Dinitrophenyl S-glutathione Research Articles

Regulation of Biotransformation Systems and ABC Transporters by Benznidazole in HepG2 Cells: Involvement of Pregnane X-Receptor

BackgroundBenznidazole (BZL) is the only antichagasic drug available in most endemic countries. Its effect on the expression and activity of drug-metabolizing and transporter proteins has not been studied yet.Methodology/Principal FindingsExpression and activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), Multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) were evaluated in HepG2 cells after treatment with BZL. Expression was estimated by immunoblotting and real time PCR. P-gp and MRP2 activities were estimated using model substrates rhodamine 123 and dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG), respectively. CYP3A4 and GST activities were evaluated through their abilities to convert proluciferin into luciferin and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene into DNP-SG, respectively. BZL (200 µM) increased the expression (protein and mRNA) of P-gp, MRP2, CYP3A4, and GSTπ class. A concomitant enhancement of activity was observed for all these proteins, except for CYP3A4, which exhibited a decreased activity. To elucidate if pregnane X receptor (PXR) mediates BZL response, its expression was knocked down with a specific siRNA. In this condition, the effect of BZL on P-gp, MRP2, CYP3A4, and GSTπ protein up-regulation was completely abolished. Consistent with this, BZL was able to activate PXR, as detected by reporter gene assay. Additional studies, using transporter inhibitors and P-gp-knock down cells, demonstrated that P-gp is involved in BZL extrusion. Pre-treatment of HepG2 cells with BZL increased its own efflux, as a consequence of P-gp up-regulation.Conclusions/SignificanceModifications in the activity of biotransformation and transport systems by BZL may alter the pharmacokinetics and efficiency of drugs that are substrates of these systems, including BZL itself.

Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide 2 on Hepatic, Renal, and Intestinal Disposition of 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene

The ability of the liver, small intestine, and kidney to synthesize and subsequently eliminate dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG), a substrate for multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), was assessed in rats treated with glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2, 12 μg/100 g b.wt. s.c. every 12 h for 5 consecutive days). An in vivo perfused jejunum model with simultaneous bile and urine collection was used. A single intravenous dose of 30 μmol/kg b.wt. 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was administered, and its conjugate, DNP-SG, and dinitrophenyl cysteinyl glycine (DNP-CG), resulting from the action of γ-glutamyltransferase on DNP-SG, were determined in bile, intestinal perfusate, and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Tissue content of DNP-SG was also assessed in liver, intestine, and kidneys. Biliary excretion of DNP-SG+DNP-CG was decreased in GLP-2 rats with respect to controls. In contrast, their intestinal excretion was substantially increased, whereas urinary elimination was not affected. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction studies revealed preserved levels of Mrp2 protein and mRNA in liver and renal cortex and a significant increase in intestine in response to GLP-2 treatment. Tissue content of DNP-SG detected 5 min after CDNB administration was decreased in liver, increased in intestine, and unchanged in kidney in GLP-2 versus control group, consistent with GLP-2-induced down-regulation of expression of glutathione transferase (GST) Mu in liver and up-regulation of GST-Alpha in intestine at both protein and mRNA levels. In conclusion, GLP-2 induced selective changes in hepatic and intestinal disposition of a common GST and Mrp2 substrate administered systemically that could be of pharmacological or toxicological relevance under therapeutic treatment conditions.

Induction of intestinal multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) by spironolactone in rats

The effect of spironolactone (SL) pretreatment (200 μmol/kg b.w./day, 3 consecutive days) on intestinal multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) was evaluated in rats. A significant increase in protein levels in upper regions of small intestine, where Mrp2 is mainly present, was detected by western blotting. Real time PCR studies suggest a transcriptional regulation. The administration of ketoconazole, a pregnane X receptor (PXR) antagonist, was able to prevent the increase in Mrp2 mRNA levels induced by SL. The serosal to mucosal transport of dinitrophenyl S-glutathione, a model substrate of Mrp2 was evaluated in jejunal sac model. The data indicate that SL increased Mrp2 activity, well correlating with its up-regulation. We conclude that SL is able to induce intestinal Mrp2 transcriptionally, PXR being a potential mediator. We propose that SL could be of potential therapeutic application particularly in situations of down-regulation of intestinal Mrp2.

