Breast Cancer Resistance Protein mRNA Expression Research Articles

IFN‑γ induces apoptosis in gemcitabine‑resistant pancreatic cancer cells.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most prevalent and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine (GEM), the first‑line treatment for PDAC, which alleviates symptoms and enhances the quality of life of patients. However, it is prone to lead to the development of drug resistance during treatment. Interferon (IFN)‑γ exhibits antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. The present study aimed to explore the impact of IFN‑γ on the viability, migration and apoptosis of GEM‑resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Firstly, a GEM‑resistant pancreatic cancer cell line, named PANC‑1/GEM, was constructed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining analyzed the cell morphology, whereas reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) assessed the expression levels of the drug‑resistance genes multidrug resistance‑associated protein (MRP) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The MTT assay and cell counting techniques were used to determine the appropriate concentration of IFN‑y and its effects on cell viability. The IFN‑γ‑induced apoptosis of PANC‑1/GEM cells was assessed using an Apoptosis Detection Kit, whereas the impact of IFN‑γ on the migration of these cells was evaluated using a wound‑healing assay. The MTT assay revealed a resistance index of 22.4 in the PANC‑1/GEM cell line. RT‑qPCR indicated that, compared with in wild‑type cells, the PANC‑1/GEM resistant strain exhibited lower MRP and higher BCRP mRNA expression levels. The optimal concentration of IFN‑γ for affecting PANC‑1/GEM cells was determined to be 0.3 µg/ml. At this concentration, IFN‑γ induced PANC‑1/GEM cell apoptosis, along with a notable reduction in migration. Following treatment of PANC‑1/GEM cells with IFN‑γ, MRP expression increased whereas BCRP mRNA expression decreased, indicating a reversal in their drug‑resistance gene expression. In conclusion, IFN‑γ exhibited antitumor immune properties by upregulating MRP and downregulating BCRP expression, reversing drug‑resistance gene expression, and reducing cell viability and migration, while promoting apoptosis in PANC‑1/GEM cells. IFN‑γ could potentially serve as a treatment option for patients with GEM‑resistant pancreatic cancer.

Investigation into the impact of proton pump inhibitors on sertraline transport across the blood-brain barrier

As a widely used antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, sertraline exerts an antidepressant effect depending on its concentration in the brain, which might be limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is highly possible to combine proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with sertraline in clinical trials. Nevertheless, the role played by PPIs in regulating the transport of sertraline across the BBB remains unclear. Here, the impact of PPIs on the distribution of sertraline in the brain and the mechanisms involved were investigated. A mouse brain distribution study showed that Omeprazole (OME), Pantoprazole (PAN), Ilaprazole (ILA), and Esomeprazole (ESO) increased the area under the brain concentration-time curves (AUC) for sertraline by 2.02-, 3.18-, 3.04-, and 4.21-fold, respectively, after the 14-day administration of PPIs. Besides, PPIs significantly increased the permeability of sertraline in brain perfusion experiments, with PAN having the highest rank order, followed by ILA, OME, and ESO. In the tail suspension test (TST), co-administration PPI groups showed significantly shorter immobility time than the control group. In vitro, four PPIs inhibited sertraline efflux in breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)-overexpressing MDCKII cells, and showed a mixed inhibition type. In this study, PPIs were further found to inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of brain BCRP. To sum up, the findings of this study revealed that PPIs could enhance the brain distribution and antidepressant effect of sertraline, which may be attributed to the inhibition of BCRP expression at the BBB by PPIs.

Correlation between the mRNA levels of BCRP and LUNX genes and pathological types and stages of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

To analyze the correlation between the mRNA levels of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and lung-specific X protein (LUNX) genes with pathological types and stages of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their significance for prognosis. Eighty nine patients with NSCLC admitted to Huaihe Hospital of Henan University between June 2015 and June 2018 were recruited, with 55 patients with benign lung lesions admitted during the same period of time selected as the control group. The mRNA levels of BCRP and LUNX genes were detected in the peripheral blood samples from the two groups, and their correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of the patients was analyzed. The expression rates of BCRP and LUNX mRNA in the NSCLC group were significantly higher compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The level of BCRP mRNA of the NSCLC patients has correlated with the degree of differentiation and TNM staging (P < 0.05), but not with gender, age, smoking, pathological types and lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). The level of LUNX mRNA of them has correlated with the degree of differentiation, TNM staging and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), but not with gender, age, smoking, and pathological types (P > 0.05). Compared with those with no expression, the overall survival rate of patients with BCRP and LUNX expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05). The degree of differentiation, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, and expression of the BCRP and LUNX mRNA may all affect the prognosis of the patients. The levels of BCRP and LUNX mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with NSCLC are significantly increased. The expression of BCRP mRNA is correlated with the degree of differentiation and TNM staging, whilst the expression of LUNX mRNA is correlated with the differentiation degree, TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. Both may be used as independent predictors for the prognosis of patients with NSCLC.

