Importance of the conserved Walker B glutamate residues, 556 and 1201, for the completion of the catalytic cycle of ATP hydrolysis by human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)

A novel ABCC9 variant in a Greek family with Cantu syndrome affecting multiple generations highlights the functional role of the SUR2B NBD1

Cantu syndrome (CS) (OMIM #239850) is an autosomal dominant multiorgan system condition, associated with a characteristic facial phenotype, hypertrichosis, and multiple cardiovascular complications. CS is caused by gain-of-function (GOF) variants in KCNJ8 or ABCC9 that encode pore-forming Kir6.1 and regulatory SUR2 subunits of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. A novel heterozygous ABCC9 variant, c.2440G>T; p.Gly814Trp, was identified in three individuals from a four generation Greek family. The membrane potential in cells stably expressing hKir6.1 and hSUR2B with p.Gly814Trp was hyperpolarized compared to cells expressing WT channels, and inside-out patch-clamp assays of KATP channels formed with hSUR2B p.Gly814Trp demonstrated a decreased sensitivity to ATP inhibition, confirming a relatively mild GOF effect of this variant. The specific location of the variant reveals an unrecognized functional role of the first glycine in the signature motif of the nucleotide binding domains in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein ion channels.

Drug-Induced Conformational Dynamics of P-Glycoprotein Underlies the Transport of Camptothecin Analogs

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) plays a pivotal role in drug bioavailability and multi-drug resistance development. Understanding the protein's activity and designing effective drugs require insight into the mechanisms underlying Pgp-mediated transport of xenobiotics. In this study, we investigated the drug-induced conformational changes in Pgp and adopted a conformationally-gated model to elucidate the Pgp-mediated transport of camptothecin analogs (CPTs). While Pgp displays a wide range of conformations, we simplified it into three model states: 'open-inward', 'open-outward', and 'intermediate'. Utilizing acrylamide quenching of Pgp fluorescence as a tool to examine the protein's tertiary structure, we observed that topotecan (TPT), SN-38, and irinotecan (IRT) induced distinct conformational shifts in the protein. TPT caused a substantial shift akin to AMPPNP, suggesting ATP-independent 'open-outward' conformation. IRT and SN-38 had relatively moderate effects on the conformation of Pgp. Experimental atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging supports these findings. Further, the rate of ATPase hydrolysis was correlated with ligand-induced Pgp conformational changes. We hypothesize that the separation between the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) creates a conformational barrier for substrate transport. Substrates that reduce the conformational barrier, like TPT, are better transported. The affinity for ATP extracted from Pgp-mediated ATP hydrolysis kinetics curves for TPT was about 2-fold and 3-fold higher than SN-38 and IRT, respectively. On the contrary, the dissociation constants (KD) determined by fluorescence quenching for these drugs were not significantly different. Saturation transfer double difference (STDD) NMR of TPT and IRT with Pgp revealed that similar functional groups of the CPTs are accountable for Pgp-CPTs interactions. Efforts aimed at modifying these functional groups, guided by available structure-activity relationship data for CPTs and DNA-Topoisomerase-I complexes, could pave the way for the development of more potent next-generation CPTs.

Snapshots of ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8: A Sterol's Journey to Cross the Cellular Membranes

The subfamily-G ATP-binding cassette (ABCG) transporters play important roles in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. Recent progress in the structural data of ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8 disclose putative sterol binding sites that suggest the possible cholesterol translocation pathway. ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8 share high similarity in the overall molecular architecture, and both transporters appear to use several unique structural motifs to facilitate cholesterol transport along this pathway, including the phenylalanine highway and the hydrophobic valve. Interestingly, ABCG5/G8 is known to transport cholesterol and phytosterols, whereas ABCG1 seems to exclusively transport cholesterol. Ligand docking analysis indeed suggests a difference in recruiting sterol molecules to the known sterol-binding sites. Here, we further discuss how the different and shared structural features are relevant to their physiological functions, and finally provide our perspective on future studies in ABCG cholesterol transporters.

The crystal structure of the CmABCB1 G132V mutant, which favors the outward-facing state, reveals the mechanism of the pivotal joint between TM1 and TM3

CmABCB1 is a homologue of human P-glycoprotein, which extrudes various substrates by iterative cycles of conformational changes between the inward- and outward-facing states. Comparison of the inward- and outward-facing structures of CmABCB1 suggested that pivotal joints in the transmembrane domain regulate the tilt of transmembrane helices. Transmembrane helix 1 (TM1) forms a tight helix-helix contact with TM3 at the TM1-3 joint. Mutation of Gly132 to valine at the TM1-3 joint, G132V, caused a 10-fold increase in ATPase activity, but the mechanism underlying this change remains unclear. Here, we report a crystal structure of the outward-facing state of the CmABCB1 G132V mutant at a 2.15 Å resolution. We observed structural displacements between the outward-facing states of G132V and the previous one at the region around the TM1-3 joint, and a significant expansion at the extracellular gate. We hypothesize that steric hindrance caused by the Val substitution shifted the conformational equilibrium toward the outward-facing state, favoring the dimeric state of the nucleotide-binding domains and thereby increasing the ATPase activity of the G132V mutant.

Generation of fully functional fluorescent fusion proteins to gain insights into ABCC6 biology

ABCC6 mediates release of ATP from hepatocytes into the blood. Extracellularly, ATP is converted into the mineralization inhibitor pyrophosphate. Consequently, inactivating mutations in ABCC6 give low plasma pyrophosphate and underlie the ectopic mineralization disorder pseudoxanthoma elasticum. How ABCC6 mediates cellular ATP release is still unknown. Fluorescent ABCC6 fusion proteins would allow mechanistic studies, but fluorophores attached to the ABCC6 N- or C-terminus result in intracellular retention and degradation. Here we describe that intramolecular introduction of fluorophores yields fully functional ABCC6 fusion proteins. A corresponding ABCC6 variant in which the catalytic glutamate of the second nucleotide binding domain was mutated, correctly routed to the plasma membrane but was inactive. Finally, N-terminal His10 or FLAG tags did not affect activity of the fusion proteins, allowing their purification for biochemical characterization.

Does the ATP-bound EQ mutant reflect the pre- or post-ATP hydrolysis state in the catalytic cycle of human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)?

P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) is an ABC transporter associated with the development of multidrug resistance to chemotherapy. During its catalytic cycle, P-gp undergoes significant conformational changes. Recently, atomic structures of some of these conformations have been resolved using cryo-electron microscopy. The ATP hydrolysis-defective mutant of the catalytic glutamate residue of the Walker B motif (E556Q/E1201Q) has been used to determine the structure of the ATP-bound inward-closed conformation of P-gp. Here, we show that this mutant does not appear to undergo the same steps as wild-type P-gp. We discuss conformational differences in the EQ mutant that may lead to a better understanding of the catalytic cycle of P-gp and propose that additional structural studies with wild-type P-gp are required.

Conformational changes in the nucleotide-binding domains of P-glycoprotein induced by ATP hydrolysis

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily with high physiological importance. Pgp nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) drive the transport cycle through ATP binding and hydrolysis. We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the ATP hydrolysis-induced conformational changes in NBDs. Five systems, including all possible ATP/ADP combinations in the NBDs and the APO system, are simulated. ATP/ADP exchange induces conformational changes mostly within the conserved signature motif of the NBDs, resulting in relative orientational changes in the NBDs. Nucleotide removal leads to additional orientational changes in the NBDs, allowing their dissociation. Furthermore, we capture putative hydrolysis-competent configurations in which the conserved glutamate in the Walker-B motif acts as a catalytic base capturing a water molecule likely initiating ATP hydrolysis.

