ATP-driven Efflux Pump Research Articles

Corseting a tripartite ABC transporter to make it fit for transport

ABC transporters have long been known to mediate resistance phenotypes in all kingdoms of life, and ATP-driven tripartite efflux pump from Gram-negative bacteria have attracted increasing interest. We give a special focus on MacAB TolC, a prototypical member of the recently described Type VII ABC transporter superfamily, from Escherichia coli. We provide original experimental evidence for the in vitro, substrate-induced ATPase activity and show a maximal activity when the tripartite pump is fully assembled in lipid nanodiscs. These results are evaluated and interpreted in the context of the structural and functional data that have accumulated over the years.

Re-evaluation of the hCMEC/D3 based in vitro BBB model for ABC transporter studies

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents one of the biggest hurdles for CNS related drug delivery, preventing permeation of most molecules, and therefore poses a major challenge for researchers in finding effective treatments for CNS diseases. The low permeability of molecules through the BBB is linked on one hand to the extreme tightness by tight junction (TJ) formation limiting the paracellular transport, and on the other hand to the presence of ATP-driven efflux pumps which actively transport unwanted compounds out of the brain. In this study we evaluated the applicability of the immortalized human cell line hCMEC/D3 for ABC transporter studies, focusing on the most expressed ABC transporters at the human BBB: P-glycoprotein (PGP, ABCB1), multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4, ABCC4) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2). Therefore, a two-step screening method was applied, consisting of a regular uptake assay (96-well format) and bidirectional transport studies, using a transwell system as in vitro simulation of the human BBB. In conclusion, the hCMEC/D3 based in vitro BBB model is well suited to screen drug candidates for ABC transporter interactions on the basis of a regular uptake assay, but in terms of transcellular permeability studies the cell line is limited by a lack of sufficient junctional tightness.

Transport of Drugs and Endogenous Compounds Mediated by Human OCT1: Studies in Single- and Double-Transfected Cell Models.

Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCT1, gene symbol: SLC22A1) is predominately expressed in human liver, localized in the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes and facilitates the uptake of endogenous compounds (e.g. serotonin, acetylcholine, thiamine), and widely prescribed drugs (e.g. metformin, fenoterol, morphine). Furthermore, exogenous compounds such as MPP+, ASP+ and Tetraethylammonium can be used as prototypic substrates to study the OCT1-mediated transport in vitro. Single-transfected cell lines recombinantly overexpressing OCT1 (e.g., HEK-OCT1) were established to study OCT1-mediated uptake and to evaluate transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions in vitro. Furthermore, double-transfected cell models simultaneously overexpressing basolaterally localized OCT1 together with an apically localized export protein have been established. Most of these cell models are based on polarized grown MDCK cells and can be used to analyze transcellular transport, mimicking the transport processes e.g. during the hepatobiliary elimination of drugs. Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1, gene symbol: SLC47A1) and the ATP-driven efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp, gene symbol: ABCB1) are both expressed in the canalicular membrane of human hepatocytes and are described as transporters of organic cations. OCT1 and MATE1 have an overlapping substrate spectrum, indicating an important interplay of both transport proteins during the hepatobiliary elimination of drugs. Due to the important role of OCT1 for the transport of endogenous compounds and drugs, in vitro cell systems are important for the determination of the substrate spectrum of OCT1, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of polarized transport, and the investigation of potential drug-drug interactions. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge on cell systems recombinantly overexpressing human OCT1.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands increase ABC transporter activity and protein expression in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) renal proximal tubules.

Many widespread and persistent organic pollutants, for example, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and some polychlorinated biphenyls, activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) causing it to translocate to the cell nucleus where it transactivates target genes, increasing expression of a number of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes as well as some transporters. AhR's ability to target transporters within the kidney is essentially unexplored. We show here that exposing isolated killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) renal proximal tubules to micromolar β-naphthoflavone (BNF) or nanomolar TCDD roughly doubled the transport activity of Multidrug resistance-associated proteins Mrp2 and Mrp4, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), all ATP-driven xenobiotic efflux pumps and critical determinants of renal xenobiotic excretion. These effects were abolished by actinomycin D and cycloheximide and by the AhR antagonist, α-naphthoflavone, indicating that increased transport activity was dependent on transcription and translation as well as ligand binding to AhR. Quantitative immunostaining of renal tubules exposed to BNF and TCDD showed increased luminal membrane expression of Mrp2, Mrp4, P-gp and Bcrp. Thus, in these renal tubules, the four ABC transporters are targets of AhR action.

