduction and target organ toxicity, a cause and effect relationship is not often clear. Naphthoquinone (NQ) and monocrotaline pyrrole (MCTP) are two pneumotoxic electrophiles that form covalent adducts with a similar select group of proteins rich in reactive thiols. In this study, we treated human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) with NQ, MCTP, or preformed NQ or MCTP adducts to the protein galectin-1 (gal-1) and examined indicators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidative injury, markers of apoptosis (caspase-3 and annexin V), and gene responses of cellular stress. ROS production was assayed fluorescently using CM-H(2)DCFDA. NQ adducts to gal-1 (NQ-gal) produced 183% more intracellular ROS than gal-1 alone (p < 0.0001). Caspase-3 activity and annexin V staining of phosphatidylserine were used to assess apoptotic activity in treated cells. HPAEC exposed to MCTP-gal had increases in both caspase-3 activation and membrane translocation of annexin V relative to gal-1 alone (p < 0.0001). Direct application of NQ produced significantly more ROS and induced significant caspase-3 activation, whereas MCTP did not. Human bronchial epithelial cells were also exposed to MCTP-gal and found to have significant increases in both caspase-3 activation and annexin V staining in comparison to that of gal-1 (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that both NQ and MCTP significantly induced the Nrf2 mediated stress response pathway despite differences in ROS generation. ER stress was not induced by either adducts or parent compounds as seen by quantitative RT-PCR, but HOX-1 expression was significantly induced by NQ-gal and MCTP alone. Electrophile adduction to gal-1 produces different cytotoxic effects specific to each reactive intermediate.

Spatial expression and functionality of drug transporters in the intact lung: objectives for further research

This commentary provides a background appraising evidence in the intact lung on the spatial expression of drug transporters and, where available, evidence in the intact lung of the impact, or otherwise, that such transporters can have upon pulmonary drug absorption and disposition. Ultimately drug discovery and development scientists will wish to identify in a 'pulmonary' context the effect of disease upon transporter function, the potential for drug transporters to contribute to drug-drug interactions and to inter-individual variation in drug handling and response. The rate and extent of lung epithelial permeation of drugs involve an interplay between the dose and the deposition site of drug within the lung and physiological variables operational at the epithelial-luminal interface. Amongst the latter variables is the potential impact of active transporter processes which may well display regio-selective characteristics along the epithelial tract. In pulmonary tissues the spatial pattern of drug transporter expression is generally poorly defined and the functional significance of transporters within the intact lung is explored in only a limited manner. Active transporters in the lung epithelium may affect airway residence times of drug, modulate access of drug to intracellular targets and to submucosal lung tissue, and potentially influence airway to systemic drug absorption profiles. Transporters in the lung tissue may also have the capacity to mediate uptake of drug from the systemic circulation resulting in drug accumulation in the lung. Transporters have physiological roles and new drug candidates while not necessarily serving as transport substrates may modulate transporter activity and hence physiology. The commentary highlights a series of recommendations for further work in pulmonary drug transporter research.

Promoter polymorphism of MRP1 associated with reduced survival in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of the G-1666A polymorphism in the multidrug resistance related protein-1 (MRP1) on outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: A cohort of 162 patients with surgically resected HCC who received no postsurgical treatment until relapse was studied. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to evaluate the influence of the G-1666A polymorphism on the binding affinity of the MRP1 promoter with its putative transcription factors.

RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with GG homologues had a reduced 4-year disease-free survival compared with those carrying at least one A allele (P = 0.011). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the -1666GG genotype represented an independent predictor of poorer disease-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.067, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.587-5.952, P = 0.001], and this trend became worse in men (HR = 3.154, 95% CI: 1.604-6.201, P = 0.001). A similar association was also observed between 4-year overall survival and the polymorphism in men (HR = 3.342, 95% CI: 1.474-7.576, P = 0.004). Moreover, EMSA suggested that the G allele had a stronger binding affinity to nuclear proteins.

CONCLUSION: The MRP1 -1666GG genotype predicted a worse outcome and was an independent predictor of poor survival in patients with HCC from Southeast China.

Expression and function of human MRP1 (ABCC1) is dependent on amino acids in cytoplasmic loop 5 and its interface with nucleotide binding domain 2

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that effluxes drugs and organic anions across the plasma membrane. The 17 transmembrane helices of MRP1 are linked by extracellular and cytoplasmic loops (CLs), but their role in coupling the ATPase activity of MRP1 to the translocation of its substrates is poorly understood. Here we have examined the importance of CL5 by mutating eight conserved charged residues and the helix-disrupting Gly(511) in this region. Ala substitution of Lys(513), Lys(516), Glu(521), and Glu(535) markedly reduced MRP1 levels. Because three of these residues are predicted to lie at the interface of CL5 and the second nucleotide binding domain (NBD2), a critical role is indicated for this region in the plasma membrane expression of MRP1. Further support for this idea was obtained by mutating NBD2 amino acids His(1364) and Arg(1367) at the CL5 interface, which also resulted in reduced MRP1 levels. In contrast, mutation of Arg(501), Lys(503), Glu(507), Arg(532), and Gly(511) had no effect on MRP1 levels. Except for K503A, however, transport by these mutants was reduced by 50 to 75%, an effect largely attributable to reduced substrate binding and affinity. Studies with (32)P-labeled azido-ATP also indicated that whereas ATP binding by the G511I mutant was unchanged, vanadate-induced trapping of azido-ADP was reduced, indicating changes in the catalytic activity of MRP1. Together, these data demonstrate the multiple roles for CL5 in the membrane expression and function of MRP1.