Increased expression of cdc2 inhibits transport function of RLIP76 and promotes apoptosis

RLIP76 is a stress-responsive glutathione-electrophile-conjugates (GS-E) and drugs transporter which is over-expressed in different types of cancers. Cdc2 is a cell-cycle check point control kinase which has been shown to bind to RLIP76 during mitosis, such that endocytosis is inhibited. In present studies, we have purified cdc2 and examined its effect on the transport activity of RLIP76 reconstituted into artificial liposomes. Both doxorubicin (DOX) and dinitro-phenyl S-glutathione (DNP-SG) transport were inhibited by cdc2 in a concentration dependent manner. Liposomal delivery of cdc2 to H358 cells caused apoptosis, resulted in an increased intracellular doxorubicin-accumulation and decreased rate of efflux from the cells. In the present communication, we propose that the accumulation-deficient drug-resistance mediated by RLIP76 can be modulated by inhibition of RLIP76 transport activity by cdc2.

Diminished drug transport and augmented radiation sensitivity caused by loss of RLIP76

This study was undertaken to characterize the consequences of Ral-interacting protein (RLIP76)-loss with respect to drug resistance, transport, radiation resistance, and alternative transport mechanisms in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). MEFs were derived from RLIP76+/+, RLIP76+/− and RLIP76−/− mice. The transport of doxorubicin (DOX), colchicine (COL), leukotriene C4 and dinitrophenyl S-glutathione (DNP-SG) was analyzed in inside-out vesicles (IOVs) prepared from MEFs. We used immuno-titration of transport activity to determine the contribution of RLIP76, MRP1, and p-glycoprotein (Pgp) towards total transport activity. Loss of RLIP76 alleles resulted in significant sensitization to radiation, DOX, cisplatin, and vinorelbine (VRL). In IOVs prepared from MEFs, we observed a stepwise loss of transport activity. Loss of RLIP76 confers sensitivity to xenobiotics and radiation due to the loss of a common transport mechanism for glutathione–electrophile conjugates and xenobiotics.

Hsf-1 and POB1 Induce Drug Sensitivity and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Ralbp1

Hsf-1 (heat shock factor-1) is a transcription factor that is known to regulate cellular heat shock response through its binding with the multispecific transporter protein, Ralbp1. Results of present studies demonstrate that Hsf-1 causes specific and saturable inhibition of the transport activity of Ralbp1 and that the combination of Hsf-1 and POB1 causes nearly complete inhibition through specific bindings with Ralbp1. Augmentation of cellular levels of Hsf-1 and POB1 caused dramatic apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cell line H358 through Ralbp1 inhibition. These findings indicate a novel model for mutual regulation of Hsf-1 and Ralbp1 through Ralbp1-mediated sequestration of Hsf-1 in the cellular cytoskeleton and Hsf-1-mediated inhibition of the transport activity of membrane-bound Ralbp1.

HEPATIC AND EXTRAHEPATIC SYNTHESIS AND DISPOSITION OF DINITROPHENYL-S-GLUTATHIONE IN BILE DUCT-LIGATED RATS

The ability of the kidney and small intestine to synthesize and subsequently eliminate dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG), a substrate for the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (Mrps), was assessed in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats 1, 7, and 14 days after surgery, using an in vivo perfused jejunum model with simultaneous urine collection. A single i.v. dose of 30 micromol/kg b.wt. of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was administered, and its glutathione conjugate DNP-SG and dinitrophenyl cysteinyl glycine derivative, which is the result of gamma-glutamyl-transferase action on DNP-SG, were determined in urine and intestinal perfusate by high-performance liquid chromatography. Intestinal excretion of these metabolites was unchanged at day 1, and decreased at days 7 and 14 (-39% and -33%, respectively) after surgery with respect to shams. In contrast, renal excretion was increased by 114%, 150%, and 128% at days 1, 7, and 14. Western blot studies revealed decreased levels of apical Mrp2 in liver and jejunum but increased levels in renal cortex from BDL animals, these changes being maximal between days 7 and 14. Assessment of expression of basolateral Mrp3 at day 14 postsurgery indicated preserved levels in renal cortex, duodenum, jejunum, distal ileum, and colon. Analysis of expression of glutathione-S-transferases alpha, mu, and pi, as well as activity toward CDNB, indicates that formation of DNP-SG was impaired in liver, preserved in intestine, and increased in renal cortex. In conclusion, increased renal tubular conversion of CDNB to DNP-SG followed by subsequent Mrp2-mediated secretion into urine partially compensates for altered liver function in experimental obstructive cholestasis.

