Multidrug Resistance Protein Isoform Research Articles

Notch1 is overexpressed in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and is associated with its proliferation, invasiveness and sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil in vitro

The Notch signaling pathway has been reported to play crucial roles in inhibiting hepatocyte differentiation and allowing formation of intrahepatic bile ducts. However, little is known about its significance in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Notch1 expression in ICC tissues and cells. The expression of Notch1 was examined in paraffin-embedded sections of ICC (n=44) by immunohistochemistry. Notch1 was knocked down by RNA interference (RNAi) in cultured ICC cells (RBE and HCCC-9810). The proliferation, invasiveness and sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assays, Transwell assays and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of several multidrug resistance (MDR)-related genes, MDR1-P-glycoprotein (ABCB‑1), breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG‑2) and the multidrug resistance protein isoform 1 (MRP‑1), were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Notch1 was overexpressed in cell membranes and cytoplasm of ICC compared with the adjacent liver tissue (35/44, 79.5%) and this was more common in cases with tumor size≥5 cm (p=0.021) and HBs-Ag positive (p=0.018). By silencing Notch1, the proliferation and invasiveness of ICC cells were inhibited and the inhibition rate of 5-FU was markedly increased. In addition, IC50 values of 5-FU in RBE cells were decreased from 148.74±0.72 to 5.37±0.28 µg/ml and the corresponding values for HCCC-9810 cells were 326.92±0.87 to 42.60±0.35 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, Notch1 silencing clearly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells treated by 5-FU compared with the control. Notch1 knockdown led to diminished expression levels of ABCB‑1 and MRP‑1. Therefore, Notch may play important roles in the development of ICC. Silencing Notch1 can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of ICC cells and increase their sensitivity to 5-FU in vitro.

Metabolism Studies of Unformulated Internally [3H]-Labeled Short Interfering RNAs in Mice

Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties of two unformulated model short interfering RNA (siRNAs) were determined using a single internal [(3)H]-radiolabeling procedure, in which the full-length oligonucleotides were radiolabeled by Br/(3)H -exchange. Tissue distribution, excretion, and mass balance of radioactivity were investigated in male CD-1 mice after a single intravenous administration of the [(3)H]siRNAs, at a target dose level of 5 mg/kg. Quantitative whole-body autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting techniques were used to determine tissue distribution. Radiochromatogram profiles were determined in plasma, tissue extracts, and urine. Metabolites were separated by liquid chromatography and identified by radiodetection and high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry. In general, there was little difference in the distribution of total radiolabeled components after administration of the two unformulated [(3)H]siRNAs. The radioactivity was rapidly and widely distributed throughout the body and remained detectable in all tissues investigated at later time points (24 and 48 hours for [(3)H]MRP4 (multidrug resistance protein isoform 4) and [(3)H]SSB (Sjögren Syndrome antigen B) siRNA, respectively). After an initial rapid decrease, concentrations of total radiolabeled components in dried blood decreased at a much slower rate. A nearly complete mass balance was obtained for the [(3)H]SSB siRNA, and renal excretion was the main route of elimination (38%). The metabolism of the two model siRNAs was rapid and extensive. Five minutes after administration, no parent compound could be detected in plasma. Instead, radiolabeled nucleosides resulting from nuclease hydrolysis were observed. In the metabolism profiles obtained from various tissues, only radiolabeled nucleosides were found, suggesting that siRNAs are rapidly metabolized and that the distribution pattern of total radiolabeled components can be ascribed to small molecular weight metabolites.

INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED SHORT INTERFERING RNA ACCUMULATES IN THE KIDNEY AND SELECTIVELY SUPPRESSES GENE FUNCTION IN RENAL PROXIMAL TUBULES

Different gene-silencing methods, like antisense and short interfering RNA (siRNA), are widely used as experimental tools to inhibit gene expression. In the present study, the in vivo behavior of siRNA in rats and siRNA-mediated silencing of genes in the renal proximal tubule were investigated. To study the biodistribution of siRNA, rats were injected i.v. with radiolabeled siRNA or radiolabel alone (control), and scintigraphic images were acquired at different time intervals postinjection. The siRNA preferentially accumulated in the kidneys and was excreted in the urine. One hour after injection, the amount of siRNA present in both kidneys (1.7 +/- 0.3% of injected dose/g tissue) was on average 40 times higher than in other tissues (liver, brain, intestine, muscle, lung, spleen, and blood). Besides the biodistribution, the effect of siRNA on multidrug resistance protein isoform 2 (Mrp2/Abcc2, siRNAMrp2) in renal proximal tubules was investigated. Mrp2 function was assessed by measuring the excretion of its fluorescent substrate calcein in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Four days after administration, siRNAMrp2 reduced the urinary calcein excretion rate significantly (35% inhibition over the period 80-150 min of perfusion). This down-regulation was specific because another siRNA sequence directed against a different transporter in the proximal tubule, Mrp4 (Abcc4, siRNAMrp4), did not alter the Mrp2-mediated excretion of calcein. In conclusion, siRNA accumulates spontaneously in the kidney after i.v. injection, where it selectively suppresses gene function in the proximal tubules. Therefore, i.v. administered siRNA provides a novel experimental and potential therapeutic tool for gene silencing in the kidney.

Involvement of guanylyl cyclase and cGMP in the regulation of Mrp2-mediated transport in the proximal tubule.