Zinc chloride rapidly stimulates efflux transporters in renal proximal tubules of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)

Multidrug resistance-related protein 2 (Mrp2) is an ATP-driven efflux pump at the luminal membrane in renal proximal tubules. It acts as detoxification mechanism by transporting xenobiotics and metabolic products into urine. The trace element zinc is essential for cellular growth, differentiation and survival. It modulates immune response and is used as dietary supplement. Here, we found that 0.1–10μM ZnCl2 rapidly stimulated transport of the Mrp2 probe substrate Texas Red (TR) in isolated killifish renal proximal tubules, which provide an established model system to measure efflux transporter activity by using fluorescent probe substrates, confocal microscopy and image analysis. This stimulation was insensitive to the translation inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX), but it was quickly reversed by removing ZnCl2 from the incubation medium. ZnCl2-induced transport stimulation was abolished by inhibitors and antagonists of the endothelin receptor type B (ETB)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Moreover, ZnCl2-induced effects were blocked by inhibition of PKCα using Gö6976 and PKCα inhibitor peptide C2-4. Both the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY 294002 and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin abolished ZnCl2-induced transport stimulation. Furthermore, the stimulating effects of ZnCl2 were blocked by GSK650394, an inhibitor of the downstream target serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1). ZnCl2 also stimulated transport mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp). This is the first report about zinc affecting efflux transporter activity and demonstrates that ZnCl2 triggers a suite of signaling events to evoke a rapid stimulation of ABC transporter-mediated efflux in killifish proximal tubules.

Ceramide 1-Phosphate Increases P-Glycoprotein Transport Activity at the Blood-Brain Barrier via Prostaglandin E2 Signaling.

P-glycoprotein, an ATP-driven efflux pump, regulates permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Sphingolipids, endogenous to brain tissue, influence inflammatory responses and cell survival in vitro. Our laboratory has previously shown that sphingolipid signaling by sphingosine 1-phosphate decreases basal P-glycoprotein transport activity. Here, we investigated the potential for another sphingolipid, ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), to modulate efflux pumps at the BBB. Using confocal microscopy and measuring luminal accumulation of fluorescent substrates, we assessed the transport activity of several efflux pumps in isolated rat brain capillaries. C1P treatment induced P-glycoprotein transport activity in brain capillaries rapidly and reversibly. In contrast, C1P did not affect transport activity of two other major efflux transporters, multidrug resistance protein 2 and breast cancer resistance protein. C1P induced P-glycoprotein transport activity without changing transporter protein expression. Inhibition of the key signaling components in the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 signaling cascade (phospholipase A2, COX-2, multidrug resistance protein 4, and G-protein-coupled prostaglandin E2 receptors 1 and 2), abolished P-glycoprotein induction by C1P. We show that COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 are required for C1P-mediated increases in P-glycoprotein activity independent of transporter protein expression. This work describes how C1P activates a signaling cascade to dynamically regulate P-glycoprotein transport at the BBB and offers potential clinical targets to modulate neuroprotection and drug delivery to the CNS.

Association of ABCB1 gene variants, plasma antidepressant concentration, and treatment response: Results from a randomized clinical study

P-glycoprotein, encoded by the ABCB1 gene, functions as an ATP-driven efflux pump in the blood–brain barrier, extruding its substrates and thereby limiting their passage into the brain. ABCB1 polymorphisms predicted antidepressant drug response: Minor allele carriers of SNPs rs2032583 and rs2235015 had higher remission rates than major allele homozygotes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate an ABCB1 genotype-dependent efficacy of a quick dose escalation strategy.Depressed inpatients (n = 73) treated with antidepressants that are P-glycoprotein substrates were randomly assigned to a standard or high dose condition for 28 days. HAM-D scores, adverse effects and plasma antidepressant concentration were measured weekly and tested among two intronic SNPs rs2032583 and rs2235015. A treatment as usual control sample (n = 128) was retrospectively matched to the study group by gender, age, and diagnosis.There was a significant interaction of genotype x plasma antidepressant concentration: Minor allele carriers of rs2032583 [F(1,65) = 7.221, p = 0.009] and rs2235015 [F(1,65) = 4.939, p = 0.030] whose plasma drug concentration were within recommended range had a greater symptom reduction at study endpoint which exceeded the therapeutic benefit of the treatment as usual group [for rs2032583: F(1,163) = 4.366, p = 0.038]. Minor allele carriers of rs2032583 with high plasma drug levels had more sleep-related side effects than major allele homozygotes with high plasma drug levels.The treatment of MDD can be optimized by ABCB1 genotyping combined with monitoring of plasma drug concentrations: For minor allele carriers of rs2032583 and rs2235015, plasma antidepressant levels should not exceed the recommended range in order to obtain optimal treatment outcome.