Effect of alcohol on drug efflux protein and drug metabolic enzymes in U937 macrophages

BACKGROUND

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes regulate the bioavailability of HIV-1 antiretroviral therapeutic drugs, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs). They are also involved in regulating, and responding to, oxidative stress in various tissues and organs including liver. This study is designed to assess the effect of alcohol on the ABCC1 and CYP enzymes involved in the metabolism of NNRTIs and PIs (CYP2B6, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) and oxidative stress (CYP1A1, CYP2A6, and CYP2E1) in U937 macrophages. The U937 cell line has been utilized as an in vitro model of human macrophages.

METHODS

The expression levels of the ABCC1 and CYP enzymes in U937 macrophages were characterized in terms of mRNA quantification, protein analysis, and assays for functional activity. In addition, oxidative stress was monitored by measuring the activities of oxidative stress marker enzymes and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

RESULTS

The order of mRNA expression in U937 macrophages was ABCC1 ∼ CYP2A6 > CYP3A4 ∼ CYP2E1 ∼ CYP1A1 > CYP2D6 > CYP2B6. Alcohol (100 mM) increased the mRNA levels of ABCC1 and CYP2A6 (200%), CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 (150%), and CYP2E1 (400%) compared with the control. Alcohol caused significant upregulation of ABCC1, CYP2A6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 proteins (50 to 85%) and showed >50% increase in the specific activity of CYP2A6 and CYP3A4 in U937 macrophages. Furthermore, alcohol increased the production of ROS and significantly enhanced the activity of oxidative stress marker enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in U937 macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that alcohol causes increases in the genetic and functional expressions of ABCC1 and CYP enzymes in U937 macrophages. This study has clinical implications in alcoholic HIV-1 individuals, because alcohol consumption is reported to reduce the therapeutic efficacy of NNRTIs and PIs and increases oxidative stress.

Suppression of Ycf1p function by Cka1p-dependent phosphorylation is attenuated in response to salt stress

The yeast vacuolar membrane protein Ycf1p and its mammalian counterpart, MRP1, belong to the ABCC subfamily of ATP-binding cassette transporters. Genetic evidence suggests that the yeast casein kinase 2α, Cka1p, negatively regulates Ycf1p function via phosphorylation of Ser251 within the N-terminus. In this study, we provide strong evidence that Cka1p regulates Ycf1p function via phosphorylation of Ser251. We show that the CK2 holoenzyme interacts with Ycf1p. However, genetic analysis suggests that only Cka1p is required for Ser251 phosphorylation, as the deletion of CKA1 significantly reduces Ser251 phosphorylation in vivo. Furthermore, purified recombinant Cka1p phosphorylates a Ycf1p-derived peptide containing Ser251. We also demonstrate that Ycf1p function is induced in response to high salt stress. Induction of the Ycf1p function strongly correlates with reduced phosphorylation of Ser251. Importantly, Cka1p activity in vivo is similarly reduced in response to salt stress, consistent with our finding that Cka1p directly phosphorylates Ser251 of Ycf1p. We provide genetic and biochemical evidence that strongly suggests that the induction of Ycf1p function is the result of decreased phosphorylation of Ser251. In conclusion, our work demonstrates a novel biochemical role for Cka1p regulation of Ycf1p function in the cellular response of yeast to salt stress.

Identification of five partial ABC genes in the liver of the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii and sensitivity of ABCB1 and ABCC2 to Cd exposure

Several ABC transporters have been characterized from many aquatic organisms, but no information is yet available for Antarctic fish. The aim of this work was to identify the expression of genes for ABC proteins in Trematomus bernacchii, a bioindicator species of the Southern Ocean. Partial cDNA sequences of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC4 and ABCC9 were cloned from liver. Using RACE technology, 3.5 and 2.2 kb contigs were obtained for ABCB1 and ABCC2. Considering the elevated natural bioavailability of cadmium at Terra Nova Bay, responsiveness of ABCB1 and ABCC2 to this element was investigated under laboratory conditions. ABCB1 and ABCC2 mRNA levels were approximately four-fold higher in Cd-exposed fish compared to the controls. Induction of ABCB1 protein was also found by western blot. This study provides the first identification of five ABC genes in the liver of an Antarctic key species, some of which may be involved in cellular detoxification.

Quercetin: a potential drug to reverse multidrug resistance

This review centers on recent findings with respect to modulating cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) with the well-known flavonoid quercetin. After a short introduction of quercetin, major in vitro and in vivo findings are summarized showing that quercetin is a MDR modulator and thus a potential chemosensitizer. Finally, we contemplate future prospects of modulating MDR in the clinic.