Exposure to High-Altitude Environment Is Associated with Drug Transporters Change: microRNA-873-5p-Mediated Alteration of Function and Expression Levels of Drug Transporters under Hypoxia.

Hypoxia is the main characteristic of a high-altitude environment, affecting drug metabolism. However, so far, the mechanism of microRNA (miRNA) involved in the regulation of drug metabolism and transporters under high-altitude hypoxia is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions and expression levels of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), peptide transport 1 (PEPT1), and organic anion-transporting polypeptides 2B1 (OATP2B1) in rats and colon cancer (Caco-2) cells after exposure to high-altitude hypoxia. The protein and mRNA expression of MDR1, MRP2, BCRP, PEPT1, and OATP2B1 were determined by Western blot and qPCR. The functions of MDR1, MRP2, BCRP, PEPT1, and OATP2B1 were evaluated by determining the effective intestinal permeability and absorption rate constants of their specific substrates in rats under high-altitude hypoxia, and uptake and transport studies were performed on Caco-2 cells. To screen the miRNA associated with hypoxia, Caco-2 cells were examined by high throughput sequencing. We observed that the miR-873-5p was significantly decreased under hypoxia and might target MDR1 and pregnane X receptor (PXR). To clarify whether miR-873-5p regulates MDR1 and PXR under hypoxia, Caco-2 cells were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-873-5p and negative control (NC). The function and expression of drug transporters were found to be significantly increased in rats and Caco-2 cells under hypoxia. We found that miR-873-5p regulated MDR1 and PXR expression. Herein, it is shown that miRNA may affect the expression of drug transporter and nuclear receptor under hypoxia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study explores if alterations to the microRNAs (miRNAs), induced by high-altitude hypoxia, can be translated to altered drug transporters. Among miRNAs, which show a significant change in a hypoxic environment, miR-873-5p can act on the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) gene; however, there are multiple miRNAs that can act on the pregnane X receptor (PXR). This study speculates that the miRNA-PXR-drug transporter axis is important in the physiological disposition of drugs.

A Combination of Clioquinol, Zinc and Copper Increases the Abundance and Function of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Modulating the abundance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) efflux transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) has the potential to impact brain levels of drugs and endogenous substrates. Studies have demonstrated that the metal ionophore clioquinol (CQ) increases BBB abundance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an effect associated with increased endothelial cell levels of Cu2+. This study therefore assessed whether human brain endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cell abundance and function of BCRP is modulated by CQ. hCMEC/D3 cells were treated with CQ, Zn2+ and Cu2+ (CZC) (0.5 μM, 0.5 μM, 0.1 μM, respectively) for 24 h and BCRP mRNA and protein abundance was determined by Western blot and qPCR, respectively. After a series of optimisation studies assessing specificity of bodipy prazosin (BP) and Ko143 as a substrate and inhibitor of BCRP, respectively, the impact of CZC on BP uptake was assessed. While CZC did not increase mRNA expression of BCRP, BCRP abundance was increased 1.8 ± 0.1-fold; this was associated with a 68.1 ± 3.3% reduction in accumulation of BP in hCMEC/D3 cells. This is the first study to demonstrate that augmenting metal ion availability enhances protein abundance and function of BCRP at the BBB, which may be exploited to modulate CNS access of therapeutics and endogenous substrates.