Disruption of small molecule transporter systems by Transporter-Interfering Chemicals (TICs)

Small molecule transporters (SMTs) in the ABC and SLC families are important players in disposition of diverse endo- and xenobiotics. Interactions of environmental chemicals with these transporters were first postulated in the 1990s, and since validated in numerous in vitro and in vivo scenarios. Recent results on the co-crystal structure of ABCB1 with the flame-retardant BDE-100 demonstrate that a diverse range of man-made and natural toxic molecules, hereafter termed transporter-interfering chemicals (TICs), can directly bind to SMTs and interfere with their function. TIC-binding modes mimic those of substrates, inhibitors, modulators, inducers, and possibly stimulants through direct and allosteric mechanisms. Similarly, the effects could directly or indirectly agonize, antagonize or perhaps even prime the SMT system to alter transport function. Importantly, TICs are distinguished from drugs and pharmaceuticals that interact with transporters in that exposure is unintended and inherently variant. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of environmental chemical interaction with SMTs, the methodological considerations for their evaluation, and the future directions for TIC discovery.

Human ABCB1 with an ABCB11-like degenerate nucleotide binding site maintains transport activity by avoiding nucleotide occlusion

Several ABC exporters carry a degenerate nucleotide binding site (NBS) that is unable to hydrolyze ATP at a rate sufficient for sustaining transport activity. A hallmark of a degenerate NBS is the lack of the catalytic glutamate in the Walker B motif in the nucleotide binding domain (NBD). The multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein) has two canonical NBSs, and mutation of the catalytic glutamate E556 in NBS1 renders ABCB1 transport-incompetent. In contrast, the closely related bile salt export pump ABCB11 (BSEP), which shares 49% sequence identity with ABCB1, naturally contains a methionine in place of the catalytic glutamate. The NBD-NBD interfaces of ABCB1 and ABCB11 differ only in four residues, all within NBS1. Mutation of the catalytic glutamate in ABCB1 results in the occlusion of ATP in NBS1, leading to the arrest of the transport cycle. Here we show that despite the catalytic glutamate mutation (E556M), ABCB1 regains its ATP-dependent transport activity, when three additional diverging residues are also replaced. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the rescue of ATPase activity is due to the modified geometry of NBS1, resulting in a weaker interaction with ATP, which allows the quadruple mutant to evade the conformationally locked pre-hydrolytic state to proceed to ATP-driven transport. In summary, we show that ABCB1 can be transformed into an active transporter with only one functional catalytic site by preventing the formation of the ATP-locked pre-hydrolytic state in the non-canonical site.

ABC transporters are one of the largest membrane protein superfamilies, present in all organisms from archaea to humans. They transport a wide range of molecules including amino acids, sugars, vitamins, nucleotides, peptides, lipids, metabolites, antibiotics, and xenobiotics. ABC transporters energize substrate transport by hydrolyzing ATP in two symmetrically arranged nucleotide binding sites (NBSs). The human multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1 has two active NBSs, and it is generally believed that integrity and cooperation of both sites are needed for transport. Several human ABC transporters, such as the bile salt transporter ABCB11, have one degenerate NBS, which has significantly reduced ATPase activity. Interestingly, unilateral mutations affecting one of the two NBSs completely abolish the function of symmetrical ABC transporters. Here we engineered an ABCB1 variant with a degenerate, ABCB11-like NBS1, which can nevertheless transport substrates. Our results indicate that ABCB1 can mediate active transport with a single active site, questioning the validity of models assuming strictly alternating catalysis.

ATP-dependent thermostabilization of human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) is blocked by modulators

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-binding cassette transporter associated with multidrug resistance in cancer cells, is capable of effluxing a number of xenobiotics as well as anticancer drugs. The transport of molecules through the transmembrane (TM) region of P-gp involves orchestrated conformational changes between inward-open and inward-closed forms, the details of which are still being worked out. Here, we assessed how the binding of transport substrates or modulators in the TM region and the binding of ATP to the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) affect the thermostability of P-gp in a membrane environment. P-gp stability after exposure at high temperatures (37-80°C) was assessed by measuring ATPase activity and loss of monomeric P-gp. Our results show that P-gp is significantly thermostabilized (>22°C higher IT50) by the binding of ATP under non-hydrolyzing conditions (in the absence of Mg2+). By using an ATP-binding-deficient mutant (Y401A) and a hydrolysis-deficient mutant (E556Q/E1201Q), we show that thermostabilization of P-gp requires binding of ATP to both NBDs and their dimerization. Additionally, we found that transport substrates do not affect the thermal stability of P-gp either in the absence or presence of ATP; in contrast, inhibitors of P-gp including tariquidar and zosuquidar prevent ATP-dependent thermostabilization in a concentration-dependent manner, by stabilizing the inward-open conformation. Altogether, our data suggest that modulators, which bind in the TM regions, inhibit ATP hydrolysis and drug transport by preventing the ATP-dependent dimerization of the NBDs of P-gp.

Ethnogeographic and inter-individual variability of human ABC transporters

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters constitute a superfamily of 48 structurally similar membrane transporters that mediate the ATP-dependent cellular export of a plethora of endogenous and xenobiotic substances. Importantly, genetic variants in ABC genes that affect gene function have clinically important effects on drug disposition and can be predictors of the risk of adverse drug reactions and efficacy of chemotherapeutics, calcium channel blockers, and protease inhibitors. Furthermore, loss-of-function of ABC transporters is associated with a variety of congenital disorders. Despite their clinical importance, information about the frequencies and global distribution of functionally relevant ABC variants is limited and little is known about the overall genetic complexity of this important gene family. Here, we systematically mapped the genetic landscape of the entire human ABC superfamily using Next-Generation Sequencing data from 138,632 individuals across seven major populations. Overall, we identified 62,793 exonic variants, 98.5% of which were rare. By integrating five computational prediction algorithms with structural mapping approaches using experimentally determined crystal structures, we found that the functional ABC variability is extensive and highly population-specific. Every individual harbored between 9.3 and 13.9 deleterious ABC variants, 76% of which were found only in a single population. Carrier rates of pathogenic variants in ABC transporter genes associated with autosomal recessive congenital diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or pseudoxanthoma elasticum, closely mirrored the corresponding population-specific disease prevalence, thus providing a novel resource for rare disease epidemiology. Combined, we provide the most comprehensive, systematic, and consolidated overview of ethnogeographic ABC transporter variability with important implications for personalized medicine, clinical genetics, and precision public health.

Dynamics of ABC Transporter P-glycoprotein in Three Conformational States

We used hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to obtain a comprehensive view of transporter dynamics (85.8% sequence coverage) occurring throughout the multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in three distinct conformational states: predominantly inward-facing apo P-gp, pre-hydrolytic (E552Q/E1197Q) P-gp bound to Mg⁺²-ATP, and outward-facing P-gp bound to Mg⁺²-ADP-VO₄⁻³. Nucleotide affinity was measured with bio-layer interferometry (BLI), which yielded kinetics data that fit a two Mg⁺²-ATP binding-site model. This model has one high affinity site (3.2 ± 0.3 µM) and one low affinity site (209 ± 25 µM). Comparison of deuterium incorporation profiles revealed asymmetry between the changes undergone at the critical interfaces where nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) contact intracellular helices (ICHs). In the pre-hydrolytic state, both interfaces between ICHs and NBDs decreased exchange to similar extents relative to inward-facing P-gp. In the outward-facing state, the ICH-NBD1 interface showed decreased exchange, while the ICH-NBD2 interface showed less of an effect. The extracellular loops (ECLs) showed reduced deuterium uptake in the pre-hydrolytic state, consistent with an occluded conformation. While in the outward-facing state, increased ECL exchange corresponding to EC domain opening was observed. These findings point toward asymmetry between both NBDs, and they suggest that pre-hydrolytic P-gp occupies an occluded conformation.