ABC transporters in human lymphocytes: expression, activity and role, modulating factors and consequences for antiretroviral therapies

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a superfamily of efflux pumps that transport numerous compounds across cell membranes. These transporters are located in various human tissues including peripheral blood cells, in particular lymphocytes, and present a high variability of expression and activity. This variability may affect the intracellular concentrations and efficacy of drugs acting within lymphocytes, such as antiretroviral drugs.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

This review focuses on the current knowledge about the expression, activity, roles and variability of ABC drug transporters in human lymphocytes. The identified modulating factors and their impact on the intracellular pharmacokinetics and efficacy of antiretroviral drugs are also detailed.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

Controversial data regarding the expression, activity and sources of variability of ABC transporters in lymphocytes are discussed. The modulating factors and their pharmacological consequences regarding antiretroviral therapies are also provided.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Numerous studies have reported conflicting results regarding the expression and activity of ABC drug transporters in lymphocytes. Despite these discrepancies, which may partly result from heterogeneous analytical methods, ABCC1 appears to have the highest expression in lymphocytes and may thus play a predominant role in the resistance to antiretroviral drugs, particularly to protease inhibitors.

Role of metallothionein in cadmium traffic and toxicity in kidneys and other mammalian organs

Metallothioneins are cysteine-rich, small metal-binding proteins present in various mammalian tissues. Of the four common metallothioneins, MT-1 and MT-2 (MTs) are expressed in most tissues, MT-3 is predominantly present in brain, whereas MT-4 is restricted to the squamous epithelia. The expression of MT-1 and MT-2 in some organs exhibits sex, age, and strain differences, and inducibility with a variety of stimuli. In adult mammals, MTs have been localized largely in the cell cytoplasm, but also in lysosomes, mitochondria and nuclei. The major physiological functions of MTs include homeostasis of essential metals Zn and Cu, protection against cytotoxicity of Cd and other toxic metals, and scavenging free radicals generated in oxidative stress. The role of MTs in Cd-induced acute and chronic toxicity, particularly in liver and kidneys, is reviewed in more details. In acute toxicity, liver is the primary target, whereas in chronic toxicity, kidneys are major targets of Cd. The intracellular MTs bind Cd ions and form CdMT. In chronic intoxication, Cd stimulates de novo synthesis of MTs; it is assumed that toxicity in the cells starts when loading with Cd ions exceeds the buffering capacity of intracellular MTs. CdMT, released from the Cd-injured organs, or when applied parenterally for experimental purposes, reaches the kidneys via circulation, where it is filtered, endocytosed in the proximal tubule cells, and degraded in lysosomes. Liberated Cd can immediately affect the cell structures and functions. The resulting proteinuria and CdMT in the urine can be used as biomarkers of tubular injury.

Genetic variations in human glutathione transferase enzymes: significance for pharmacology and toxicology

Glutathione transferase enzymes (GSTs) catalyze reactions in which electrophiles are conjugated to the tripeptide thiol glutathione. While many GST-catalyzed transformations result in the detoxication of xenobiotics, a few substrates, such as dihaloalkanes, undergo bioactivation to reactive intermediates. Many molecular epidemiological studies have tested associations between polymorphisms (especially, deletions) of human GST genes and disease susceptibility or response to therapy. This review presents a discussion of the biochemistry of GSTs, the sources-both genetic and environmental-of interindividual variation in GST activities, and their implications for pharmaco- and toxicogenetics; particular attention is paid to the Theta class GSTs.

Oxidative stress-based cytotoxicity of delphinidin and cyanidin in colon cancer cells

Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer death in the western world. Although the prognosis has improved after the introduction of newer anticancer drugs, the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer still remains a challenge due to a high percentage of drug-resistant tumor forms. We aimed at testing whether anthocyanidins exerted cytotoxicity in primary (Caco-2) and metastatic (LoVo and LoVo/ADR) colorectal cancer cell lines. Both cyanidin and delphinidin, though neither pelargonidin nor malvidin, were cytotoxic in metastatic cells only. The cell line most sensitive to anthocyanidins was the drug-resistant LoVo/ADR. There, cellular ROS accumulation, inhibition of glutathione reductase, and depletion of glutathione could be observed. This suggests that anthocyanidins may be used as sensitizing agents in metastatic colorectal cancer therapy.

MRP1 polymorphisms associated with citalopram response in patients with major depression

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) transports antidepressive agents in the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, polymorphisms in the MRP1 gene may affect the treatment response of antidepressants. This study was aimed to identify the association between genetic variations in MRP1/ABCC1 and the therapeutic response to the antidepressant citalopram. One hundred and twenty-three patients who had been treated with citalopram monotherapy to control their major depressive disorder were recruited, and genotype data from 64 patients who had completed their 8-week follow-up were evaluated together with those from 100 controls. Nine MRP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing more than 5% allele frequency in the Korean population were analyzed. The c.4002G>A, a synonymous SNP in exon 28, showed a strong association with the remission state at 8 weeks (P = 0.005, odds ratio [OR], 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5 approximately 14.7). The c.4002G>A forms a linkage disequilibrium block with 3 other SNPs including c.5462T>A in the 3' untranslated region. Accordingly, the haplotype showed a significant association with the remission state (P = 0.014). Subsequent molecular studies also supported the association between these MRP1 polymorphisms and the citalopram response. Thus, kinetic studies using MRP1-enriched membrane vesicles revealed that citalopram is a substrate of MRP1 (Km = 1.99 microM, Vmax = 137 pmol/min per milligram protein). In addition, individuals with c.4002G>A or c.5462T>A polymorphisms showed higher MRP1 mRNA levels in peripheral blood cells. These results suggest that MRP1 polymorphisms may be a predictive marker of citalopram treatment in major depression.

