[Targeted therapy in the treatment of solid tumors and in hematology-oncology. Advances and disappointments]

The development and clinical introduction of targeted therapies has resulted in significant progress for the treatment of malignant diseases. These forms of therapy supplement traditional methods of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. As new therapies increase the complexity of therapeutic options in oncology, the treatment costs steadily climb as well. Parameters need to be identified which will predict a response to new substances, and this effort is the subject of ongoing studies.

Functional and histochemical analysis of MDR3 P-glycoprotein in a tetracycline-controlled gene expression system

Aim of the present study was to establish a cell system to study the physiological function of human MDR3 P-glycoprotein in cellular phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion. MDR3 cDNA was expressed in HeLa cells using the tet-off system together with a luciferase reporter gene. MDR3 Pgp expression was turned on upon removal of doxycycline as shown by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry using a specific anti human MDR3 Pgp antibody revealed a prominent staining of MDR3 Pgp covering the cytoplasm and the area of the plasma membrane. In presence of doxycycline MDR3 Pgp expression was turned off. For analysis of PC secretory activity, MDR3 Pgp expressing and non-expressing cells as well as control HeLa cells with low endogenous MDR3 were preincubated with [(3)H]choline for synthesis of cellular [(3)H]PC. Cells were then incubated for 2 h in media with 0-4 mM taurocholate (TC) and release of cellular [(3)H]PC was recorded. [(3)H]PC secretion was observed in presence of TC without impairing cell viability. There was a significant increase in [(3)H]PC excretion in MDR3 Pgp expressing cells compared to non-expressing controls (e.g. 4.5 fold at 4 mM TC), revealing a high efficiency of transport activity (turnover). From the data it is concluded that the MDR3 Pgp expressing cell system under control of a doxycycline responsive promotor is functionally active and provides a tool to further study MDR3 Pgp mediated transport.

Evidence for an anion exchange mechanism for uptake of conjugated bile acid from the rat jejunum

Absorption of conjugated bile acids from the small intestine is very efficient. The mechanisms of jejunal absorption are not very well understood. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of absorption of conjugated bile acid at the apical membrane of jejunal epithelial cells. Brush-border membrane vesicles from intestinal epithelial cells of the rat were prepared. Absorption of two taurine-conjugated bile acids that are representative of endogenous bile acids in many variate vertebrate species were studied. In ileal, but not jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles, transport of conjugated bile acids was cis-stimulated by sodium. Transport of conjugated bile acids was trans-stimulated by bicarbonate in the jejunum. Absorption of conjugated dihydroxy-bile acids was almost twice as fast as of trihydroxy-bile acids. Coincubation with other conjugated bile acids, bromosulfophthalein, and DIDS, as well as by incubation in the cold inhibited the transport rate effectively. Absorption of conjugated bile acids in the jejunum from the rat is driven by anion exchange and is most likely an antiport transport.