ABC proteins protect the human body and maintain optimal health

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2011;75(3):401-9. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100816. Epub 2011 Mar 7.

Abstract

Human MDR1, a multi-drug transporter gene, was isolated as the first of the eukaryote ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) proteins from a multidrug-resistant carcinoma cell line in 1986. To date, over 25 years, many ABC proteins have been found to play important physiological roles by transporting hydrophobic compounds. Defects in their functions cause various diseases, indicating that endogenous hydrophobic compounds, as well as water-soluble compounds, are properly transported by transmembrane proteins. MDR1 transports a large number of structurally unrelated drugs and is involved in their pharmacokinetics, and thus is a key factor in drug interaction. ABCA1, an ABC protein, eliminates excess cholesterol in peripheral cells by generating HDL. Because ABCA1 is a key molecule in cholesterol homeostasis, its function and expression are highly regulated. Eukaryote ABC proteins function on the body surface facing the outside and in organ pathways to adapt to the extracellular environment and protect the body to maintain optimal health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / classification
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics*
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Biological Transport / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cholesterol / metabolism*
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Protein Binding
  • Xenobiotics / metabolism

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Xenobiotics
  • Cholesterol