Expression of the organic anion transporters OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1 in human liver is affected by genetic and nongenetic factors

Abstract

Transport proteins in the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes mediate drug uptake, which is required for hepatic drug metabolism and elimination. Anionic drugs (e.g. statins, methotrexate, digoxin, paclitaxel) may be taken up into the hepatocytes by members of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family, i.e. OATP1B1 (gene symbol SLCO1B1), OATP1B3 (SLCO1B3), and OATP2B1 (SLCO2B1) [1]. As interindividual variability of hepatic OATP expression may affect drug response, we systematically investigated genetic and nongenetic factors of OATP expression.