Role of the multidrug resistance protein-1 (MRP1) for endothelial progenitor cell function and survival

The multidrug resistance related protein-1 (MRP1) is a member of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) of cell surface transport proteins expressed in multiple cell lines and tissues including endothelial cells and haematopoietic stem cells. MRP1 blockade has been shown to prevent endothelial cell apoptosis and improve endothelial function. Besides mature endothelial cells vascular homing of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contributes to endothelial regeneration after vascular damage. Thus, we hypothesized that MRP1 influences number and function of EPCs and mechanisms of vascular repair. To test this, we investigated the effects of MRP1 inhibition in vitro and in vivo. MRP1 is abundantly expressed in cultured human early outgrowth EPCs. Pharmacological inhibition of MRP1 by MK571 increased intracellular glutathione levels and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. This stabilization of the intracellular redox homeostasis via inhibition of MRP1 prevented angiotensin II-induced apoptosis and increased the number of early outgrowth EPCs and colony forming units in vitro. To extend the observed cytoprotective effect of MRP1 blockade in EPCs to an in vivo situation, MRP1(-/-) knockout mice were investigated. MRP1(-/-) knockout mice showed significantly increased numbers of EPCs circulating in the peripheral blood and residing in the bone marrow. Consistently, colony forming unit formation was enhanced and rate of apoptosis reduced in early outgrowth EPCs derived from MRP1(-/-) knockout mice. In addition, MRP1(-/-) knockout mice showed improved reendothelialization after carotid artery injury, and transfusion of MNCs derived from MRP1(-/-) knockout mice into wild-type mice accelerated reendothelialization compared to transfusion of wild-type cells. These findings indicate that the enhanced function and survival of EPCs in MRP1(-/-) knockout mice resulted in improved reendothelialization. In conclusion, MRP1 negatively influences EPC function and survival via perturbation of the intracellular redox homeostasis which finally leads to increased cellular apoptosis. These results reveal novel mechanistic insights and may identify MRP1 as therapeutic target to improve reendothelialization after vascular damage.

ABC transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and their interactors: new technology advances the biology of the ABCC (MRP) subfamily

Members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily exist in bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals and play key roles in the efflux of xenobiotic compounds, physiological substrates, and toxic intracellular metabolites. Based on sequence relatedness, mammalian ABC proteins have been divided into seven subfamilies, ABC subfamily A (ABCA) to ABCG. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of ABC transporters in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We propose a revised unified nomenclature for the six yeast ABC subfamilies to reflect the current mammalian designations ABCA to ABCG. In addition, we specifically review the well-studied yeast ABCC subfamily (formerly designated the MRP/CFTR subfamily), which includes six members (Ycf1p, Bpt1p, Ybt1p/Bat1p, Nft1p, Vmr1p, and Yor1p). We focus on Ycf1p, the best-characterized yeast ABCC transporter. Ycf1p is located in the vacuolar membrane in yeast and functions in a manner analogous to that of the human multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP1, also called ABCC1), mediating the transport of glutathione-conjugated toxic compounds. We review what is known about Ycf1p substrates, trafficking, processing, posttranslational modifications, regulation, and interactors. Finally, we discuss a powerful new yeast two-hybrid technology called integrated membrane yeast two-hybrid (iMYTH) technology, which was designed to identify interactors of membrane proteins. iMYTH technology has successfully identified novel interactors of Ycf1p and promises to be an invaluable tool in future efforts to comprehensively define the yeast ABC interactome.

Cysteine and glutathione mixed-disulfide conjugates of thiosulfinates: chemical synthesis and biological activities

The chemical syntheses of cysteine (CYS) and glutathione (GSH) mixed -disulfide conjugates (CySSR, GSSR, respectively) of mercapto residues representing most of the R groups of thiosulfinates (R = methyl, ethyl, propyl, and allyl) are described. Gram-scale conjugates were prepared as >98% pure preparations, with 80% reaction yield for each of the two seminal synthesis steps, with structures confirmed by (1)H NMR and high-resolution MS analyses. These conjugates are derivatives of thiosulfinates that may be evolved in processed foods, in the digestive tract, and through in vivo metabolism. The prepared conjugates were found to be able to induce quinone reductase (QR, a representative phase II enzyme) in murine hepatoma cells (Hepa 1c1c7) and to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), indicating they have potential cancer preventive and anti-inflammatory activities. Among the prepared conjugates, the allyl conjugates of CYS and GSH, S-allylmercaptocysteine (CySSA) and S-allylmercaptoglutathione (GSSA), showed the most potent activity regarding QR induction and NO production inhibition. The conjugates with saturated R groups were also active and conferred biological activity as cystine and oxidized glutathione exhibited no effects in these cellular assays.