Modulatory effects of plant phenols on human multidrug‐resistance proteins 1, 4 and 5 (ABCC1, 4 and 5)

Plant flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds, commonly found in vegetables, fruits and many food sources that form a significant portion of our diet. These compounds have been shown to interact with several ATP-binding cassette transporters that are linked with anticancer and antiviral drug resistance and, as such, may be beneficial in modulating drug resistance. This study investigates the interactions of six common polyphenols; quercetin, silymarin, resveratrol, naringenin, daidzein and hesperetin with the multidrug-resistance-associated proteins, MRP1, MRP4 and MRP5. At nontoxic concentrations, several of the polyphenols were able to modulate MRP1-, MRP4- and MRP5-mediated drug resistance, though to varying extents. The polyphenols also reversed resistance to NSC251820, a compound that appears to be a good substrate for MRP4, as predicted by data-mining studies. Furthermore, most of the polyphenols showed direct inhibition of MRP1-mediated [3H]dinitrophenyl S-glutathione and MRP4-mediated [3H]cGMP transport in inside-out vesicles prepared from human erythrocytes. Also, both quercetin and silymarin were found to inhibit MRP1-, MRP4- and MRP5-mediated transport from intact cells with high affinity. They also had significant effects on the ATPase activity of MRP1 and MRP4 without having any effect on [32P]8-azidoATP[alphaP] binding to these proteins. This suggests that these flavonoids most likely interact at the transporter's substrate-binding sites. Collectively, these results suggest that dietary flavonoids such as quercetin and silymarin can modulate transport activities of MRP1, -4 and -5. Such interactions could influence bioavailability of anticancer and antiviral drugs in vivo and thus, should be considered for increasing efficacy in drug therapies.

POB1 over-expression inhibits RLIP76-mediated transport of glutathione-conjugates, drugs and promotes apoptosis

RLIP76 (RALBP1) is a Ral-binding nucleotidase which functions as an energy-dependent transporter for glutathione (GSH)-conjugates as well as structurally unrelated xenobiotics. Partner of RALBP1 (POB1), also referred to as REPS2, was identified as the human RLIP76-binding protein, which contains a coiled-coil C-terminal region that binds with the RLIP76. Recent studies show that over-expression of POB1 in prostate cancer cells induces apoptosis. In present studies, we have purified POB1 and one of its deletion mutants POB1 1–512 (lacking the RLIP76-binding domain), and examined their effect on the transport activity of RLIP76. Both doxorubicin and a model GSH-conjugate, dinitrophenyl- S-glutathione (DNP-SG), transport were inhibited by POB1 in a concentration-dependent manner but not by POB1 1–512, lacking RLIP76-binding site. Liposomal delivery of recombinant POB1 to H358 (NSCLC) cancer cells caused apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the POB1 mutant deficient in RLIP76-binding site did not exert this effect. Augmentation of cellular POB1 resulted in increased intracellular DOX-accumulation as well as decreased rate of efflux from cells. These results show for the first time that POB1 can regulate the transport function of RLIP76 and are consistent with our previous studies showing that inhibition of RLIP76 induces apoptosis in cancer cells through the accumulation of endogenously formed GSH-conjugates.

Mechanisms involved in spironolactone-induced choleresis in the rat: Role of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2

The mechanisms involved in spironolactone (SL, 200 μmol/kg body weight, 3 days i.p.)-induced choleresis were explored in vivo by evaluating bile salt export pump (Bsep)-, multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2)-, and anion exchanger 2 (AE2)-mediated secretory processes in rat liver. Hepatic bile salt metabolism was also analyzed. Total bile flow was significantly increased by SL, primarily due to an increase in bile salt-independent bile flow, whereas bile salt secretion was decreased. SL did not produce any choleresis in TR − rats. SL decreased the de novo bile salt synthesis rate in concordance with impaired microsomal cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity, thus leading to a decrease in endogenous bile salt pool size. In contrast, the maximum secretory rate of tauroursodeoxycholate as well as expression of Bsep protein detected by Western blotting were not affected. Thus, decreased bile salt availability for canalicular transport rather than transport capability itself likely explains reduced biliary secretion of bile salts. Biliary secretion of glutathione, an endogenous substrate of Mrp2, and HCO 3 −, the AE2 substrate, were increased by SL, as a main factor explaining enhanced bile salt-independent bile flow. Western blot studies revealed increased expression of Mrp2 in response to SL whereas AE2 content remained unchanged. Enhanced activity and expression of Mrp2 was confirmed by analyzing the excretion rate of dinitrophenyl S-glutathione, an exogenous substrate of Mrp2, in isolated hepatocytes and by immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. We conclude that SL increased bile flow mainly by increasing the biliary secretion of glutathione species and HCO 3 −; increased expression of Mrp2 is also involved.