Kurkumin Meningkatkan Sensitivitas Sel Kanker Payudara terhadap Tamoksifen melalui Penghambatan Ekspresi P-glikoprotein dan Breast Cancer Resistance Protein

The decreasing of sensitivity or resistance to tamoxifen occured after long-term treatment in breast cancer. One of the major factor in tamoxifen resistance is over expression of efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP). Curcumin has known as inhibitor of P-gp and BCRP. The addition of curcumin to the tamoxifen resistant cells is expected to increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. This study aim to know the effect of curcumin in increasing the cell sensitivity to tamoxifen through inhibition of P-gp and BCRP transporter efflux. MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was induced with tamoxifen 1 µM for 10 passage (MCF-7(T)), then cell viability and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP were analyzed. To the MCF-7(T) cells, curcumin was given at of 5/10/20 µM with or without tamoxifen for 5 days and cell viability and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP were analyzed on day 5th. As positive control, verapamil 50 µM was used as P-gp inhibitor, ritonavir 15 µM and nelfinavir 15 µM were used as BCRP inhibitor. The results showed that MCF-7(T) cells sensitivity to tamoxifen decreased with 11.8 times, the cell viability increased 10.82 fold and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP increased 4.04 fold. Then after administration of curcumin with or without tamoxifen for 5 days, the cell viability and the mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP decreased. As conclusion, curcumin increased the sensitivity of MCF-7(T) to tamoxifen characterized by the decreasing of cell viability and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP. However, the administration of combination of curcumin with tamoxifen was more potent than just curcumin. The increased sensitivity was estimated at least partly through the inhibition of P-gp and BCRP mRNA expression by curcumin

Silymarin increases the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin in doxorubicin-induced MCF-7 cells by inhibiting breast cancer resistance protein expression

The efflux transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is typically overexpressed in cancer cells with reduced doxorubicin sensitivity. Silymarin is known to exert inhibitory effects against BCRP; therefore, the exposure of doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells to silymarin is expected to increase their sensitivity to doxorubicin. Here, we examined the effect of silymarin addition on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were exposed to doxorubicin for 14 days. Subsequently, the cells were treated with different concentrations of silymarin (10, 25, 50, or 100 μM) with or without doxorubicin. On days 3 and 7 following the treatment, cells were analyzed for viability and BCRP mRNA expression. MCF-7 cells exposed to doxorubicin for 14 days showed reduced sensitivity to doxorubicin, as indicated by the 9.5-fold shift in cytotoxicity concentration and the 9.7-fold increase in BCRP mRNA expression. Treatment with the combination of different concentrations of silymarin and doxorubicin significantly decreased the percent cell viability and reduced BCRP mRNA expression on days 3 and 7. The combination of doxorubicin and silymarin increased the sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to doxorubicin through the inhibition of BCRP mRNA expressions by silymarin.

Kurkumin Meningkatkan Sensitivitas Sel Kanker Payudara terhadap Tamoksifen Melalui Penghambatan Ekspresi P-glikoprotein dan Breast Cancer Resistance Protein

The decreasing of sensitivity or resistance to tamoxifen occured after long-term treatment in breast cancer. One of the major factor in tamoxifen resistance is over expression of efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP). Curcumin has known as inhibitor of P-gp and BCRP. The addition of curcumin to the tamoxifen resistant cells is expected to increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. This study aim to know the effect of curcumin in increasing the cell sensitivity to tamoxifen through inhibition of P-gp and BCRP transporter efflux. MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was induced with tamoxifen 1 µM for 10 passage (MCF-7(T)), then cell viability and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP were analyzed. To the MCF-7(T) cells, curcumin was given at of 5/10/20 µM with or without tamoxifen for 5 days and cell viability and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP were analyzed on day 5th. As positive control, verapamil 50 µM was used as P-gp inhibitor, ritonavir 15 µM and nelfinavir 15 µM were used as BCRP inhibitor. The results showed that MCF-7(T) cells sensitivity to tamoxifen decreased with 11.8 times, the cell viability increased 10.82 fold and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP increased 4.04 fold. Then after administration of curcumin with or without tamoxifen for 5 days, the cell viability and the mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP decreased. As conclusion, curcumin increased the sensitivity of MCF-7(T) to tamoxifen characterized by the decreasing of cell viability and mRNA expression of P-gp and BCRP. However, the administration of combination of curcumin with tamoxifen was more potent than just curcumin. The increased sensitivity was estimated at least partly through the inhibition of P-gp and BCRP mRNA expression by curcumin

Impact of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Expression on the In Vitro Efficacy of Anticancer Drugs in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines.