Structure of a human multidrug transporter in an inward-facing conformation

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (ABCC1) is a member of the 'C' class of ATP-binding cassette transporters, which can give rise to resistance to chemotherapy via drug export from cells. It also acts as a leukotriene C4 transporter, and hence has a role in adaptive immune response. Most C-class members have an additional NH(2)-terminal transmembrane domain versus other ATP-binding cassette transporters, but little is known about the structure and role of this domain. Using electron cryomicroscopy of 2D crystals, data at 1/6per A(-1) resolution was generated for the full-length ABCC1 protein in the absence of ATP. Analysis using homologous structures from bacteria and mammals allowed the core transmembrane domains to be localised in the map. These display an inward-facing conformation and there is a noteworthy separation of the cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding domains. Examination of non-core features in the map suggests that the additional NH(2)-terminal domain has extensive contacts on one side of both core domains, and mirrors their inward-facing configuration in the absence of nucleotide.

Enzymes Involved in Processing Glutathione Conjugates

Many potentially toxic electrophiles react with glutathione to form glutathione S-conjugates in reactions catalyzed or enhanced by glutathione S-transferases. The glutathione S-conjugate is sequentially converted to the cysteinylglycine-, cysteine- and N-acetyl-cysteine S-conjugate (mercapturate). The mercapturate is generally more polar and water soluble than the parent electrophile and is readily excreted. Excretion of the mercapturate represents a detoxication mechanism. Some endogenous compounds, such as leukotrienes, prostaglandin (PG) A2, 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-PGJ₂, and hydroxynonenal can also be metabolized to mercapturates and excreted. On occasion, however, formation of glutathione S- and cysteine S-conjugates are bioactivation events as the metabolites are mutagenic and/or cytotoxic. When the cysteine S-conjugate contains a strong electron-withdrawing group attached at the sulfur, it may be converted by cysteine S-conjugate β-lyases to pyruvate, ammonium and the original electrophile modified to contain an –SH group. If this modified electrophile is highly reactive then the enzymes of the mercapturate pathway together with the cysteine S-conjugate β-lyases constitute a bioactivation pathway. Some endogenous halogenated environmental contaminants and drugs are bioactivated by this mechanism. Recent studies suggest that coupling of enzymes of the mercapturate pathway to cysteine S-conjugate β-lyases may be more common in nature and more widespread in the metabolism of electrophilic xenobiotics than previously realized.

Multidrug efflux transporters limit accumulation of inorganic, but not organic, mercury in sea urchin embryos

Mercuric compounds are persistent global pollutants that accumulate in marine organisms and in humans who consume them. While the chemical cycles and speciation of mercury in the oceans are relatively well described, the cellular mechanisms that govern which forms of mercury accumulate in cells and why they persist are less understood. In this study we examined the role of multidrug efflux transport in the differential accumulation of inorganic (HgCl(2)) and organic (CH(3)HgCl) mercury in sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) embryos. We found that inhibition of MRP/ABCC-type transporters increases intracellular accumulation of inorganic mercury but had no effect on accumulation of organic mercury. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of metal conjugating enzymes by ligands GST/GSH significantly increases this antimitotic potency of inorganic mercury, but had no effect on the potency of organic mercury. Our results point to MRP-mediated elimination of inorganic mercury conjugates as a cellular basis for differences in the accumulation and potency of the two major forms of mercury found in marine environments.

A promiscuous conformational switch in the secondary multidrug transporter MdfA

Multidrug (Mdr) transporters are membrane proteins that actively export structurally dissimilar drugs from the cell, thereby rendering the cell resistant to toxic compounds. Similar to substrate-specific transporters, Mdr transporters also undergo substrate-induced conformational changes. However, the mechanism by which a variety of dissimilar substrates are able to induce similar transport-compatible conformational responses in a single transporter remains unclear. To address this major aspect of Mdr transport, we studied the conformational behavior of the Escherichia coli Mdr transporter MdfA. Our results show that indeed, different substrates induce similar conformational changes in the transporter. Intriguingly, in addition, we observed that compounds other than substrates are able to confer similar conformational changes when covalently attached at the putative Mdr recognition pocket of MdfA. Taken together, the results suggest that the Mdr-binding pocket of MdfA is conformationally sensitive. We speculate that the same conformational switch that usually drives active transport is triggered promiscuously by merely occupying the Mdr-binding site.