Large-scale purification of functional human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)

Human P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that has been implicated in altering the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs in normal tissues and development of multidrug resistance in tumor cells via drug efflux. There is still no definitive explanation of the mechanism by which P-gp effluxes drugs. One of the challenges of large-scale purification of membrane transporters is the selection of a suitable detergent for its optimal extraction from cell membranes. In addition, further steps of purification can often lead to inactivation and aggregation, decreasing the yield of purified protein. Here we report the large-scale purification of human P-gp expressed in High-Five insect cells using recombinant baculovirus. The purification strategies we present yield homogeneous functionally active wild type P-gp and its E556Q/E1201Q mutant, which is defective in carrying out ATP hydrolysis. Three detergents (1,2-diheptanoyol-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, dodecyl maltoside and n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside) were used to solubilize and purify P-gp from insect cell membranes. P-gp purification was performed first using immobilized metal affinity chromatography, then followed by a second step of either anion exchange chromatography or size exclusion chromatography to yield protein in concentrations of 2-12 mg/mL. Size exclusion chromatography was the preferred method, as it allows separation of monomeric transporters from aggregates. We show that the purified protein, when reconstituted in proteoliposomes and nanodiscs, exhibits both basal and substrate or inhibitor-modulated ATPase activity. This report thus provides a convenient and robust method to obtain large amounts of active homogeneously purified human P-gp that is suitable for biochemical, biophysical and structural characterization.

How to make P-glycoprotein (ABCB1, MDR1) harbor mutations and measure its expression and activity in cell cultures?

Several polymorphisms have been identified in ABCB1, the gene encoding for the P-glycoprotein. This transporter alters the pharmacokinetics or effectiveness of drugs by excreting them from cells where it is expressed (e.g., blood-brain barrier, intestine or tumors). No consensus has been reached regarding the functional consequences of these polymorphisms in the transporter's function. The aim of this review was to describe a methodology that allows the assessment of P-gp function when harboring polymorphisms. We describe how to obtain cell lines with high expression levels of the transporter with polymorphisms and several tactics to measure its expression and activity. This methodology may help elucidate the contribution of polymorphisms in ABCB1 to drug pharmacokinetics, effectiveness and safety or to cancer chemotherapy failure.

Evidence for the critical role of transmembrane helices 1 and 7 in substrate transport by human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ABC transporter that exports many amphipathic or hydrophobic compounds, including chemically and functionally dissimilar anticancer drugs, from cells. To understand the role of transmembrane helices (TMH) 1 and 7 in drug-binding and transport, we selected six residues from both TMH1 (V53, I59, I60, L65, M68 and F72) and TMH7 (V713, I719, I720, Q725, F728 and F732); and substituted them with alanine by gene synthesis to generate a variant termed "TMH1,7 mutant P-gp". The expression and function of TMH1,7 mutant P-gp with twelve mutations was characterized using the BacMam baculovirus-HeLa cell expression system. The expression and conformation of TMH1,7 mutant P-gp was not altered by the introduction of the twelve mutations, as confirmed by using the human P-gp-specific antibodies UIC2, MRK16 and 4E3. We tested 25 fluorescently-labeled substrates and found that only three substrates, NBD-cyclosporine A, Rhod-2-AM and X-Rhod-1-AM were transported by the TMH1,7 mutant. The basal ATPase activity of TMH1,7 mutant P-gp was lower (40-50%) compared to wild-type (WT) P-gp, despite similar level of expression. Although most of the substrates modulate ATPase activity of P-gp, the activity of TMH1,7 mutant transporter was not significantly modulated by any of the tested substrates. Docking of selected substrates in homology models showed comparable docking scores for the TMH1,7 mutant and WT P-gp, although the binding conformations were different. Both the ATPase assay and in silico docking analyses suggest that the interactions with residues in the drug-binding pocket are altered as a consequence of the mutations. We demonstrate that it is possible to generate a variant of P-gp with a loss of broad substrate specificity and propose that TMH1 and TMH7 play a critical role in the drug efflux function of this multidrug transporter.

Conformational dynamics of P-glycoprotein in lipid nanodiscs and detergent micelles reveal complex motions on a wide time scale

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a highly substrate-promiscuous efflux transporter that plays a critical role in drug disposition. P-gp utilizes ATP hydrolysis by nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) to drive transitions between inward-facing (IF) conformations that bind drugs and outward-facing (OF) conformations that release them to the extracellular solution. However, the details of the protein dynamics within either macroscopic IF or OF conformation remain uncharacterized, and the functional role of local dynamics has not been determined. In this work we measured the local dynamics of the IF state of P-gp in lipid nanodiscs and in detergent solution by hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange MS. We observed "EX1 exchange kinetics," or bimodal kinetics, for several peptides distributed in both NBDs, particularly for P-gp in the lipid nanodiscs. Remarkably, the EX1 kinetics occurred on several time scales, ranging from seconds to hours, suggesting highly complex, and correlated, motions. The results indicate at least three distinct conformational states in the ligand-free P-gp and suggest a rough conformational landscape. Addition of excess ATP and vanadate, to favor the OF conformations, caused a generalized, but modest, decrease in H/D exchange throughout the NBDs and slowed the EX1 kinetic transitions of several peptides. The functional implications of the results are consistent with the possibility that conformational selection provides a source of substrate promiscuity.

A short cross-linker activates human P-glycoprotein missing a catalytic carboxylate

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-dependent drug pump that protects us from toxic agents and confers multidrug resistance. It has a tweezer-like structure with each arm consisting of a transmembrane domain (TMD) and a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). Drug substrates bind to sites within the TMDs to activate ATPase activity by promoting a tweezer-like closing of the gap between the NBDs. The catalytic carboxylates may be critical for NBD movements because the E556Q(NBD1) or E1201Q(NBD2) mutation inhibited drug-stimulated ATPase activity. If the catalytic carboxylates were components of the mechanism to bring the NBDs together, then we predicted that insertion of a flexible cross-linker between the arms would increase ATPase activity of the mutants. We found that cross-linking (between L175C(TMD1) and N820C(TMD2)) with a short flexible cross-linker (7.8Å maximum) restored high levels of drug-stimulated ATPase activity of the E556Q or E1201Q mutants. Cross-linking with a longer cross-linker (22Å maximum) however, did not restore activity. Cross-linking could not rescue all ATPase deficient mutants. For example, cross-linking L175C/N820C with short or long cross-linkers did not activate the H-loop mutants H587A or H1232A or the Walker A K433M or K1076M mutants. The results suggest that the E556 and E1201 catalytic carboxylates are part of a spring-like mechanism that is required to facilitate movements between the open and closed conformations of P-gp during ATP hydrolysis.