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) overexpression confers multidrug resistance to cancer cells, and the efficacy of anticancer drugs has been reported to be significantly affected by BCRP in cell lines transfected with BCRP or selected with drugs. It is unclear whether the in vitro efficacy of anticancer drugs is affected by endogenous BCRP, although cancer cell line panels consisting of defined tumor cell lines with endogenous BCRP have been used to screen for anticancer drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. We assessed the impact of BCRP expression on efficacy of anticancer drugs using pancreatic cancer cell lines expressing varying levels of endogenous BCRP. Pancreatic cancer cell lines were selected from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). The EC50 of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38), topotecan, and mitoxantrone decreased in the presence of a BCRP inhibitor in PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells, which exhibit high BCRP expression. However, no significant alterations in EC50 were observed in HPAF-II, SW 1990, and MIA PaCa-2, which show moderate or low BCRP expression. The shift of EC50 of anticancer drugs with and without a BCRP inhibitor increased with an increase of BCRP mRNA expression levels; however, the shift was obvious only in cells highly expressing BCRP. Thus, the in vitro efficacy of anticancer drugs on cell proliferation may be minimally affected by BCRP in most pancreatic cancer cell lines, considering that 72% of pancreatic cancer cell lines in CCLE show moderate or low BCRP expression. The effect of BCRP should be carefully evaluated in pancreatic cell lines that highly express BCRP.

Aconitum alkaloids, the major components of Aconitum species, affect expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and breast cancer resistance protein by activating the Nrf2-mediated signalling pathway

BackgroundAconitum alkaloids from Aconitum species are often used to treat arthritis and rheumatic diseases but have the drawback of high toxicity. Identifying their pharmacokinetic behaviour is important for the safe clinical application of Aconitum species. Efflux transporters (ETs), including P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), have important functions in regulating the pharmacokinetic behaviours of drugs and in herb-herb or herb-drug interactions (HDIs). The Aconitum alkaloids regulate P-gp expression and function, but their effects on MRP2 and BCRP expression remain unknown. PurposeTo determine the effects of three Aconitum alkaloids, aconitine (AC), benzoylaconine (BAC), and aconine, on MRP2 and BCRP. MethodsThe levels of the protein and mRNA expression of MRP2 and BCRP in vivo and in vitro were measured via Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. Fluorescence signals of MRP2 and BCRP were detected via confocal fluorescence microscopy. A reporter assay using HepG2-C8 cells, which were generated by transfecting plasmids containing the antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferin gene into HepG2 cells, was used to examine the ARE–luciferin activity. The transport activities of MRP2 and BCRP were tested via flow cytometry using substrate probes. ResultsThe Aconitum alkaloids significantly up-regulated MRP2 and BCRP expression, accompanied by a marked increase in nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) expression in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of FVB mice, in the order AC < BAC < aconine. In the in vitro model, the Aconitum alkaloids increased MRP2 and BCRP expression in Caco-2 and LS174T cells, in the order AC < BAC < aconine. Additionally, these alkaloids promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and significantly increased ARE–luciferin activity in HepG2-C8 cells. Luteolin, a potent inhibitor of Nrf2, markedly prevented MRP2 and BCRP expression from being induced by the three Aconitum alkaloids. The efflux activity of MRP2 was also significantly increased in cells receiving the same treatment. ConclusionsThe tested Aconitum alkaloids significantly increased the expression of MRP2 and BCRP by activating the Nrf2-mediated signalling pathway and enhanced the efflux activity of MRP2. The potential for herb-herb interactions or HDIs exists when Aconitum species are co-administered with substrate drugs that are transported via MRP2 and BCRP. Therefore, the Aconitum alkaloids may be used as quality indicators for the herbs of Aconitum species.

Therapy-relevant aberrant expression of MRP3 and BCRP mRNA in TCC-/SCC-bladder cancer tissue of untreated patients.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a critical factor, which results in suboptimal outcomes in cancer chemotherapy. One principal mechanism of MDR is the increased expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Of these, multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) confer MDR when overexpressed in cancer cell lines. We measured the mRNA expression of MRP3 and BCRP in primary untreated bladder cancer specimens using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in comparison to normal bladder tissue. The MRP3 and BCRP expression in the two major histotypes of bladder cancer; transitional cell carcinoma (TCC; urothelial type of bladder cancer) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 'Schistosoma-induced' bladder cancer) were compared. Furthermore, the association between MRP3 and BCRP expression and tumor grade and stage were investigated. MRP3 mRNA expression in bladder cancer specimens was increased ~13-fold on average compared to normal bladder tissue (n=36, P<0.0001). BCRP mRNA expression was decreased in bladder cancer specimens to ~1/5 on average, compared to normal bladder tissue (n=38, P<0.0001). TCC showed significantly increased MRP3 mRNA expression compared to SCC of the bladder (P<0.0001). BCRP mRNA expression was similar in TCC and SCC of the bladder (P=0.1072). The increased MRP3 mRNA expression was not related to bladder tumor grade (P=0.3465) but was, however, significantly higher in superficial than in invasive bladder tumors (P=0.0173). The decreased expression of BCRP was not related to bladder tumor grade (P=0.1808) or stage (P=0.8016). The current data show that bladder cancer is associated with perturbed expression of MRP3 and BCRP. Representing drug resistance factors, determining the expression of these transporters in native tumors may be predictive of the outcome of chemotherapy based-treatment of bladder cancer.