Apoptosis and glutathione: beyond an antioxidant

Apoptosis is a conserved homeostatic process critical for organ and tissue morphogenesis, development, and senescence. This form of programmed cell death also participates in the etiology of several human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune disorders. Although the signaling pathways leading to the progression of apoptosis have been extensively characterized, recent studies highlight the regulatory role of changes in the intracellular milieu (permissive apoptotic environment) in the efficient activation of the cell death machinery. In particular, glutathione (GSH) depletion is a common feature of apoptotic cell death triggered by a wide variety of stimuli including activation of death receptors, stress, environmental agents, and cytotoxic drugs. Although initial studies suggested that GSH depletion was only a byproduct of oxidative stress generated during cell death, recent discoveries suggest that GSH depletion and post-translational modifications of proteins through glutathionylation are critical regulators of apoptosis. Here, we reformulate these emerging paradigms into our current understanding of cell death mechanisms.

Aromatic 2-(thio)ureidocarboxylic acids as a new family of modulators of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1: synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationships

Four series of aromatic carboxylic acids were prepared with a urea or thiourea moiety at the neighboring position to the carboxyl group and benzene or thiophene as aromatic scaffold. Using a calcein AM assay, these compounds were evaluated as inhibitors of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and selected compounds were examined toward P-glycoprotein (P-gp) as well as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) to assess selectivity for MRP1. Two 2-thioureidobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylic acids (48, 49) were identified as particularly potent inhibitors of MRP1, with IC50 values of around 1 microM. The structural features of this new family of nontoxic MRP1 inhibitors include a (thio)urea disubstituted with preferentially two alkyl groups at the terminal nitrogen and an additional fused aromatic ring.

ABC drug transporters and immunity: novel therapeutic targets in autoimmunity and cancer

ABC transporters were identified originally for their contribution to clinical MDR as a result of their capacity to extrude various unrelated cytotoxic drugs. More recent reports have shown that ABC transporters can play important roles in the development, differentiation, and maturation of immune cells and are involved in migration of immune effector cells to sites of inflammation. Many of the currently identified, endogenous ABC transporter substrates have immunostimulating effects. Increasing the expression of ABC transporters on immune cells and thereby enhancing immune cell development or functionality may be beneficial to immunotherapy in the field of oncology. On the contrary, in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, blockade of these transporters may prove beneficial, as it could dampen disease activity by compromising immune effector cell functions. This review will focus on the expression, regulation, and substrate specificity of ABC transporters in relation to functional activities of immune effector cells and discusses implications for the treatment of cancer on the one hand and autoimmune diseases on the other.

NMR and EPR studies of membrane transporters

In order to fulfill their function, membrane transport proteins have to cycle through a number of conformational and/or energetic states. Thus, understanding the role of conformational dynamics seems to be the key for elucidation of the functional mechanism of these proteins. However, membrane proteins in general are often difficult to express heterologously and in sufficient amounts for structural studies. It is especially challenging to trap a stable energy minimum, e.g., for crystallographic analysis. Furthermore, crystallization is often only possible by subjecting the protein to conditions that do not resemble its native environment and crystals can only be snapshots of selected conformational states. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy are complementary methods that offer unique possibilities for studying membrane proteins in their natural membrane environment and for investigating functional conformational changes, lipid interactions, substrate-lipid and substrate-protein interactions, oligomerization states and overall dynamics of membrane transporters. Here, we review recent progress in the field including studies from primary and secondary active transporters.

Topological polar surface area defines substrate transport by multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1)

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is a very promiscuous transporter. Herein we used topological polar surface area (TPSA), a descriptor defined as the sum of surfaces of polar atoms in a molecule, to analyze drug transport by MRP1. We suggested that compounds with high TPSA are transported while those with low TPSA are not. The conjugation to GSH increases TPSA values favoring transport. A strong correlation between TPSA and transport properties (K(m)) was also found.

Noncatalytic interactions between glutathione S-transferases and nitroalkene fatty acids modulate nitroalkene-mediated activation of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The naturally occurring nitroalkenes, nitrolinoleic (NO(2)-LA) and nitrooleic (NO(2)-OA) acids, are among the most potent endogenous ligand activators of PPARgamma-dependent transcription. In order to understand mechanisms that regulate cellular response to these nitroalkenes, we previously demonstrated that glutathione conjugation of NO(2)-LA and MRP1-mediated efflux of the conjugates were associated with significant attenuation of PPARgamma activation by this nitroalkene [(2006) Biochemistry 45, 7889-7896]. Here we show that NO(2)-OA activation of PPARgamma is similarly affected by nonenzymatic conjugation and MRP1-mediated efflux. Moreover, the roles of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in the glutathione conjugation and bioactivities of NO(2)-LA and NO(2)-OA were investigated. While none of the GST isozymes tested (GSTA1-1, A4-4, M1a-1a, and P1a-1a) enhanced the rate of glutathione conjugation, expression of GSTA1-1, M1a-1a, or P1a-1a in MCF7 cells significantly reduced the magnitude of PPARgamma-dependent reporter gene transcription in response to NO(2)-LA and NO(2)-OA treatment, with GSTP1a-1a expression mediating the most potent inhibition of PPARgamma. Although these GSTs failed to catalyze nitroalkene conjugation with glutathione, the nitroalkenes were found to associate avidly with all four GST isozymes as indicated by their ability to inhibit GST activity with K(i)'s in the nanomolar range. Treatment of purified GSTP1a-1a with excess NO(2)-LA and NO(2)-OA resulted in the formation of covalent adducts between GSTP1a monomers and nitroalkenes, although separate experiments indicated that such covalent bond formation was not necessary for avid GST-nitroalkene interactions. These results suggest that GSTs can inhibit the activation of transcription by nitroalkenes via noncatalytic sequestration of these ligands, and their glutathione conjugates, away from their nuclear target, PPARgamma.