Involvement of Mrp2 in Hepatic and Intestinal Disposition of Dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione in Partially Hepatectomized Rats

The ability of the liver and small intestine for secretion of dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG), a substrate for multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), into bile and lumen, respectively, as well as expression of Mrp2 in both tissues, were assessed in 70-75% hepatectomized rats. An in vivo perfused intestinal model was used. A single i.v. dose of 30 micromol/kg b.w. of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was administered and its glutathione conjugate, DNP-SG, was determined by HPLC in bile and intestinal perfusate. One and seven days after hepatectomy, biliary excretion of DNP-SG was decreased by 90 and 50% with respect to shams, respectively, when expressed per mass unit. In contrast, intestinal excretion was increased by 63% or unchanged one and seven days post-hepatectomy, respectively. Tissue content of DNP-SG 5 min after CDNB administration was substantially decreased in liver and significantly increased in intestine, one day post-hepatectomy. Western and immunofluorescence studies revealed preserved levels and localization of Mrp2 in both tissues from hepatectomized animals, irrespective of the time analyzed. In spite of preserved expression of Mrp2, the higher availability of DNP-SG in intestinal cells, likely as a consequence of increased glutathione-S-transferase-mediated conjugation of CDNB, may explain the in vivo findings. Further experiments in isolated hepatocytes suggested that decreased synthesis of DNP-SG rather than altered canalicular transport is responsible for the substantial impairment in excretion of this compound into bile. Taken together, these results indicate that the intestine may partially compensate for liver DNP-SG disposition, particularly shortly after surgery, while liver capability is recovering.

Transport of Bile Acids, Sulfated Steroids, Estradiol 17-β-d-Glucuronide, and Leukotriene C4 by Human Multidrug Resistance Protein 8 (ABCC11)

We previously determined that expression of human multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 8, a recently described member of the MRP family of ATP-binding cassette transporters, enhances cellular extrusion of cyclic nucleotides and confers resistance to nucleotide analogs (J Biol Chem 278:29509-29514, 2003). However, the in vitro transport characteristics of the pump have not been determined. In this study, the substrate selectivity and biochemical activity of MRP8 is investigated using membrane vesicles prepared from LLC-PK1 cells transfected with MRP8 expression vector. Expression of MRP8 is shown to stimulate the ATP-dependent uptake of a range of physiological and synthetic lipophilic anions, including the glutathione S-conjugates leukotriene C4 and dinitrophenyl S-glutathione, steroid sulfates such as dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate (DHEAS) and estrone 3-sulfate, glucuronides such as estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide (E(2)17betaG), the monoanionic bile acids glycocholate and taurocholate, and methotrexate. In addition, MRP8 is competent in the in vitro transport of cAMP and cGMP, in accord with the results of our previously reported cellular studies. DHEAS, E(2)17betaG, and methotrexate were transported with K(m) and V(max) values of 13.0 +/- 0.8 microM and 34.9 +/- 9.5 pmol/mg/min, 62.9 +/- 12 microM and 62.0 +/- 5.2 pmol/mg/min, and 957 +/- 28 microM and 317 +/- 17 pmol/mg/min, respectively. Based upon the stimulatory action of DHEAS on uptake of E(2)17betaG, the attenuation of this effect at high DHEAS concentrations and the lack of reciprocal promotion of DHEAS uptake by E(2)17betaG, a model involving nonreciprocal constructive interactions between some transport substrates is invoked. These results suggest that MRP8 participates in physiological processes involving bile acids, conjugated steroids, and cyclic nucleotides and indicate that the pump has complex interactions with its substrates.

Mechanisms and physiological significance of the transport of the glutathione conjugate of 4-hydroxynonenal in human lens epithelial cells.