Energy transduction and alternating access of the mammalian ABC transporter P-glycoprotein

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters of the exporter class harness the energy of ATP hydrolysis in the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) to power the energetically uphill efflux of substrates by a dedicated transmembrane domain (TMD). Although numerous investigations have described the mechanism of ATP hydrolysis and defined the architecture of ABC exporters, a detailed structural dynamic understanding of the transduction of ATP energy to the work of substrate translocation remains elusive. Here we used double electron-electron resonance and molecular dynamics simulations to describe the ATP- and substrate-coupled conformational cycle of the mouse ABC efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp; also known as ABCB1), which has a central role in the clearance of xenobiotics and in cancer resistance to chemotherapy. Pairs of spin labels were introduced at residues selected to track the putative inward-facing to outward-facing transition. Our findings illuminate how ATP energy is harnessed in the NBDs in a two-stroke cycle and elucidate the consequent conformational motion that reconfigures the TMD, two critical aspects of Pgp transport mechanism. Along with a fully atomistic model of the outward-facing conformation in membranes, the insight into Pgp conformational dynamics harmonizes mechanistic and structural data into a novel perspective on ATP-coupled transport and reveals mechanistic divergence within the efflux class of ABC transporters.

Human-Mouse Chimeras with Normal Expression and Function Reveal That Major Domain Swapping Is Tolerated by P-Glycoprotein (ABCB1)

The efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a vital role in the transport of molecules across cell membranes and has been shown to interact with a panoply of functionally and structurally unrelated compounds. How human P-gp interacts with this large number of drugs has not been well understood, although structural flexibility has been implicated. To gain insight into this transporter's broad substrate specificity and to assess its ability to accommodate a variety of molecular and structural changes, we generated human-mouse P-gp chimeras by the exchange of homologous transmembrane and nucleotide-binding domains. High-level expression of these chimeras by BacMam- and baculovirus-mediated transduction in mammalian (HeLa) and insect cells, respectively, was achieved. There were no detectable differences between wild-type and chimeric P-gp in terms of cell surface expression, ability to efflux the P-gp substrates rhodamine 123, calcein-AM, and JC-1, or to be inhibited by the substrate cyclosporine A and the inhibitors tariquidar and elacridar. Additionally, expression of chimeric P-gp was able to confer a paclitaxel-resistant phenotype to HeLa cells characteristic of P-gp-mediated drug resistance. P-gp ATPase assays and photo-cross-linking with [(125)I]iodoarylazidoprazosin confirmed that transport and biochemical properties of P-gp chimeras were similar to those of wild-type P-gp, although differences in drug binding were detected when human and mouse transmembrane domains were combined. Overall, chimeras with one or two mouse P-gp domains were deemed functionally equivalent to human wild-type P-gp, demonstrating the ability of human P-gp to tolerate major structural changes.

Drug-protein hydrogen bonds govern the inhibition of the ATP hydrolysis of the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily. This multidrug transporter utilizes energy from ATP hydrolysis for the efflux of a variety of hydrophobic and amphipathic compounds including anticancer drugs. Most of the substrates and modulators of P-gp stimulate its basal ATPase activity, although some inhibit it. The molecular mechanisms that are in play in either case are unknown. In this report, mutagenesis and molecular modeling studies of P-gp led to the identification of a pair of phenylalanine-tyrosine structural motifs in the transmembrane region that mediate the inhibition of ATP hydrolysis by certain drugs (zosuquidar, elacridar and tariquidar), with high affinity (IC50's ranging from 10 to 30nM). Upon mutation of any of these residues, drugs that inhibit the ATPase activity of P-gp switch to stimulation of the activity. Molecular modeling revealed that the phenylalanine residues F978 and F728 interact with tyrosine residues Y953 and Y310, respectively, in an edge-to-face conformation, which orients the tyrosines in such a way that they establish hydrogen-bond contacts with the inhibitor. Biochemical investigations along with transport studies in intact cells showed that the inhibitors bind at a high affinity site to produce inhibition of ATP hydrolysis and transport function. Upon mutation, they bind at lower affinity sites, stimulating ATP hydrolysis and only poorly inhibiting transport. These results also reveal that screening chemical compounds for their ability to inhibit the basal ATP hydrolysis can be a reliable tool to identify modulators with high affinity for P-gp.

Expression of the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein is inversely related to that of apoptosis-associated endogenous TRAIL

Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been associated with expression of ABC transporter genes including P-glycoprotein (Pgp, MDR1, ABCB1). However, deregulation of apoptotic pathways also renders cells resistant to chemotherapy. To discover apoptosis-related genes affected by Pgp expression, we used the HeLa MDR-off system. We found that using doxycycline to control Pgp expression has a significant advantage over tetracycline, in that doxycycline caused less endogenous gene expression modification/perturbation, and was more potent than tetracycline in suppressing Pgp expression. Cells overexpressing Pgp have lower TNFSF10 (TRAIL) expression than their parental cells. Controlled downregulation of Pgp increased endogenous TRAIL protein expression. Also, ectopic overexpression of TRAIL in Pgp-positive cells was associated with a reduction in Pgp levels. However, cells expressing a functionally defective mutant Pgp showed an increase in TRAIL expression, suggesting that Pgp function is required for TRAIL suppression. Cells in which Pgp is knocked down by upregulation of TRAIL expression are less susceptible to TRAIL ligand (sTRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Our findings reveal an inverse correlation between functional Pgp and endogenous TRAIL expression. Pgp function plays an important role in the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis pathway by regulating endogenous TRAIL expression and the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis pathway in MDR cancer cells.

The Q loops of the human multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1 are necessary to couple drug binding to the ATP catalytic cycle

For a primary active pump, such as the human ATP-binding-cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB1, coupling of drug-binding by the two transmembrane domains (TMDs) to the ATP catalytic cycle of the two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) is fundamental to the transport mechanism, but is poorly understood at the biochemical level. Structure data suggest that signals are transduced through intracellular loops of the TMDs that slot into grooves on the NBDs. At the base of these grooves is the Q loop. We therefore mutated the eponymous glutamine in one or both NBD Q loops and measured the effect on conformation and function by using a conformation-sensitive antibody (UIC2) and a fluorescent drug (Bodipy-verapamil), respectively. We showed that the double mutant is trapped in the inward-open state, which binds the drug, but cannot couple to the ATPase cycle. Our data also describe marked redundancy within the transport mechanism, because single-Q-loop mutants are functional for Bodipy-verapamil transport. This result allowed us to elucidate transduction pathways from twin drug-binding cavities to the Q loops using point mutations to favor one cavity over the other. Together, the data show that the Q loop is the central flexion point where the aspect of the drug-binding cavities is coupled to the ATP catalytic cycle.

Uptake of compounds that selectively kill multidrug-resistant cells: the copper transporter SLC31A1 (CTR1) increases cellular accumulation of the thiosemicarbazone NSC73306

Acquired drug resistance in cancer continues to be a challenge in cancer therapy, in part due to overexpression of the drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1, ABCB1). NSC73306 is a thiosemicarbazone compound that displays greater toxicity against cells expressing functional P-gp than against other cells. Here, we investigate the cellular uptake of NSC73306, and examine its interaction with P-gp and copper transporter 1 (CTR1, SLC31A1). Overexpression of P-gp sensitizes LLC-PK1 cells to NSC73306. Cisplatin (IC50 = 77 μM), cyclosporin A (IC50 = 500 μM), and verapamil (IC50 = 700 μM) inhibited cellular accumulation of [(3)H]NSC73306. Cellular hypertoxicity of NSC73306 to P-gp-expressing cells was inhibited by cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner. Cells transiently expressing the cisplatin uptake transporter CTR1 (SLC31A1) showed increased [(3)H]NSC73306 accumulation. In contrast, CTR1 knockdown decreased [(3)H]NSC73306 accumulation. The presence of NSC73306 reduced CTR1 levels, similar to the negative feedback of CTR1 levels by copper or cisplatin. Surprisingly, although cisplatin is a substrate of CTR1, we found that CTR1 protein was overexpressed in high-level cisplatin-resistant KB-CP20 and BEL7404-CP20 cell lines. We confirmed that the CTR1 protein was functional, as uptake of NSC73306 was increased in KB-CP20 cells compared to their drug-sensitive parental cells, and downregulation of CTR1 in KB-CP20 cells reduced [(3)H]NSC73306 accumulation. These results suggest that NSC73306 is a transport substrate of CTR1.