Topotecan‐induced ABCG2 expression in MCF‐7 cells is associated with decreased CD24 and EpCAM expression and a loss of tumorigenicity

Human breast cancer shows a considerable heterogeneity regarding the expression of CD24, CD44, EpCAM, and HER2. These markers are involved in cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, and thus affect metastasis and, in turn, patient's outcome. The ATP-driven efflux pump (ABC transporter) breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is known to confer resistance to a wide variety of structurally unrelated cytostatics and defines subpopulations with enhanced tumor-initiating capacity. The expression of ABCG2 can be induced by treatment with different cytostatic drugs. Concurrent effects of such treatments on the expression of the aforementioned marker proteins and cellular properties related to cancer-initiating cells have not been examined thoroughly. Here, we investigated the effect of the ABCG2 substrate topotecan on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and analyzed CD24, CD44, EpCAM, and HER2 expression by flow cytometry. Moreover, we examined the impact of topotecan treatment on the sphere-forming ability in vitro and the tumorigenicity in immunodeficient NMRI-nu/nu and NSG mice. We found an elevated ABCG2 expression in MCF-7 cells in the presence of 500 nM topotecan. Compared with untreated MCF-7 cells, the application of topotecan induced a subpopulation with decreased CD24/EpCAM expression, whereas CD44 expression remained largely unchanged. Topotecan-treated cells showed an impaired mammosphere formation capacity in vitro and reduced tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice. The data indicate that ABCG2 induction is not necessarily linked to increased tumorigenicity and suggest a major role of CD24 and EpCAM for the preservation of self-renewal capacity in MCF-7 cells and tumor outgrowth in vivo.

Regulation of ABC transporters at the blood-brain barrier.

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters at the blood-brain barrier function as ATP-driven xenobiotic efflux pumps and limit delivery of small molecule drugs to the brain. Here I review recent progress in understanding the regulation of the expression and transport activity of these transporters and comment on how this new information might aid in improving drug delivery to the brain.

Regulation of ABC transporters blood-brain barrier: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The brain capillary endothelial cells that constitute the blood-brain barrier express multiple ABC transport proteins on the luminal, blood-facing, plasma membrane. These transporters function as ATP-driven efflux pumps for xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites. High expression of these ABC transporters at the barrier is a major obstacle to the delivery of therapeutics, including chemotherapeutics, to the CNS. Here, I review the signals that alter ABC transporter expression and transport function with an emphasis on P-glycoprotein, Mrp2, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), the efflux transporters for which we have the most detailed picture of regulation. Recent work shows that transporter protein expression can be upregulated in response to inflammatory and oxidative stress, therapeutic drugs, diet, and persistent environmental pollutants; as a consequence, drug delivery to the brain is reduced (potentially bad and ugly). In contrast, basal transport activity of P-glycoprotein and BCRP can be reduced through complex signaling pathways that involve events in and on the brain capillary endothelial cells. Targeting these signaling events provides opportunities to rapidly and reversibly increase brain accumulation of drugs that are substrates for the transporters (potentially good). The clinical usefulness of targeting signaling to reduce efflux transporter activity and improve drug delivery to the CNS remains to be established.

Isolation and Characterization of the Colletotrichum acutatum ABC Transporter CaABC1.