To study the mechanism and physiological significance of the transport of the glutathione (GSH) conjugate of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) from lens epithelial cells. HLE B-3 cells were treated with [(3)H] 4-HNE and efflux of its GSH conjugate, [(3)H] GS-HNE, into the medium was quantitated and characterized by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Inside-out vesicles (IOVs) were prepared from HLE B-3 cell membranes. The kinetics of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent uptake of GS-HNE and dinitrophenyl S-glutathione (DNP-SG) by these IOVs and inhibition of GS-HNE uptake by anti-RLIP76 IgG was studied. Localization of RLIP76 was studied by immunogold electron microscopy and kinetics of the adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of purified RLIP76 was determined. 4-HNE-induced apoptosis was compared in HLE-B3 cells coated with anti-RLIP76 IgG or preimmune IgG, by caspase activation assay. The results showed the presence of RLIP76 in plasma membranes of HLE B-3 cells and that it mediated ATP-dependent transport of GS-HNE as well as of DNP-SG. The transport was saturable with respect to GS-HNE (K(m) = 8.4 micro M), DNP-SG (100 micro M) as well as to ATP (K(m) 0.45 mM) and was sensitive to temperature and osmolarity of the medium. Anti-RLIP76 IgG inhibited approximately 65% of the transport of GS-HNE and DNP-SG, indicating that most of the transport was mediated by RLIP76. Compatible with its transport function, the EGTA- and ouabain-insensitive ATPase activity of purified RLIP76 was stimulated by DNP-SG and GS-HNE. 4-HNE-induced caspase activation in HLE-B3 cells was exacerbated when the transport of GS-HNE from these cells was blocked by anti-RLIP76 IgG. RLIP76 provides a defense against the deleterious effects of 4-HNE by transporting GS-HNE and can modulate apoptotic signaling by regulating the intracellular concentrations of 4-HNE.

Role of RLIP76 in lung cancer doxorubicin resistance: I. The ATPase activity of RLIP76 correlates with doxorubicin and 4-hydroxynonenal resistance in lung cancer cells

RLIP76 functions as an ATP-dependent transporter of amphiphilic chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX, adriamycin), as well as of glutathione-conjugates of endogenous electrophilic toxins such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE). RLIP76 couples transport and ATP-hydrolysis with a 1:1 stoichiometry, making the ATPase activity of RLIP76 an excellent surrogate for its transport activity. Present studies were performed to determine the relationship of the RLIP76 ATPase activity with DOX and 4HNE resistance in a panel of 13 native human lung cancer cell lines. RLIP76 was purified from each cell line and homogeneity demonstrated by SDS-PAGE and amino acid composition analysis. Anti-RLIP76 antibodies were shown by Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion tests to be non-cross-reactive with any other proteins including P-glycoprotein (Pgp) or multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP). These antibodies completely immunoprecipitated ATPase activity of purified RLIP76 fractions, further confirming homogeneity of purified RLIP76. RLIP76 ATPase purified from NSCLC cell lines was about 2-fold more active than that from SCLC in the absence of the stimulator dinitrophenyl S-glutathione (206+/-47, n=7 vs. 94+/-22, n=6, nmol/min/mg protein, respectively), or in its presence (340+/-60, n=7 vs. 186+/-32, n=6, nmol/min/mg; p<0.01). Partial tryptic digest revealed a 44 kDa internal fragment of RLIP76 beginning at Thr-294 in NSCLC cell lines. This fragment was absent from all SCLC, suggesting the possibility that the activity of RLIP76 in SCLC and NSCLC is differentially regulated through post-translational modifications. Taken together, these findings suggest that RLIP76 activity is a general determinant of 4HNE and DOX resistance, and that its activity contributes to the drug-resistant phenotype of NSCLC.

Altered localization and activity of canalicular Mrp2 in estradiol-17β- D-glucuronide–induced cholestasis