Multiple transport-active binding sites are available for a single substrate on human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)

P-glycoprotein (Pgp, ABCB1) is an ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter that is associated with the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Pgp transports a variety of chemically dissimilar amphipathic compounds using the energy from ATP hydrolysis. In the present study, to elucidate the binding sites on Pgp for substrates and modulators, we employed site-directed mutagenesis, cell- and membrane-based assays, molecular modeling and docking. We generated single, double and triple mutants with substitutions of the Y307, F343, Q725, F728, F978 and V982 residues at the proposed drug-binding site with cys in a cysless Pgp, and expressed them in insect and mammalian cells using a baculovirus expression system. All the mutant proteins were expressed at the cell surface to the same extent as the cysless wild-type Pgp. With substitution of three residues of the pocket (Y307, Q725 and V982) with cysteine in a cysless Pgp, QZ59S-SSS, cyclosporine A, tariquidar, valinomycin and FSBA lose the ability to inhibit the labeling of Pgp with a transport substrate, [¹²⁵I]-Iodoarylazidoprazosin, indicating these drugs cannot bind at their primary binding sites. However, the drugs can modulate the ATP hydrolysis of the mutant Pgps, demonstrating that they bind at secondary sites. In addition, the transport of six fluorescent substrates in HeLa cells expressing triple mutant (Y307C/Q725C/V982C) Pgp is also not significantly altered, showing that substrates bound at secondary sites are still transported. The homology modeling of human Pgp and substrate and modulator docking studies support the biochemical and transport data. In aggregate, our results demonstrate that a large flexible pocket in the Pgp transmembrane domains is able to bind chemically diverse compounds. When residues of the primary drug-binding site are mutated, substrates and modulators bind to secondary sites on the transporter and more than one transport-active binding site is available for each substrate.

MDR1 synonymous polymorphisms alter transporter specificity and protein stability in a stable epithelial monolayer

The drug efflux function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by MDR1 can be influenced by genetic polymorphisms, including two synonymous changes in the coding region of MDR1. Here we report that the conformation of P-gp and its drug efflux activity can be altered by synonymous polymorphisms in stable epithelial monolayers expressing P-gp. Several cell lines with similar MDR1 DNA copy number were developed and termed LLC-MDR1-WT (expresses wild-type P-gp), LLC-MDR1-3H (expresses common haplotype P-gp), and LLC-MDR1-3HA (a mutant that carries a different valine codon in position 3435). These cell lines express similar levels of recombinant mRNA and protein. P-gp in each case is localized on the apical surface of polarized cells. However, the haplotype and its mutant P-gps fold differently from the wild-type, as determined by UIC2 antibody shift assays and limited proteolysis assays. Surface biotinylation experiments suggest that the non-wild-type P-gps have longer recycling times. Drug transport assays show that wild-type and haplotype P-gp respond differently to P-gp inhibitors that block efflux of rhodamine 123 or mitoxantrone. In addition, cytotoxicity assays show that the LLC-MDR1-3H cells are more resistant to mitoxantrone than the LLC-MDR1-WT cells after being treated with a P-gp inhibitor. Expression of polymorphic P-gp, however, does not affect the host cell's morphology, growth rate, or monolayer formation. Also, ATPase activity assays indicate that neither basal nor drug-stimulated ATPase activities are affected in the variant P-gps. Taken together, our findings indicate that "silent" polymorphisms significantly change P-gp function, which would be expected to affect interindividual drug disposition and response.

Conserved Walker A cysteines 431 and 1074 in human P-glycoprotein are accessible to thiol-specific agents in the apo and ADP-vanadate trapped conformations

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter involved in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Although the mechanism of P-gp efflux has been extensively studied, aspects of its catalytic and transport cycle are still unclear. In this study, we used conserved C431 and C1074 in the Walker A motif of nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) as reporter sites to interrogate the interaction between the two NBDs during the catalytic cycle. Disulfide cross-linking of the C431 and C1074 residues in a Cys-less background can be observed in the presence of M14M and M17M cross-linkers, which have spacer arm lengths of 20 and 25 Å, respectively. However, cross-linking with both cross-linkers was prevented in the ADP-vanadate trapped (closed) conformation. Both C431 and C1074 alone or together (double mutant) in the apo and closed conformations were found to be accessible to fluorescein 5-maleimide (FM) and methanethiosulfonate derivatives of rhodamine and verapamil. In addition, C1074 showed 1.4- and 2-fold higher degrees of FM labeling than C431 in the apo and closed conformations, respectively, demonstrating that C1074 is more accessible than C431 in both conformations. In the presence of P-gp substrates, cross-linking with M17M is still observed, suggesting that binding of substrate in the transmembrane domains does not change the accessibility of the cysteines in the NBDs. In summary, the cysteines in the Walker A motifs of NBDs of human P-gp are differentially accessible to thiol-specific agents in the apo and closed conformations.

Mutations in intracellular loops 1 and 3 lead to misfolding of human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) that can be rescued by cyclosporine A, which reduces its association with chaperone Hsp70

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP binding cassette transporter that effluxes a variety of structurally diverse compounds including anticancer drugs. Computational models of human P-gp in the apo- and nucleotide-bound conformation show that the adenine group of ATP forms hydrogen bonds with the conserved Asp-164 and Asp-805 in intracellular loops 1 and 3, respectively, which are located at the interface between the nucleotide binding domains and transmembrane domains. We investigated the role of Asp-164 and Asp-805 residues by substituting them with cysteine in a cysteine-less background. It was observed that the D164C/D805C mutant, when expressed in HeLa cells, led to misprocessing of P-gp, which thus failed to transport the drug substrates. The misfolded protein could be rescued to the cell surface by growing the cells at a lower temperature (27 °C) or by treatment with substrates (cyclosporine A, FK506), modulators (tariquidar), or small corrector molecules. We also show that short term (4-6 h) treatment with 15 μM cyclosporine A or FK506 rescues the pre-formed immature protein trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum in an immunophilin-independent pathway. The intracellularly trapped misprocessed protein associates more with chaperone Hsp70, and the treatment with cyclosporine A reduces the association of mutant P-gp, thus allowing it to be trafficked to the cell surface. The function of rescued cell surface mutant P-gp is similar to that of wild-type protein. These data demonstrate that the Asp-164 and Asp-805 residues are not important for ATP binding, as proposed earlier, but are critical for proper folding and maturation of a functional transporter.

Mechanism of the ABC transporter ATPase domains: catalytic models and the biochemical and biophysical record

ABC transporters comprise a large, diverse, and ubiquitous superfamily of membrane active transporters. Their core architecture is a dimer of dimers, comprising two transmembrane domains that bind substrate and form the channel, and two ATP-binding cassettes, which bind and hydrolyze ATP to energize the translocase function. The prevailing paradigm for the ABC transport mechanism is the Switch Model, in which the nucleotide binding domains are proposed to dimerise upon binding of two ATP molecules, and thence dissociate upon sequential hydrolysis of the ATP. This idea appears consistent with crystal structures of both isolated subunits and whole transporters, as well as with a significant body of biochemical data. Nonetheless, an alternative Constant Contact Model has been proposed, in which the nucleotide binding domains do not fully dissociate, and ATP hydrolysis occurs alternately at each of the two active sites. Here, we review the biochemical and biophysical data relating to the ABC catalytic mechanism, to show how they may be construed as consistent with a Constant Contact Model, and to assess to what extent they support the Switch Model.