Fungi tolerate exposure to various abiotic stresses, including cytotoxic compounds and fungicides, via their ATP-driven efflux pumps belonging to ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. To clarify the molecular basis of interaction between the fungus and various abiotic stresses including fungicides, we constructed a cDNA library from germinated conidia of Colletotrichum acutatum, a major anthracnose pathogen of pepper (Capsicum annum L.). Over 1,000 cDNA clones were sequenced, of which single clone exhibited significant nucleotide sequence homology to ABC transporter genes. We isolated three fosmid clones containing the C. acutatum ABC1 (CaABC1) gene in full-length from genomic DNA library screening. The CaABC1 gene consists of 4,059 bp transcript, predicting a 1,353-aa protein. The gene contains the typical ABC signature and Walker A and B motifs. The 5′-flanking region contains a CAAT motif, a TATA box, and a Kozak region. Phylogenetic and structural analysis suggested that the CaABC1 is a typical ABC transporter gene highly conserved in various fungal species, as well as in Chromista, Metazoans, and Viridiplantae. We also found that CaABC1 was up-regulated during conidiation and a minimal medium condition. Moreover, CaABC1 was induced in iprobenfos, kresoxim-methyl, thiophanate-methyl, and hygromycin B. These results demonstrate that CaABC1 is necessary for conidiation, abiotic stress, and various fungicide resistances. These results will provide the basis for further study on the function of ABC transporter genes in C. acutatum.

Nrf2 upregulates ATP binding cassette transporter expression and activity at the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers.

Activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), a sensor of oxidative stress, is neuroprotective in animal models of cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and spinal cord injury. We show here that Nrf2 activation with sulforaphane (SFN) in vivo or in vitro increases expression and transport activity of three ATP-driven drug efflux pumps at the blood-brain barrier [P-glycoprotein, ATP binding cassette b1 (Abcb1); multidrug resistance-associated protein-2 (Mrp2), Abcc2; and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), Abcg2]. Dosing rats with SFN increased protein expression of all three transporters in brain capillaries and decreased by 50% brain accumulation of the P-glycoprotein substrate verapamil. Exposing rat or mouse brain capillaries to SFN increased P-glycoprotein, Bcrp, and Mrp2 transport activity and protein expression; SFN increased P-glycoprotein activity in mouse spinal cord capillaries. Inhibiting transcription or translation abolished upregulation of P-glycoprotein activity. No such effects were seen in brain capillaries from Nrf2-null mice, indicating Nrf2 dependence. Nrf2 signaled indirectly to increase transporter activity/expression. The p53 inhibitor pifithrin abolished the SFN-induced increase in transporter activity/expression, and the p53-activator nutlin-3 increased P-glycoprotein activity. SFN did not alter P-glycoprotein transport activity in brain and spinal cord capillaries from p53-null mice. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) blocked the effects of SFN and nutlin-3 on P-glycoprotein activity. These results implicate Nrf2, p53, and NF-κB in the upregulation of P-glycoprotein, Bcrp, and Mrp2 at blood-CNS barriers. They imply that the barriers are tightened selectively (efflux transporter upregulation) by oxidative stress, providing increased neuroprotection, but also reduced penetration of many therapeutic drugs.

Identification of volatile organic compounds in human cerumen

We report here the initial examination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from human earwax (cerumen). Recent studies link a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette, sub-family C, member 11 gene (ABCC11) to the production of different types of axillary odorants and cerumen. ABCC11 encodes an ATP-driven efflux pump protein that plays an important function in ceruminous apocrine glands of the auditory canal and the secretion of axillary odor precursors. The type of cerumen and underarm odor produced by East Asians differ markedly from that produced by non-Asians. In this initial report we find that both groups emit many of the same VOCs but differ significantly in the amounts produced. The principal odorants are volatile organic C2-to-C6 acids. The physical appearance of cerumen from the two groups also matches previously reported ethnic differences, viz., cerumen from East Asians appears dry and white while that from non-Asians is typically wet and yellowish-brown.

ABC transporter regulation by signaling at the blood-brain barrier: relevance to pharmacology.