Buprenorphine, Norbuprenorphine, R-Methadone, and S-Methadone Upregulate BCRP/ABCG2 Expression by Activating Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Human Placental Trophoblasts.

Opioid dependence during pregnancy is a rising concern. Maintaining addicted pregnant women on long-acting opioid receptor agonist is the most common strategy to manage drug abuse in pregnant women. Methadone (MET) and buprenorphine (BUP) are widely prescribed for opiate maintenance therapy. Norbuprenorphine (NBUP) is the primary active metabolite of BUP. These medications can cross the placenta to the fetus, leading to postpartum neonatal abstinence syndrome. Despite their use during pregnancy, little is known about the cellular changes in the placenta brought about by these drugs. In this study, we showed that BUP, NBUP, and MET at clinically relevant plasma concentrations significantly induced BCRP mRNA up to 10-fold in human model placental JEG3 and BeWo cells and in primary human villous trophoblasts, and this induction was abrogated by CH223191, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-specific antagonist. These drugs increased AhR recruitment onto the AhR-response elements and significantly induced breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) gene transcription. AhR overexpression further increased BCRP mRNA and protein expression. Knockdown of AhR by shRNA decreased BCRP expression, and this decrease was reversed by rescuing AhR expression. Finally, induction of BCRP expression in JEG3 and BeWo cells was accompanied by an increase in its efflux activity. Collectively, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that BUP, NBUP, and MET are potent AhR agonists and can induce BCRP in human placental trophoblasts by activating AhR. Given the critical role of BCRP in limiting fetal exposure to drugs and xenobiotics, long-term use of these medications may affect fetal drug exposure by altering BCRP expression in human placenta.

Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Abundance, but Not mRNA Expression, Correlates With Estrone-3-Sulfate Transport in Caco-2

Transporter mRNA and protein expression data are used to extrapolate in vitro transporter kinetics to in vivo drug disposition predictions. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) possesses broad substrate specificity; therefore, understanding BCRP expression–activity relationships are necessary for the translation to in vivo. Bidirectional transport of estrone-3-sulfate (E-3-S), a BCRP probe, was evaluated with respect to relative BCRP mRNA expression and absolute protein abundance in 10- and 29-day cultured Caco-2 cells. BCRP mRNA expression was quantified by real-time PCR against a housekeeper gene, Cyclophilin A. The BCRP protein abundance in total membrane fractions was quantified by targeted proteomics, and [3H]-E-3-S bidirectional transport was determined in the presence or absence of Ko143, a potent BCRP inhibitor. BCRP mRNA expression was 1.5-fold higher in 29- versus 10-day cultured cells (n = 3), whereas a 2.4-fold lower (p < 0.001) BCRP protein abundance was observed in 29- versus 10-day cultured cells (1.28 ± 0.33 and 3.06 ± 0.22 fmol/μg protein, n = 6, respectively). This correlated to a 2.45-fold lower (p < 0.01) efflux ratio for E-3-S in 29- versus 10-day cultured cells (8.97 ± 2.51 and 3.32 ± 0.66, n = 6, respectively). Caco-2 cell BCRP protein abundance, but not mRNA levels, correlates with BCRP activity, suggesting that extrapolation strategies incorporating BCRP protein abundance–activity relationships may be more successful.

Genetic and Dietary Regulation of Glyburide Efflux by the Human Placental Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Transporter.