Perspectives on the structure-function of ABC transporters: the Switch and Constant Contact models

ABC transporters constitute one of the largest protein families across the kingdoms of archaea, eubacteria and eukarya. They couple ATP hydrolysis to vectorial translocation of diverse substrates across membranes. The ABC transporter architecture comprises two transmembrane domains and two cytosolic ATP-binding cassettes. During 2002-2012, nine prokaryotic ABC transporter structures and two eukaryotic structures have been solved to medium resolution. Despite a wealth of biochemical, biophysical, and structural data, fundamental questions remain regarding the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to unidirectional substrate translocation, and the mechanistic suite of steps involved. The mechanics of the ATP cassette dimer is defined most popularly by the 'Switch Model', which proposes that hydrolysis in each protomer is sequential, and that as the sites are freed of nucleotide, the protomers lose contact across a large solvent-filled gap of 20-30 Å; as captured in several X-ray solved structures. Our 'Constant Contact' model for the operational mechanics of ATP binding and hydrolysis in the ATP-binding cassettes is derived from the 'alternating sites' model, proposed in 1995, and which requires an intrinsic asymmetry in the ATP sites, but does not require the partner protomers to lose contact. Thus one of the most debated issues regarding the function of ABC transporters is whether the cooperative mechanics of ATP hydrolysis requires the ATP cassettes to separate or remain in constant contact and this dilemma is discussed at length in this review.

Role of the D-loops in allosteric control of ATP hydrolysis in an ABC transporter

ABC transporters couple ATP hydrolysis to movement of substrates across cell membranes. They comprise two transmembrane domains and two cytosolic nucleotide-binding domains forming two active sites that hydrolyze ATP cooperatively. The mechanism of ATP hydrolysis is controversial and the structural dynamic basis of its allosteric control unknown. Here we report molecular dynamics simulations of the ATP/apo and ATP/ADP states of the bacterial ABC exporter Sav1866, in which the cytoplasmic region of the protein was simulated in explicit water for 150 ns. In the simulation of the ATP/apo state, we observed, for the first time, conformers of the active site with the canonical geometry for an in-line nucleophilic attack on the ATP γ-phosphate. The conserved glutamate immediately downstream of the Walker B motif is the catalytic base, forming a dyad with the H-loop histidine, whereas the Q-loop glutamine has an organizing role. Each D-loop provides a coordinating residue of the attacking water, and comparison with the simulation of the ATP/ADP state suggests that via their flexibility, the D-loops modulate formation of the hydrolysis-competent state. A global switch involving a coupling helix delineates the signal transmission route by which allosteric control of ATP hydrolysis in ABC transporters is mediated.

Molecular-dynamics simulations of the ATP/apo state of a multidrug ATP-binding cassette transporter provide a structural and mechanistic basis for the asymmetric occluded state

ATP-binding cassette transporters use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to transport substrates across cellular membranes. They have two transmembrane domains and two cytosolic nucleotide-binding domains. Biochemical studies have characterized an occluded state of the transporter in which nucleotide is tenaciously bound in one active site, whereas the opposite active site is empty or binds nucleotide loosely. Here, we report molecular-dynamics simulations of the bacterial multidrug ATP-binding cassette transporter Sav1866. In two simulations of the ATP/apo state, the empty site opened substantially by way of rotation of the nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) core subdomain, whereas the ATP-bound site remained occluded and intact. We correlate our findings with elastic network and molecular-dynamics simulation analyses of the Sav1866 NBD monomer, and with existing experimental data, to argue that the observed transition is physiological, and that the final structure observed in the ATP/apo simulations corresponds to the tight/loose state of the NBD dimer characterized experimentally.

Use of baculovirus BacMam vectors for expression of ABC drug transporters in mammalian cells

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug transporters ABCB1 [P-glycoprotein (Pgp)] and ABCG2 are expressed in many tissues including those of the intestines, the liver, the kidney and the brain and are known to influence the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of therapeutic drugs. In vitro studies involving their functional characteristics provide important information that allows improvements in drug delivery or drug design. In this study, we report use of the BacMam (baculovirus-based expression in mammalian cells) expression system to express and characterize the function of Pgp and ABCG2 in mammalian cell lines. BacMam-Pgp and BacMam-ABCG2 baculovirus-transduced cell lines showed similar cell surface expression (as detected by monoclonal antibodies with an external epitope) and transport function of these transporters compared to drug-resistant cell lines that overexpress the two transporters. Transient expression of Pgp was maintained in HeLa cells for up to 72 h after transduction (48 h after removal of the BacMam virus). These BacMam-baculovirus-transduced mammalian cells expressing Pgp or ABCG2 were used for assessing the functional activity of these transporters. Crude membranes isolated from these cells were further used to study the activity of these transporters by biochemical techniques such as photo-cross-linking with transport substrate and adenosine triphosphatase assays. In addition, we show that the BacMam expression system can be exploited to coexpress both Pgp and ABCG2 in mammalian cells to determine their contribution to the transport of a common anticancer drug substrate. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the BacMam-baculovirus-based expression system can be used to simultaneously study the transport function and biochemical properties of ABC transporters.

Functionally Relevant Residues of Cdr1p: A Multidrug ABC Transporter of Human Pathogenic Candida albicans

Reduced intracellular accumulation of drugs (due to rapid efflux) mediated by the efflux pump proteins belonging to ABC (ATP Binding Cassette) and MFS (Major Facilitators) superfamily is one of the most common strategies adopted by multidrug resistance (MDR) pathogenic yeasts. To combat MDR, it is essential to understand the structure and function of these transporters so that inhibitors/modulators to these can be developed. The sequence alignments of the ABC transporters reveal selective divergence within much conserved domains of Nucleotide-Binding Domains (NBDs) which is unique to all fungal transporters. Recently, the role of conserved but divergent residues of Candida Drug Resistance 1 (CDR1), an ABC drug transporter of human pathogenic Candida albicans, has been examined with regard to ATP binding and hydrolysis. In this paper, we focus on some of the recent advances on the relevance of divergent and conserved amino acids of CaCdr1p and also discuss as to how drug interacts with Trans Membrane Domains (TMDs) residues for its extrusion from MDR cells.

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.

Marine sponge-derived sipholane triterpenoids reverse P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)-mediated multidrug resistance in cancer cells

Previously, we reported sipholenol A, a sipholane triterpenoid from the Red Sea sponge Callyspongia siphonella, as a potent reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells that overexpressed P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Through extensive screening of several related sipholane triterpenoids that have been isolated from the same sponge, we identified sipholenone E, sipholenol L and siphonellinol D as potent reversals of MDR in cancer cells. These compounds enhanced the cytotoxicity of several P-gp substrate anticancer drugs, including colchicine, vinblastine and paclitaxel, and significantly reversed the MDR-phenotype in P-gp-overexpressing MDR cancer cells KB-C2 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, these three sipholanes had no effect on the response to cytotoxic agents in cells lacking P-gp expression or expressing MRP1 (ABCC1) or MRP7 (ABCC10) or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2). All three sipholanes (IC(50) >50 μM) were not toxic to all the cell lines that were used. [(3)H]-Paclitaxel accumulation and efflux studies demonstrated that all three triterpenoids time-dependently increased the intracellular accumulation of [(3)H]-paclitaxel by directly inhibiting P-gp-mediated drug efflux. Sipholanes also inhibited calcein-AM transport from P-gp-overexpressing cells. The Western blot analysis revealed that these three triterpenoids did not alter the expression of P-gp. However, they stimulated P-gp ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibited the photolabeling of this transporter with its transport substrate [(125)I]-iodoarylazidoprazosin. In silico molecular docking aided the virtual identification of ligand binding sites of these compounds. In conclusion, sipholane triterpenoids efficiently inhibit the function of P-gp through direct interactions and may represent potential reversal agents for the treatment of MDR.