The Nrf2-ARE cytoprotective pathway in astrocytes

The expression of phase-II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes is governed by a cis-acting regulatory element named the antioxidant response element (ARE). ARE-containing genes are regulated by the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a member of the Cap'n'Collar basic-leucine-zipper family of transcription factors. ARE-regulated genes are preferentially activated in astrocytes, which consequently have more efficient detoxification and antioxidant defences than neurons. Astrocytes closely interact with neurons to provide structural, metabolic and trophic support, as well as actively participating in the modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmission. Therefore, functional alterations in astrocytes can shape the interaction with surrounding cells, such as neurons and microglia. Activation of Nrf2 in astrocytes protects neurons from a wide array of insults in different in vitro and in vivo paradigms, confirming the role of astrocytes in determining the vulnerability of neurons to noxious stimuli. Here, we review the current data supporting Nrf2 activation in astrocytes as a viable therapeutic approach, not only in acute neuronal damage, but also in chronic neurodegeneration related to oxidative stress.

CFTR mediates cadmium-induced apoptosis through modulation of ROS level in mouse proximal tubule cells

The aim of this study was to characterize the role of CFTR during Cd(2+)-induced apoptosis. For this purpose primary cultures and cell lines originated from proximal tubules (PCT) of wild-type cftr(+/+) and cftr(-/-) mice were used. In cftr(+/+) cells, the application of Cd(2+) (5 microM) stimulated within 8 min an ERK1/2-activated CFTR-like Cl(-) conductance sensitive to CFTR(inh)-172. Thereafter Cd(2+) induced an apoptotic volume decrease (AVD) within 6 h followed by caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. The early increase in CFTR conductance was followed by the activation of volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) Cl(-) and TASK2 K(+) conductances. By contrast, cftr(-/-) cells exposed to Cd(2+) were unable to develop VSOR currents, caspase-3 activity, and AVD process and underwent necrosis. Moreover in cftr(+/+) cells, Cd(2+) enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induced a 50% decrease in total glutathione content (major ROS scavenger in PCT). ROS generation and glutathione decrease depended on the presence of CFTR, since they did not occur in the presence of CFTR(inh)-172 or in cftr(-/-) cells. Additionally, Cd(2+) exposure accelerates effluxes of fluorescent glutathione S-conjugate in cftr(+/+) cells. Our data suggest that CFTR could modulate ROS levels to ensure apoptosis during Cd(2+) exposure by modulating the intracellular content of glutathione.

Redox regulation of multidrug resistance in cancer chemotherapy: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

The development of multidrug resistance to cancer chemotherapy is a major obstacle to the effective treatment of human malignancies. It has been established that membrane proteins, notably multidrug resistance (MDR), multidrug resistance protein (MRP), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family encoding efflux pumps, play important roles in the development of multidrug resistance. Overexpression of these transporters has been observed frequently in many types of human malignancies and correlated with poor responses to chemotherapeutic agents. Evidence has accumulated showing that redox signals are activated in response to drug treatments that affect the expression and activity of these transporters by multiple mechanisms, including (a) conformational changes in the transporters, (b) regulation of the biosynthesis cofactors required for the transporter's function, (c) regulation of the expression of transporters at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic levels, and (d) amplification of the copy number of genes encoding these transporters. This review describes various specific factors and their relevant signaling pathways that are involved in the regulation. Finally, the roles of redox signaling in the maintenance and evolution of cancer stem cells and their implications in the development of intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance in cancer chemotherapy are discussed.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: clinical phenotypes, molecular genetics and putative pathomechanisms

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a prototype of heritable multisystem disorders, is characterised by pathologic mineralisation of connective tissues, with primary clinical manifestations in the skin, eyes and the cardiovascular system. The causative gene was initially identified as ABCC6 which encodes an ABC transporter protein (ABCC6) expressed primarily in the liver and the kidneys. The critical role of ABCC6 in ectopic mineralisation has been confirmed by the development of Abcc6(-/-) knock-out mice which recapitulate the features of connective tissue mineralisation characteristic of PXE. Over 300 distinct loss-of-function mutations representative of over 1000 mutant alleles in ABCC6 have been identified by streamlined mutation detection strategies in this autosomal recessive disease. More recently, missense mutations in the GGCX gene, either in compound heterozygous state or digenic with a recurrent ABCC6 nonsense mutation (p.R1141X), have been identified in patients with PXE-like cutaneous findings and vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency. GGCX encodes a carboxylase which catalyses gamma-glutamyl carboxylation of coagulation factors as well as of matrix gla protein (MGP) which in fully carboxylated form serves as a systemic inhibitor of pathologic mineralisation. Collectively, these observations suggest the hypothesis that a consequence of loss-of-function mutations in the ABCC6 gene is the reduced vitamin K-dependent gamma-glutamyl carboxylation of MGP, with subsequent connective tissue mineralisation. Further progress in understanding the detailed pathomechanisms of PXE should provide novel strategies to counteract, and perhaps cure, this complex heritable disorder at the genome-environment interface.