Estradiol-17β- D-glucuronide (E 217G), an endogenous metabolite of estradiol, induces a potent dose-dependent and reversible inhibition of bile flow in the rat. We analyzed the effect of a single dose of E 217G (15 μmol/kg, intravenously) to female rats on bile flow and the endocytic retrieval and function of the canalicular multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) and the effect of pretreatment with dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (DBcAMP; 20 μmol/kg) on these measures. Bile flow was maximally inhibited by 85% within 10 minutes of E 217G and returned to 50% and 100% of control levels within 75 and 120 minutes, respectively. Western analysis of total homogenates and mixed plasma and intracellular membranes suggested partial internalization of Mrp2 during the acute phase of cholestasis at 20 minutes and during the period of recovery from cholestasis at 75 minutes, which returned to control levels by 180 minutes after E 217G. Confocal analysis confirmed Western studies and demonstrated endocytic retrieval of Mrp2 from the canalicular membrane into pericanalicular and intracellular domains. The biliary concentration and excretion of the model Mrp2 substrate, dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG), was impaired in parallel with the extent of Mrp2 retrieval. Pretreatment with DBcAMP partially protected against maximal E 217G cholestasis and the endocytic retrieval and decreased function of Mrp2 at 20 minutes and significantly accelerated the exocytic insertion of Mrp2 into the canalicular membrane and the recovery of bile flow and biliary excretion of DNP-SG. In conclusion, these data indicate that E 217G induces endocytic internalization of Mrp2, which occurs in parallel with decreased bile flow and Mrp2 transport activity. (H EPATOLOGY 2002;35:1409-1419.)

Effects of clotrimazole on transport mediated by multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) in human erythrocytes and tumour cells.

Clotrimazole has been shown to have potent anti-malarial activity in vitro, one possible mechanism being inhibition of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) export from the infected human red blood cells or from the parasite itself. Efflux of GSSG from normal erythrocytes is mediated by a high affinity glutathione S-conjugate transporter. This paper shows that transport of the model substrate, 3 microm dinitrophenyl S-glutathione, across erythrocyte membranes is inhibited by multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1)-specific antibody, QCRL-3, strongly suggesting that the high affinity transport is mediated by MRP1. The rates of transport observed with membrane vesicles prepared from erythrocytes or from multidrug resistant tumour cells show a similar pattern of responses to applied reduced glutathione, GSSG and MRP1 inhibitors (indomethacin, MK571) further supporting the conclusion that the high affinity transporter is MRP1. In both erythrocytes and MRP1-expressing tumour cells, MRP1-associated transport is inhibited by clotrimazole over the range 2-20 microm, and the inhibitory effect leads to increases in accumulation of MRP1 substrates, vincristine and calcein, and decreases in calcein efflux from intact MRP1-expressing human tumour cells. It also results in increased sensitivity to daunorubicin of the multidrug resistant cells, L23/R but not the sensitive parent L23/P cells. These results demonstrate that clotrimazole can inhibit the MRP1 which is present in human erythrocytes, an effect that may contribute to, though not fully account for, its anti-malarial action.

Characterization of Drug Transport by the Human Multidrug Resistance Protein 3 (ABCC3)

We have characterized the substrate specificity and mechanism of transport of the human multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3). A murine fibroblast-like cell line generated from the kidneys of mice that lack Mdr1a/b and Mrp1 was retrovirally transduced with MRP3 cDNA. Stable clones overproducing MRP3 were resistant to the epipodophyllotoxins etoposide and teniposide but not to vincristine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin, drugs suggested to be MRP3 substrates by others. The resistance to etoposide was associated with reduced cellular accumulation and enhanced efflux of this drug and was not affected by depleting cells of glutathione but was inhibited by several common organic anion transport inhibitors. Membrane vesicles from infected insect cells expressing MRP3 mediated ATP-dependent transport of estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide, leukotriene C(4), dinitrophenyl S-glutathione but not glutathione itself, and etoposide glucuronide, a major metabolite of etoposide in vivo. The transport of estradiol 17-beta-D-glucuronide by MRP3 was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by both etoposide and methotrexate. Even though etoposide glucuronide is an excellent substrate for MRP3, this compound is not involved in the etoposide resistance of our MRP3 cells, as these cells extrude unmodified etoposide rather than etoposide glucuronide.

Inhibitory effect of the reversal agents V-104, GF120918 and Pluronic L61 on MDR1 Pgp-, MRP1- and MRP2-mediated transport.