Characterization of an asymmetric occluded state of P-glycoprotein with two bound nucleotides: implications for catalysis

P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), a member of the ABC superfamily, functions as an ATP-driven multidrug efflux pump. The catalytic cycle of ABC proteins is believed to involve formation of a sandwich dimer in which two ATP molecules are bound at the interface of the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs). However, such dimers have only been observed in isolated NBD subunits and catalytically arrested mutants, and it is still not understood how ATP hydrolysis is coordinated between the two NBDs. We report for the first time the characterization of an asymmetric state of catalytically active native P-glycoprotein with two bound molecules of adenosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (ATPgammaS), one of low affinity (K(d) 0.74 mm), and one "occluded" nucleotide of 120-fold higher affinity (K(d) 6 microm). ATPgammaS also interacts with P-glycoprotein with high affinity as assessed by inhibition of ATP hydrolysis and protection from covalent labeling of a Walker A Cys residue, whereas other non-hydrolyzable ATP analogues do not. Binding of ATPgammaS (but not ATP) causes Trp residue heterogeneity, as indicated by collisional quenching, suggesting that it may induce conformational asymmetry. Asymmetric ATPgammaS-bound P-glycoprotein does not display reduced binding affinity for drugs, implying that transport is not driven by ATP binding and likely takes place at a later stage of the catalytic cycle. We propose that this asymmetric state with two bound nucleotides represents the next intermediate on the path toward ATP hydrolysis after nucleotide binding, and an alternating sites mode of action is achieved by simultaneous switching of the two active sites between high and low affinity states.

A synonymous polymorphism in a common MDR1 (ABCB1) haplotype shapes protein function

The MDR1 (ABCB1) gene encodes a membrane-bound transporter that actively effluxes a wide range of compounds from cells. The overexpression of MDR1 by multidrug-resistant cancer cells is a serious impediment to chemotherapy. MDR1 is expressed in various tissues to protect them from the adverse effect of toxins. The pharmacokinetics of drugs that are also MDR1 substrates also influence disease outcome and treatment efficacy. Although MDR1 is a well-conserved gene, there is increasing evidence that its polymorphisms affect substrate specificity. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur frequently and have strong linkage, creating a common haplotype at positions 1236C>T (G412G), 2677G>T (A893S) and 3435C>T (I1145I). The frequency of the synonymous 3435C>T polymorphism has been shown to vary significantly according to ethnicity. Existing literature suggests that the haplotype plays a role in response to drugs and disease susceptibility. This review summarizes recent findings on the 3435C>T polymorphism of MDR1 and the haplotype to which it belongs. A possible molecular mechanism of action by ribosome stalling that can change protein structure and function by altering protein folding is discussed.

Aberrant catalytic cycle and impaired lipid transport into intracellular vesicles in ABCA3 mutants associated with nonfatal pediatric interstitial lung disease

The ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA3 mediates uptake of choline-phospholipids into intracellular vesicles and is essential for surfactant metabolism in lung alveolar type II cells. We have shown previously that ABCA3 mutations in fatal surfactant deficiency impair intracellular localization or ATP hydrolysis of ABCA3 protein. However, the mechanisms underlying the less severe phenotype of patients with ABCA3 mutation are unclear. In this study, we characterized ABCA3 mutant proteins identified in pediatric interstitial lung disease (pILD). E292V (intracellular loop 1), E690K (adjacent to Walker B motif in nucleotide binding domain 1), and T1114M (8th putative transmembrane segment) mutant proteins are localized mainly in intracellular vesicle membranes as wild-type protein. Lipid analysis and sucrose gradient fractionation revealed that the transport function of E292V mutant protein is moderately preserved, whereas those of E690K and T1114M mutant proteins are severely impaired. Vanadate-induced nucleotide trapping and photoaffinity labeling of wild-type and mutant proteins using 8-azido-[(32)P]ATP revealed an aberrant catalytic cycle in these mutant proteins. These results demonstrate the importance of a functional catalytic cycle in lipid transport of ABCA3 and suggest a pathophysiological mechanism of pILD due to ABCA3 mutation.

Investigating the role of the invariant carboxylate residues E552 and E1197 in the catalytic activity of Abcb1a (mouse Mdr3)

The invariant carboxylate residue which follows the Walker B motif (hyd(4)DE/D) in the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of ATP-binding cassette transporters is thought to be involved in the hydrolysis of the gamma-phosphate of MgATP, either by activating the attacking water molecule or by promoting substrate-assisted catalysis. In Abcb1a, this invariant carboxylate residue corresponds to E552 in NBD1 and E1197 in NBD2. To further characterize the role of these residues in catalysis, we created in Abcb1a the single-site mutants E552D, N and A in NBD1, and E1197D, N and A in NBD2, as well as the double-mutant E552Q/E1197Q. In addition, we created mutants in which the Walker A K --> R mutation known to abolish ATPase activity was introduced in the non-mutant NBD of E552Q and E1197Q. ATPase activity, binding affinity and trapping properties were tested for each Abcb1a variant. The results suggest that the length of the invariant carboxylate residue is important for the catalytic activity, whereas the charge of the side chain is critical for full turnover to occur. Moreover, in the double-mutants where the K --> R mutation is introduced in the 'wild-type' NBD of the E --> Q mutants, single-site turnover is observed, especially when NBD2 can undergo gamma-P(i) cleavage. The results further support the idea that the NBDs are not symmetric and suggest that the invariant carboxylates are involved both in NBD-NBD communication and transition-state formation through orientation of the linchpin residue.

A novel catalytic mechanism for ATP hydrolysis employed by the N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain of Cdr1p, a multidrug ABC transporter of Candida albicans

Although essentially conserved, the N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) of Cdr1p and other fungal transporters has some unique substitutions of amino acids which appear to have functional significance for the drug transporters. We have previously shown that the typical Cys193 in Walker A as well as Trp326 and Asp327 in the Walker B of N-terminal NBD (NBD-512) of Cdr1p has acquired unique roles in ATP binding and hydrolysis. In the present study, we show that due to spatial proximity, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) takes place between Trp326 of Walker B and MIANS [2-(4-maleimidoanilino) naphthalene-6-sulfonic acid] on Cys193 of Walker A motif. By exploiting FRET, we demonstrate how these critical amino acids are positioned within the nucleotide-binding pocket of NBD-512 to bind and hydrolyze ATP. Our results show that both Mg2+ coordination and nucleotide binding contribute to the formation of the active site. The entry of Mg2+ into the active site causes the first large conformational change that brings Trp326 and Cys193 in close proximity to each other. We also show that besides Trp326, typical Glu238 in the Q-loop also participates in coordination of Mg2+ by NBD-512. A second conformational change is induced when ATP, but not ADP, docks into the pocket. Asn328 does sensing of the gamma-phosphate of the substrate in the extended Walker B motif, which is essential for the second conformational change that must necessarily precede ATP hydrolysis. Taken together our results imply that the uniquely placed residues in NBD-512 have acquired critical roles in ATP catalysis, which drives drug extrusion.