Multidrug-resistance-associated protein plays a protective role in menadione-induced oxidative stress in endothelial cells

AIMS

Menadione, a redox-cycling quinone known to cause oxidative stress, binds to reduced glutathione (GSH) to form glutathione S-conjugate. Glutathione S-conjugates efflux is often mediated by multidrug-resistance-associated protein (MRP). We investigated the effect of a transporter inhibitor, MK571 (3-[[3-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenyl]-(2-dimethylcarbamoylethylsulfanyl)methylsulfanyl] propionic acid), on menadione-induced oxidative stress in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs).

MAIN METHODS

BAECs were treated with menadione and MK571, and cell viability was measured. Modulation of intracellular GSH levels was performed with buthionine sulfoximine and GSH ethyl ester treatments. Intracellular superoxide was estimated by dihydroethidium oxidation using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Expression of MRP was determined by flow cytometry using phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-MRP monoclonal antibody.

KEY FINDINGS

Intracellular GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine promoted the loss of viability of BAECs exposed to menadione. Exogenous GSH, which does not permeate the cell membrane, or GSH ethyl ester protected BAECs against the loss of viability induced by menadione. The results suggest that GSH binds to menadione outside the cells as well as inside. Pretreatment of BAECs with MK571 dramatically increased intracellular levels of superoxide generated from menadione, indicating that menadione may accumulate in the intracellular milieu. Finally, we found that MK571 aggravated menadione-induced toxicity in BAECs and that MRP levels were increased in menadione-treated cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that MRP plays a vital role in protecting BAECs against menadione-induced oxidative stress, presumably due to its ability to transport glutathione S-conjugate.

Mechanistic differences between GSH transport by multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) and GSH modulation of MRP1-mediated transport

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is an ATP-dependent polytopic membrane protein that transports many anticancer drugs and organic anions. Its transport mechanism is multifaceted, especially with respect to the participation of GSH. For example, vincristine is cotransported with GSH, estrone sulfate transport is stimulated by GSH, or MRP1 can transport GSH alone, and this can be stimulated by compounds such as verapamil or apigenin. Thus, the interactions between GSH and MRP1 are mechanistically complex. To examine the similarities and differences among the various GSH-associated mechanisms of MRP1 transport, we have measured first the effect of GSH and several GSH-associated substrates/modulators on the binding and hydrolysis of ATP by MRP1 using 8-azidoadenosine-5'-[(32)P]-triphosphate ([(32)P]azidoATP) analogs, and second the initial binding of GSH and GSH-associated substrates/modulators to MRP1. We observed that GSH or its nonreducing derivative S-methylGSH (S-mGSH), but none of the GSH-associated substrate/modulators, caused a significant increase in [gamma-(32)P]azidoATP labeling of MRP1. Moreover, GSH and S-mGSH decreased levels of orthovanadate-induced trapping of [alpha-(32)P]azidoADP. [alpha-(32)P]azidoADP.Vi trapping was also decreased by estone sulfate, whereas vincristine, verapamil, and apigenin had no apparent effects on nucleotide interactions with MRP1. Furthermore, estrone sulfate and S-mGSH enhanced the effect of each other 15- and 10-fold, respectively. Second, although GSH binding increased the apparent affinity of MRP1 for all GSH-associated substrates/modulators tested, only estrone sulfate had a reciprocal effect on the apparent affinity of MRP1 for GSH. Overall, these results indicate significant mechanistic differences between MRP1-mediated transport of GSH and the ability of GSH to modulate MRP1 transport.

Plasma membrane glutathione transporters and their roles in cell physiology and pathophysiology

Reduced glutathione (GSH) is critical for many cellular processes, and both its intracellular and extracellular concentrations are tightly regulated. Intracellular GSH levels are regulated by two main mechanisms: by adjusting the rates of synthesis and of export from cells. Some of the proteins responsible for GSH export from mammalian cells have recently been identified, and there is increasing evidence that these GSH exporters are multispecific and multifunctional, regulating a number of key biological processes. In particular, some of the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (Mrp/Abcc) appear to mediate GSH export and homeostasis. The Mrp proteins mediate not only GSH efflux, but they also export oxidized glutathione derivatives (e.g., glutathione disulfide (GSSG), S-nitrosoglutathione (GS-NO), and glutathione-metal complexes), as well as other glutathione S-conjugates. The ability to export both GSH and oxidized derivatives of GSH, endows these transporters with the capacity to directly regulate the cellular thiol-redox status, and therefore the ability to influence many key signaling and biochemical pathways. Among the many processes that are influenced by the GSH transporters are apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. This report summarizes the evidence that Mrps contribute to the regulation of cellular GSH levels and the thiol-redox state, and thus to the many biochemical processes that are influenced by this tripeptide.