Glyburide is frequently used to treat gestational diabetes owing to its low fetal accumulation resulting from placental efflux by the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)/ABCG2 transporter. Here we sought to determine how exposure to the dietary phytoestrogen genistein and expression of a loss-of-function polymorphism in the ABCG2 gene (C421A) impacted the transport of glyburide by BCRP using stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cells, human placental choriocarcinoma BeWo cells, and human placental explants. Genistein competitively inhibited the BCRP-mediated transport of (3)H-glyburide in both wild-type (WT) and C421A-BCRP HEK-expressing cells, with greater accumulation of (3)H-glyburide in cells expressing the C421A variant. In BeWo cells, exposure to genistein for 60 minutes increased the accumulation of (3)H-glyburide 30%-70% at concentrations relevant to dietary exposure (IC50 ∼180 nM). Continuous exposure of BeWo cells to genistein for 48 hours reduced the expression of BCRP mRNA and protein by up to 40%, which impaired BCRP transport activity. Pharmacologic antagonism of the estrogen receptor attenuated the genistein-mediated downregulation of BCRP expression, suggesting that phytoestrogens may reduce BCRP levels through this hormone receptor pathway in BeWo cells. Interestingly, genistein treatment for 48 hours did not alter BCRP protein expression in explants dissected from healthy term placentas. These data suggest that whereas genistein can act as a competitive inhibitor of BCRP-mediated transport, its ability to downregulate placental BCRP expression may only occur in choriocarcinoma cells. Overall, this research provides important mechanistic data regarding how the environment (dietary genistein) and a frequent genetic variant (ABCG2, C421A) may alter the maternal-fetal disposition of glyburide.

The clinical values of breast cancer resistance protein mRNA levels in plasma microvesicles predicting breast cancer chemotherapy

Objective To investigate the predictive values of peripheral blood microvesicles(MVs) containing breast cancer resistance protein(BCRP) mRNA on chemotherapy effectiveness in breast cancer. Methods We selected 40 cases of breast cancer(BC)chemotherapy,84 cases of palliative chemotherapy in patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer(mBC),and 40 cases of normal volunteers(NF).Immunofluorescence was used to detect mucin 1(MUC1)expression rate and co- expression rate of MUC1 and BCRP in plasma MVs.Real- time quantitative reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to detect BCRP mRNA level in plasma MVs.The correlations between clinicopathologic features and BCRP mRNA level with chemotherapy effectiveness were analyzed by the Kaplan- Meier method and Cox regression. Results MUC1 expression rate and co- expression rate of MUC1 and BCRPin plasma MVs of mBC group were(11.60±0.76)% and(14.06±0.62)%, and those in BC group were (6.67±1.03)% and(1.83±0.39)%(P< 0.05).The BCRP mRNA relative levels of plasma MVs in NF, BCand mBCgroups were- 2.15±0.66,- 2.32±0.75,and- 5.75±0.38 respectively.The BCRP mRNA relative levels of plasma MVs in mBC group was significantly higher than in BC group(P< 0.01). According to Response Evaluation Criteria in solid tumors, mBC group was subdivided into the stable disease(SD)subgroup and disease control(DCR)[complete remission(CR)/partial remission(PR)/SD] subgroup.BCRP mRNA relative levels in plasma MVs of SD subgroup and DCR subgroup were- 4.03± 0.71, and- 6.30±0.44 respectively with the difference being statistically significant(P< 0.01). The median progression- free survival(mPFS)on high and low BCRP mRNA expression groups was 2.80 and 4.00 months respectively(P< 0.01).Cox regression analysis showed BCRP mRNA level in the plasma MVs was an independent prognostic factor in advanced metastatic breast cancer chemotherapy(P<0.05). Conclusion The BCRP mRNA levels in the plasma MVs may predict the response of breast cancer chemotherapy as potential markers. Key words: Breast cancer resistance protein; Chemotherapy; Microvesicles

FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD influence the expression of MDR-1, MRP-1, and BCRP mRNA but not LRP mRNA assessed with RQ-PCR method in adult acute myeloid leukemia

Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and mixed-lineage leukemia gene-partial tandem duplication (MLL-PTD) are aberrations associated with leukemia which indicate unsatisfactory prognosis. Downstream regulatory targets of FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD are not well defined. We have analyzed the expression of MDR-1, multidrug resistant protein-1 (MRP-1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and lung resistance protein (LRP) messenger RNA (mRNA) in relation to the mutational status of FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD in 185 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) adult patients. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was performed to assess the expression of the MDR-1, MRP-1, BCRP, and LRP mRNA, and the results were presented as coefficients calculated using an intermediate method according to Pfaffl's rule. Significantly higher expressions of MDR-1 mRNA were found in patients who did not harbor FLT3-ITD (0.20 vs. 0.05; p = 0.0001) and MRP-1 mRNA in patients with this mutation (0.96 vs. 0.70; p = 0.002) and of BCRP mRNA in patients with MLL-PTD (0.61 vs. 0.38; p = 0.03). In univariate analysis, the high expression of MDR-1 mRNA (≥0.1317) negatively influenced the outcome of induction therapy (p = 0.05), whereas the high expression of BCRP mRNA (≥1.1487) was associated with a high relapse rate (RR) (p = 0.013). We found that the high expression of MDR-1 (≥0.1317), MRP-1 (≥0.8409), and BCRP mRNA (≥1.1487) significantly influenced disease-free survival (DFS; p = 0.059, 0.032, and 0.009, respectively) and overall survival (0.048, 0.014, and 0.059, respectively). Moreover, a high expression of BCRP mRNA (≥1.1487) proved to be an independent prognostic factor for RR (p = 0.01) and DFS (p = 0.002) in multivariate analysis. The significant correlation between the expression of MDR-1, MRP-1, and BCRP mRNA and FLT3-ITD or MLL-PTD in AML patients requires further investigation.