Brain capillary endothelial cells express multiple ATP-binding cassette transport proteins on the luminal, blood-facing, plasma membrane. There these transporters function as ATP-driven efflux pumps for xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites, providing an important element of the barrier. When the transporters limit neurotoxicant entry into the central nervous system (CNS), they are neuroprotective; when they limit therapeutic drug entry, they are obstacles to drug delivery to treat CNS diseases. Certainly, changes in the transporter expression and transport activity can have a profound effect on CNS pharmacotherapy, with increased transport activity reducing drug access to the brain and vice versa. Here, I review the signals that alter transporter expression and transport function with an emphasis on P-glycoprotein, MRP2, and breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) (BCRP), the efflux transporters for which we have the most detailed picture of regulation. Recent work shows that transporter protein expression can be upregulated in response to inflammatory and oxidative stress, therapeutic drugs, diet, and persistent environmental pollutants; as a consequence, drug delivery to the brain is reduced. For many of these stimuli, the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), appears to be involved. However, NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation is often initiated by upstream signaling. In contrast, basal transport activity of P-glycoprotein and BCRP can be reduced through complex signaling pathways. Targeting such signals provides opportunities to rapidly and reversibly increase brain accumulation of drugs that are transporter substrates. The extent to which such signaling-based strategies can be utilized in the clinic remains to be seen.

Structure–function analysis of the ATP-driven glycolipid efflux pump DevBCA reveals complex organization with TolC/HgdD

In Gram-negative bacteria, trans-envelope efflux pumps have periplasmic membrane fusion proteins (MFPs) as essential components. MFPs act as mediators between outer membrane factors (OMFs) and inner membrane factors (IMFs). In this study, structure–function relations of the ATP-driven glycolipid efflux pump DevBCA-TolC/HgdD from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 were analyzed. The binding of the MFP DevB to the OMF TolC absolutely required the respective tip-regions. The interaction of DevB with the IMF DevAC mainly involved the β-barrel and the lipoyl domain. Efficient binding to DevAC and TolC, substrate recognition and export activity by DevAC were dependent on stable DevB hexamers.

Mrp1 is Essential for Sphingolipid Signaling to P-Glycoprotein in Mouse Blood–Brain and Blood–Spinal Cord Barriers

At the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers, P-glycoprotein, an ATP-driven drug efflux pump, is a major obstacle to central nervous system (CNS) pharmacotherapy. Recently, we showed that signaling through tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), sphingolipids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) rapidly and reversibly reduced basal P-glycoprotein transport activity in the rat blood-brain barrier. The present study extends those findings to the mouse blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers and, importantly, identifies multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (Mrp1, Abcc1) as the transporter that mediates S1P efflux from brain and spinal cord endothelial cells. In brain and spinal cord capillaries isolated from wild-type mice, TNF-α, sphingosine, S1P, the S1PR agonist fingolimod (FTY720), and its active, phosphorylated metabolite, FTY720P, reduced P-glycoprotein transport activity; these effects were abolished by a specific S1PR1 antagonist. In brain and spinal cord capillaries isolated from Mrp1-null mice, neither TNF-α nor sphingosine nor FTY720 reduced P-glycoprotein transport activity. However, S1P and FTY720P had the same S1PR1-dependent effects on transport activity as in capillaries from wild-type mice. Thus, deletion of Mrp1 alone terminated endogenous signaling to S1PR1. These results identify Mrp1 as the transporter essential for S1P efflux from the endothelial cells and thus for inside-out S1P signaling to P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers.

Targeting blood-brain barrier sphingolipid signaling reduces basal P-glycoprotein activity and improves drug delivery to the brain

P-glycoprotein, an ATP-driven drug efflux pump, is a major obstacle to the delivery of small-molecule drugs across the blood-brain barrier and into the CNS. Here we test a unique signaling-based strategy to overcome this obstacle. We used a confocal microscopy-based assay with isolated rat brain capillaries to map a signaling pathway that within minutes abolishes P-glycoprotein transport activity without altering transporter protein expression or tight junction permeability. This pathway encompasses elements of proinflammatory- (TNF-α) and sphingolipid-based signaling. Critical to this pathway was signaling through sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1). In brain capillaries, S1P acted through S1PR1 to rapidly and reversibly reduce P-glycoprotein transport activity. Sphingosine reduced transport by a sphingosine kinase-dependent mechanism. Importantly, fingolimod (FTY720), a S1P analog recently approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis, also rapidly reduced P-glycoprotein activity; similar effects were found with the active, phosphorylated metabolite (FTY720P). We validated these findings in vivo using in situ brain perfusion in rats. Administration of S1P, FTY720, or FTY729P increased brain uptake of three radiolabeled P-glycoprotein substrates, (3)H-verapamil (threefold increase), (3)H-loperamide (fivefold increase), and (3)H-paclitaxel (fivefold increase); blocking S1PR1 abolished this effect. Tight junctional permeability, measured as brain (14)C-sucrose accumulation, was not altered. Therefore, targeting signaling through S1PR1 at the blood-brain barrier with the sphingolipid-based drugs, FTY720 or FTY720P, can rapidly and reversibly reduce basal P-glycoprotein activity and thus improve delivery of small-molecule therapeutics to the brain.