The human multidrug transporter MDR1 P-glycoprotein and the multidrug resistance proteins MRP1 and MRP2 transport a range of cytotoxic drugs, resulting in multidrug resistance in tumour cells. To overcome this form of drug resistance in patients, several inhibitors (reversal agents) of these transporters have been isolated. Using polarized cell lines stably expressing human MDR1, MRP1 or MRP2 cDNA, and 2008 ovarian carcinoma cells stably expressing MRP1 cDNA, we have investigated in this study the specificity of the reversal agents V-104 (a pipecolinate derivative), GF120918 (an acridone carboxamide derivative also known as GG918), and Pluronic L61 (a (poly)oxypropethylene and (poly)oxypropylene block copolymer). Transport experiments with cytotoxic drugs with polarized cell lines indicate that all three compounds efficiently inhibit MDR1 Pgp. Furthermore, V-104 partially inhibits daunorubicin transport by MRP1 but not vinblastine transport by MRP2. V-104 reverses etoposide resistance of 2008/MRP1 cells, whereas GF120918 does not reverse resistance due to MRP1. V-104 partially inhibits the export of the organic anion dinitrophenyl S -glutathione by MDCKII-MRP1 but not by MDCKII-MRP2 cells. Unexpectedly, export of the organic anion calcein by MDCKII-MRP1 and MDCKII-MRP2 cells is stimulated by Pluronic L61, probably because it relieves the block on entry of calcein AM into the cell by endogenous MDR1 Pgp. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign

ATP-Dependent Colchicine Transport by Human Erythrocyte Glutathione Conjugate Transporter

We have recently demonstrated mutually inhibitory ATP-dependent transport of dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG) and doxorubicin by DNP-SG ATPase purified from human erythrocyte membranes (S. Awasthiet al.,1998a,b). Our previous studies indicate a broad substrate specificity for this transport mechanism, including someP-glycoprotein substrates. Present studies were carried out to determine whether colchicine (COL), a classicalP-glycoprotein substrate, could be transported by purified human erythrocyte DNP-SG ATPase reconstituted in artificial liposomes. We also investigated whether leukotriene C4 (LTC4), an endogenous proinflammatory glutathione-conjugate derived from arachidonic acid, would inhibit colchicine transport. Uptake of COL was compared in proteoliposomes reconstituted with the purified DNP-SG ATPase as well as control liposomes in the presence or absence of ATP. Increased colchicine uptake was observed upon addition of ATP to proteoliposomes, but not control liposomes. Uptake was linear with respect to the amount of vesicle protein used. Sensitivity to osmolarity was consistent with intravesicular COL accumulation. The ATP-dependent colchicine uptake was sensitive to temperature in a manner consistent with a protein-mediated transport process with activation energy of 7.3 kcal/mol. Time-dependent COL uptake by proteoliposomes in the presence of ATP was consistent with a single compartment model with an apparent rate constant of 0.21 ± 0.02 min−1. Kinetic studies indicated a saturable behavior with respect to ATP (Km2.3 ± 0.7 mM) and colchicine (Km4.3 ± 0.2 μM). LTC4 was found to be a competitive inhibitor of COL transport (Kis16.4 μM). Since DNP-SG ATPase is present in many tissues, it may play an important role in determining colchicine accumulation in cells. Increased LTC4 would tend to increase cellular COL accumulation.

ATP-Dependent human erythrocyte glutathione-conjugate transporter. I. Purification, photoaffinity labeling, and kinetic characteristics of ATPase activity.

Dinitrophenyl S-glutathione (DNP-SG) ATPase is a 38 kDa membrane protein expressed in erythrocytes and other tissues. Although stimulation of ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by DNP-SG ATPase has been demonstrated in the presence of several structurally unrelated amphiphilic ions, structural and functional properties of this protein have not been well-defined. In the present study, we have developed an improved protocol for the purification of DNP-SG ATPase and investigated its kinetic and substrate-binding properties. The purification procedure was based on highly specific elution of the 38 kDa protein from DNP-SG affinity resin in the presence of ATP. The protein could not be eluted using either ADP or adenosine-5'-[beta,gamma-methylene]triphosphate (methylene-ATP), a nonhydrolyzable analogue of ATP. Doxorubicin (DOX), a weakly basic anthracycline chemotherapy agent, was found to be the preferred activator for stimulation of ATP hydrolysis by the enzyme. ATP binding to the enzyme was demonstrated using 8-azido-ATP photoaffinity labeling and binding of trinitrophenyl (TNP)-ATP, a fluorescent analogue of ATP. The photoaffinity labeling of DNP-SG ATPase (38 kDa) was saturable with respect to 8-azido ATP (Kd = 2 microM), indicating that the enzyme was capable of specific and saturable binding to ATP. DNP-SG binding was evident from the purification procedure itself and was also demonstrable by quenching of tryptophan fluorescence. Results of quenching of tryptophan fluorescence as well as radioactive isotope-binding studies indicated that DOX was bound to the purified protein as well.