Expression of Membrane Drug Efflux Transporters in the Sigmoid Colon of HIV‐Infected and Uninfected Men

The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has gained global attention as a promising HIV prevention strategy in men who have sex with men. Permeability of these agents in the rectal mucosa may be partially regulated by interactions with drug efflux transporters, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) and/or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The objective of this work was to investigate the expression of drug efflux transporters in recto-sigmoid colon tissues of HIV-infected and uninfected men, and evaluate the association of ART and/or HIV infection with drug transporter expression. MDR1/P-gp, MRPs (1-4) and BCRP mRNA and protein expression were detected in sigmoid colon biopsies of HIV-uninfected individuals. Biopsies from HIV-infected, ART-naïve participants revealed a significant downregulation of P-gp and MRP2 protein levels compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. Biopsies from HIV-infected ART-treated patients showed 1.9-fold higher P-gp protein expression and 1.5-fold higher MRP2 protein expression compared to the ones obtained from the HIV-infected ART-naïve patients. This is a first report demonstrating that HIV infection or ART could alter expression of drug efflux transporters in gut mucosa which in turn could affect the permeability of PrEP antiretroviral agents across this barrier, a highly vulnerable site of HIV transmission.

High Doses of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Up-Regulate the Expression of Placental Breast Cancer Resistance Protein in Patients Affected by Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

BackgroundUrsodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) administration in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) induces bile acids (BA) efflux from the foetal compartment, but the molecular basis of this transplacental transport is only partially defined.AimTo determine if placental breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), able to transport BA, is regulated by UDCA in ICP.Methods32 pregnant women with ICP (14 untreated, 34.9±5.17 years; 18 treated with UDCA - 25 mg/Kg/day, 32.7±4.62 years,) and 12 healthy controls (33.4±3.32 years) agreed to participate in the study. Placentas were obtained at delivery and processed for membrane extraction. BCRP protein expression was evaluated by immunoblotting techniques and chemiluminescence quantified with a luminograph measuring emitted photons; mRNA expression with real time PCR. Statistical differences between groups were evaluated by ANOVA with Dunn’s Multiple Comparison test.ResultsBCRP was expressed only on the apical membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast. A significant difference was observed among the three groups both for mRNA (ANOVA, p = 0.0074) and protein (ANOVA, p<0.0001) expression. BCRP expression was similar in controls and in the untreated ICP group. UDCA induced a significant increase in placental BCRP mRNA and protein expression compared to controls (350.7±106.3 vs 100±18.68% of controls, p<0.05 and 397.8±56.02 vs 100±11.44% of controls, p<0.001, respectively) and untreated ICP (90.29±17.59% of controls, p<0.05 and 155.0±13.87%, p<0.01).ConclusionOur results confirm that BCRP is expressed only on the apical membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast and show that ICP treatment with high dose UDCA significantly upregulates placental BCRP expression favouring BA efflux from the foetal compartment.

FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD Mutations Influence the Expression of MDR1, MRP1 and BCRP mRNA in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract 1334 BackgroundA number of molecular aberrations have been described in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They disturb normal haematopoiesis and are response for leukaemogenic mechanism and drug resistance. Therefore, they seem to be of prime importance for treatment outcome. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3- internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and mixed-lineage leukemia gene-partial tandem duplication (MLL-PTD) are leukemia associated aberrations which confer worse prognosis. Downstream regulatory targets of FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD are not well defined.The over-expression of ABC transport proteins that function as a membrane pump responsible for the efflux of a range of chemotherapeutic drugs are known mechanism behind multidrug drug resistance (MDR) in AML. The p-glycoprotein (Pgp)-product of MDR1 gene and multidrug resistant protein-1 (MRP-1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) encoded by the relevant genes negatively influence the results of AML therapy. AimsThe aim of this study was to analyze the expression of the MDR-1, MRP-1, BCRP messenger RNA (mRNA) in relation to the response to induction chemotherapy and relapse and with pretreatment laboratory and clinical characteristics such as age (<60, ≥60 years), disease status (de novo/secondary), cytogenetics, FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD mutational status, white blood cell count (WBC) and the type of AML according to the French-American-British (FAB) classification. Moreover, the influence of MDR genes on disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated. MethodsA total of 185 adult consequent patients (88 females and 97 males) at a median age of 53,1 years (range 18,5–86,6 years) with newly diagnosed, previously untreated AML, as well as 40 healthy donors were included in this study. DNA and RNA were extracted from mononuclear cells of bone marrow (147 patients) or peripheral blood (38 patients) samples collected after approval from the ethics committee and informed consent from the patients. FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD were detected with PCR method. The RQ-PCR method was performed for the assessment of expression of the MDR-1, MRP-1, BCRP and LRP mRNA and the results were presented as coefficients calculated with an intermediate method according to Pfaffl’s rule. The relative expression ratio of a target gene was calculated based on efficiency and the Ct deviation of the healthy donor′s sample versus the patient′s sample, and expressed in comparison to a reference gene: ResultsIn univariate analysis, the high expression of MDR-1 mRNA (>0,13) was associated with outcome of induction therapy (p=0,06) and of BCRP mRNA (> 1,14) with high relapse rate (RR) (p=0,013). We found that high expression of MDR-1 (>0,13), MRP-1 mRNA (> 0,84) and BCRP mRNA (> 1,14) significantly influence DFS (p=0,059, 0,032 and 0,009, respectively) and OS (0,048, 0,014 and 0,059, respectively). Interestingly, high BCRP mRNA expression (>1,14) proved to be an independent prognostic factor for RR (p=0,01) and DFS (p=0,002) in the multivariate analysis. FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD were detected in 53 (29%) and 44 (25%), respectively.Interestingly, we found correlation between expression of MDR1, MRP1 and BCRP mRNA and FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD mutational status in presented group of patients. The expression of MDR-1 mRNA was significantly higher in patients no harboring FLT3-ITD mutation (0,20 vs. 0,05, p= 0,0001) and ≥60 years old (0,30 vs. 0,10, p= 0,007). The higher expression of MRP-1 mRNA was found in patients with FLT3-ITD mutation (0,96 vs. 0,70, p= 0,002) and the expression of BCRP mRNA was significantly higher in patients with MLL-PTD (0,61 vs 0,38, p=0,03). ConclusionsThe combined analysis of MDR genes allowed different classes of AML to be identified, with distinct clinico-biological features. The high expression of MDR genes correlates with worse treatment outcome of patients with AML. It seems that especially BCRP is associated with clinical resistant disease in AML and influence the RR and DFS. Our study also shows that MDR gene expression in AML patients should be considered together with leukemia associated aberrations. The interesting correlation found between expression of MDR1, MRP1 and BCRP mRNA and FLT3-ITD and MLL-PTD in AML patients needs further investigation to determine its clinical value and made final conclusions. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Expression of ABC Efflux Transporters in Placenta from Women with Insulin-Managed Diabetes

Drug efflux transporters in the placenta can significantly influence the materno-fetal transfer of a diverse array of drugs and other xenobiotics. To determine if clinically important drug efflux transporter expression is altered in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM-I) or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM-I), we compared the expression of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) via western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in samples obtained from insulin-managed diabetic pregnancies to healthy term-matched controls. At the level of mRNA, we found significantly increased expression of MDR1 in the GDM-I group compared to both the T1DM-I (p<0.01) and control groups (p<0.05). Significant changes in the placental protein expression of MDR1, MRP2, and BCRP were not detected (p>0.05). Interestingly, there was a significant, positive correlation observed between plasma hemoglobin A1c levels (a retrospective marker of glycemic control) and both BCRP protein expression (r = 0.45, p<0.05) and BCRP mRNA expression (r = 0.58, p<0.01) in the insulin-managed DM groups. Collectively, the data suggest that the expression of placental efflux transporters is not altered in pregnancies complicated by diabetes when hyperglycemia is managed; however, given the relationship between BCRP expression and plasma hemoglobin A1c levels it is plausible that their expression could change in poorly managed diabetes.