All0809/8/7 is a DevBCA-like ABC-type efflux pump required for diazotrophic growth in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120

Efflux pumps export a wide variety of proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous substrates across the Gram-negative cell wall. For the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, the ATP-driven glycolipid efflux pump DevBCA-TolC has been shown to be crucial for the differentiation of N(2)-fixing heterocysts from photosynthetically active vegetative cells. In this study, a homologous system was described. All0809/8/7-TolC form a typical ATP-driven efflux pump as shown by surface plasmon resonance. This putative exporter is also involved in diazotrophic growth of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. A mutant in all0809 encoding the periplasmic membrane fusion protein of the pump was not able to grow without combined nitrogen. Although heterocysts of this mutant were not distinguishable from those of the wild-type in light and electron micrographs, they were impaired in providing the microoxic environment necessary for N(2) fixation. RT-PCR of all0809 transcripts and localization studies on All0807-GFP revealed that All0809/8/7 was initially downregulated during heterocyst maturation and upregulated at later stages of heterocyst formation in all cells of the filament. A substrate of the efflux pump could not be identified in ATP hydrolysis assays. We discuss a role for All0809/8/7-TolC in maintaining the continuous periplasm and how this would be of special importance for heterocyst differentiation.

ABCB1 gene variants influence tolerance to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in a large sample of Dutch cases with major depressive disorder

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-driven efflux pump in the blood-brain barrier, has a major impact on the delivery of antidepressant drugs in the brain. Genetic variants in the gene ABCB1 encoding for P-gp have inconsistently been associated with adverse effects. In order to resolve these inconsistencies, we conducted a study in a large cohort of patients with major depressive disorder with the aim to unravel the association of ABCB1 variants with adverse effects of antidepressants and in particular with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which display affinity as substrate for P-gp. The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) study was used as a clinical sample. For 424 patients data were available on drug use, side effects. We selected six ABCB1 gene variants (1236T>C, 2677G>T/A, 3435T>C, rs2032583, rs2235040 and rs2235015) and analyzed them for association with adverse drug effects using multinomial regression analysis for both single variants and haplotypes. We found a significant association between the number of SSRI-related adverse drug effects and rs2032583 (P=0.001), rs2235040 (P=0.002) and a haplotype (P=0.002). Moreover, serotonergic effects (sleeplessness, gastrointestinal complaints and sexual effects) were significantly predicted by these variants and haplotype (P=0.002/0.003). We conclude that adverse drug effects with SSRI treatment, in particular serotonergic effects, are predicted by two common polymorphisms of the ABCB1 gene.

Treatment of MDR1 mutant dogs with macrocyclic lactones.

P-glycoprotein, encoded by the multidrug resistance gene MDR1, is an ATP-driven drug efflux pump which is highly expressed at the blood-brain barrier of vertebrates. Drug efflux of macrocyclic lactones by P-glycoprotein is highly relevant for the therapeutic safety of macrocyclic lactones, as thereby GABA-gated chloride channels, which are confined to the central nervous system in vertebrates, are protected from high drug concentrations that otherwise would induce neurological toxicity. A 4-bp deletion mutation exists in the MDR1 gene of many dog breeds such as the Collie and the Australian Shepherd, which results in the expression of a non-functional P-glycoprotein and is associated with multiple drug sensitivity. Accordingly, dogs with homozygous MDR1 mutation are in general prone to neurotoxicity by macrocyclic lactones due to their increased brain penetration. Nevertheless, treatment of these dogs with macrocyclic lactones does not inevitably result in neurological symptoms, since, the safety of treatment highly depends on the treatment indication, dosage, route of application, and the individual compound used as outlined in this review. Whereas all available macrocyclic lactones can safely be administered to MDR1 mutant dogs at doses usually used for heartworm prevention, these dogs will experience neurological toxicity following a high dose regimen which is common for mange treatment in dogs. Here, we review and discuss the neurotoxicological potential of different macrocyclic lactones as well as their treatment options in MDR1 mutant dogs.