Genomics and the mechanism of P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)

The development of effective clinical interventions against multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer remains a significant challenge. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contribute to wide variations in how individuals respond to medications and there are several SNPs in human P-glycoprotein (P-gp) that may influence the interactions of drug-substrates with the transporter. Interestingly, even some of the synonymous SNPs have functional consequences for P-gp. It is also becoming increasingly evident that an understanding of the transport pathway of P-gp may be necessary to design effective modulators. In this review we discuss: (1) The potential importance of SNPs (both synonymous and non-synonymous) in MDR and (2) How new concepts that have emerged from structural studies with isolated nucleotide binding domains of bacterial ABC transporters have prompted biochemical studies on P-gp, leading to a better understanding of the mechanism of P-gp mediated transport. Our results suggest that the power-stroke is provided only after formation of the pre-hydrolysis transition-like (E.S) state during ATP hydrolysis.

Evidence for dual mode of action of a thiosemicarbazone, NSC73306: a potent substrate of the multidrug resistance linked ABCG2 transporter

Multidrug resistance due to reduced drug accumulation is a phenomenon predominantly caused by the overexpression of members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein), ABCG2, and several ABCC family members [multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)]. We previously reported that a thiosemicarbazone derivative, NSC73306, is cytotoxic to carcinoma cells that overexpress functional P-glycoprotein, and it resensitizes these cells to chemotherapeutics. In this study, we investigated the effect of NSC73306 on cells overexpressing other ABC drug transporters, including ABCG2, MRP1, MRP4, and MRP5. Our findings showed that NSC73306 is not more toxic to cells that overexpress these transporters compared with their respective parental cells, and these transporters do not confer resistance to NSC73306 either. In spite of this, we observed that NSC73306 is a transport substrate for ABCG2 that can effectively inhibit ABCG2-mediated drug transport and reverse resistance to both mitoxantrone and topotecan in ABCG2-expressing cells. Interactions between NSC73306 and the ABCG2 drug-binding site(s) were confirmed by its stimulatory effect on ATPase activity (140-150 nmol/L concentration required for 50% stimulation) and by inhibition of [(125)I]iodoarylazidoprazosin photolabeling (50% inhibition at 250-400 nmol/L) of the substrate-binding site(s). Overall, NSC73306 seems to be a potent modulator of ABCG2 that does not interact with MRP1, MRP4, or MRP5. Collectively, these data suggest that NSC73306 can potentially be used, due to its dual mode of action, as an effective agent to overcome drug resistance by eliminating P-glycoprotein-overexpressing cells and by acting as a potent modulator that resensitizes ABCG2-expressing cancer cells to chemotherapeutics.

Evidence for a Sav1866-like architecture for the human multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein

The recently reported structures of the bacterial multidrug exporter Sav1866 suggest a domain architecture in which both nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of this ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter contact both transmembrane domains (TMDs). Such a domain arrangement is particularly unexpected because it is not found in the structures of three solute importers BtuCD, HI1470/1, and ModBC from the same protein family. There is also no precedent for such an arrangement from biochemical studies with any ABC transporter. Sav1866 is homologous with the clinically relevant human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1). If the structure proposed for Sav1866 is physiologically relevant, the long intracellular loops of P-glycoprotein TMD2 should contact NBD1. We have tested this by using cysteine mutagenesis and chemical cross-linking to verify proximal relationships of the introduced sulfhydryls across the proposed interdomain interface. We report the first biochemical evidence in support of the domain arrangement proposed for the multidrug resistance class of ABC transporters. With a domain arrangement distinctly different from the three solute importers it seems likely that the TMDs of ABC importers and exporters have evolved different mechanisms to couple to common conformational changes at conserved NBDs.

About a switch: how P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) harnesses the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to do mechanical work

The efflux of drugs by the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp; ABCB1) is one of the principal means by which cancer cells evade chemotherapy and exhibit multidrug resistance. Mechanistic studies of Pgp-mediated transport, however, transcend the importance of this protein per se as they help us understand the transport pathway of the ATP-binding cassette proteins in general. The ATP-binding cassette proteins comprise one of the largest protein families, are central to cellular physiology, and constitute important drug targets. The functional unit of Pgp consists of two nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) and two transmembrane domains that are involved in the transport of drug substrates. Early studies postulated that conformational changes as a result of ATP hydrolysis were transmitted to the transmembrane domains bringing about drug transport. More recent structural and biochemical studies on the other hand suggested that ATP binds at the interface of the two NBDs and induces the formation of a closed dimer, and it has been hypothesized that this dimerization and subsequent ATP hydrolysis powers transport. Based on the mutational and biochemical work on Pgp and structural studies with isolated NBDs, we review proposed schemes for the catalytic cycle of ATP hydrolysis and the transport pathway.

Conserved Asp327 of walker B motif in the N-terminal nucleotide binding domain (NBD-1) of Cdr1p of Candida albicans has acquired a new role in ATP hydrolysis

The Walker A and B motifs of nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of Cdr1p though almost identical to all ABC transporters, has unique substitutions. We have shown in the past that Trp326 of Walker B and Cys193 of Walker A motifs of N-terminal NBD of Cdr1p have distinct roles in ATP binding and hydrolysis, respectively. In the present study, we have examined the role of a well conserved Asp327 in the Walker B motif of the N-terminal NBD, which is preceded (Trp326) and followed (Asn328) by atypical amino acid substitutions and compared it with its equivalent well conserved Asp1026 of the C-terminal NBD of Cdr1p. We observed that the removal of the negative charge by D327N, D327A, D1026N, D1026A, and D327N/D1026N substitutions, resulted in Cdr1p mutant variants that were severely impaired in ATPase activity and drug efflux. Importantly, all of the mutant variants showed characteristics similar to those of the wild type with respect to cell surface expression and photoaffinity drug analogue [125I] IAAP and [3H] azidopine labeling. Although the Cdr1p D327N mutant variant showed comparable binding with [alpha-32P] 8-azido ATP, Cdr1p D1026N and Cdr1p D327N/D1026N mutant variants were crippled in nucleotide binding. That the two conserved carboxylate residues Asp327 and Asp1026 are functionally different was further evident from the pH profile of ATPase activity. The Cdr1p D327N mutant variant showed approximately 40% enhancement of its residual ATPase activity at acidic pH, whereas no such pH effect was seen with the Cdr1p D1026N mutant variant. Our experimental data suggest that Asp327 of N-terminal NBD has acquired a new role to act as a catalytic base in ATP hydrolysis, a role normally conserved for Glu present adjacent to the conserved Asp in the Walker B motif of all the non-fungal transporters.

Human multidrug resistance ABCB and ABCG transporters: participation in a chemoimmunity defense system

In this review we give an overview of the physiological functions of a group of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins, which were discovered, and still referred to, as multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters. Although they indeed play an important role in cancer drug resistance, their major physiological function is to provide general protection against hydrophobic xenobiotics. With a highly conserved structure, membrane topology, and mechanism of action, these essential transporters are preserved throughout all living systems, from bacteria to human. We describe the general structural and mechanistic features of the human MDR-ABC transporters and introduce some of the basic methods that can be applied for the analysis of their expression, function, regulation, and modulation. We treat in detail the biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology of the ABCB1 (MDR1/P-glycoprotein) and the ABCG2 (MXR/BCRP) proteins and describe emerging information related to additional ABCB- and ABCG-type transporters with a potential role in drug and xenobiotic resistance. Throughout this review we demonstrate and emphasize the general network characteristics of the MDR-ABC transporters, functioning at the cellular and physiological tissue barriers. In addition, we suggest that multidrug transporters are essential parts of an innate defense system, the "chemoimmunity" network, which has a number of features reminiscent of classical immunology.