In killifish renal proximal tubules, endothelin-1 (ET-1), acting through a basolateral ET(B) receptor, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and PKC, decreases cell-to-lumen organic anion transport mediated by the multidrug resistance protein isoform 2 (Mrp2). In the present study, we examined the roles of guanylyl cyclase and cGMP in ET signaling to Mrp2. Using confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis to measure Mrp2-mediated transport of the fluorescent drug fluorescein methotrexate (FL-MTX), we found that oxadiazole quinoxalin (ODQ), an inhibitor of NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, blocked ET-1 signaling. ODQ was also effective when signaling was initiated by nephrotoxicants (gentamicin, amikacin, diatrizoate, HgCl(2), and CdCl(2)), which appear to stimulate ET release from the tubules themselves. ODQ blocked the effects of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside but not of the phorbol ester that activates PKC. Exposing tubules to 8-bromo-cGMP (8-BrcGMP), a cell-permeable cGMP analog, decreased luminal FL-MTX accumulation. This effect was abolished by bisindoylmaleimide (BIM), a PKC inhibitor, but not by N(G)-methyl-l-arginine, a NOS inhibitor. Together, these data indicate that ET regulation of Mrp2 involves activation of guanylyl cyclase and generation of cGMP. Signaling by cGMP follows NO release and precedes PKC activation.

Multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 4- and MRP 5-mediated efflux of 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine by microglia.

The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dementia has been linked to microglial responses after infection. We have recently confirmed expression of several ATP-dependent efflux transporters in microglia, namely, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In the present study, we investigated whether cultured rat microglia express two additional MRP family members, rMRP4 and rMRP5. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, rMRP4 and rMRP5 mRNA was detected in primary cultures of microglia and in a rat microglia cell line, MLS-9. Western blot analysis further confirmed protein expression of the two MRP isoforms in MLS-9 cells. Bis(pivaloxymethyl)-9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine [bis(POM)PMEA], a lipophilic ester prodrug of the well characterized MRP4 and 5 substrate 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA), was chosen to examine transport characteristics in MLS-9. Using thin layer chromatography, we verified that more than 90% of radioactivity recovered in MLS-9 loaded with 1 microM [(3)H]bis(POM)PMEA for 1 h under ATP-depleting conditions was converted to PMEA. Efflux of PMEA by MLS-9 cell monolayers was ATP-dependent, glutathione-independent, and significantly inhibited by several MRP inhibitors (i.e., sulfinpyrazone, genistein, indomethacin, and probenecid) as well as the antiretroviral drug azidothymidine-monophosphate. Similar results were not observed in MRP1- or P-gp-overexpressing cell lines, suggesting that PMEA is not a substrate for either P-gp or MRP1. These studies provide further evidence that microglia express multiple subfamilies of ATP-binding cassette transporters (i.e., P-gp, MRP1, MRP4, and MRP5) that could restrict permeation of several different classes of antiretroviral drugs in a brain cellular target of HIV-1 infection.

Enhanced expression of basolateral multidrug resistance protein isoforms Mrp3 and Mrp5 in rat liver by LPS.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces hepatocellular down-regulation and endocytic retrieval of multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2, Abcc2). Basolateral Mrp isoforms may compensate for the intracellular metabolic changes in cholestasis. Therefore, the effect of LPS on the zonal localization of Mrp2 and Mrp3 and the expression of Mrp3, Mrp4, Mrp5, and Mrp6 mRNA were investigated in rat liver. In normal rat liver Mrp3 was found in pericentral hepatocytes also expressing glutamine synthetase. In LPS-treated rat liver the decrease in Mrp2 protein was most pronounced in pericentral hepatocytes, with only minor down-regulation in periportal hepatocytes. Conversely, induction of Mrp3 was found in pericentral hepatocytes with a low expression of Mrp2. Furthermore, we found a strong induction of Mrp5 mRNA. Likewise, Mrp6 mRNA was up-regulated, however Mrp6 protein expression was not significantly altered. It is concluded that Mrp3 is inversely regulated to Mrp2 in a zonal pattern and may compensate for the LPS-induced loss of Mrp2 in the perivenous area. Induction of pericentral Mrp3 and up-regulation of Mrp5 mRNA may play an important role in the hepatocellular clearance of cholephilic substances and cyclic nucleotides accumulating after LPS treatment.

Influence of t-butylhydroquinone and β-naphthoflavone on formation and transport of 4-methylumbelliferone glucuronide in Caco-2/TC-7 cell monolayers

Human Caco-2 cells have been established as a model system for intestinal biotransformation and permeability. When grown on Transwell polycarbonate filters they develop morphologic and biochemical characteristics of enterocytes with well separated apical and basolateral surfaces. In addition, Caco-2/TC-7 cells have proven to be useful to study regulation of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) by Ah receptor agonists and antioxidant-type inducers such as β-naphthoflavone (BNF) and t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). In the present investigation, formation and transport of 4-methylumbelliferone glucuronide was studied in intact Caco-2 cell monolayers. The following results were obtained: when loaded with 50–200 μM MUF either apically or basolaterally, MUF-GA was the major metabolite which was mostly released (80%) at the basolateral surface, probably via the multidrug resistance protein isoform MRP3; MUF sulfate formation was low (5±2%). Pretreatment of cells with 80 μM TBHQ or 50 μM BNF for 72 hr before addition of 100 μM MUF enhanced basolateral secretion of MUF-GA 1.4- and 1.7-fold, respectively. However, at >200 μM MUF, MUF-GA secretion and induction was smaller, probably due to inhibition of intracellular UGT activity. MRP3 protein was localized to the basolateral surface of Caco-2 cells but was not induced by TBHQ or BNF. The results suggest that MUF-GA is mostly secreted basolaterally in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Treatment with TBHQ or BNF significantly enhanced MUF-GA formation in the intact cell.

Expression and localization of the multidrug resistance proteins MRP2 and MRP3 in human gallbladder epithelia

Background & Aims: The multidrug resistance protein (MRP) isoforms MRP2 (ABCC2) and MRP3 (ABCC3) play a decisive role in the hepatic secretion of endogenous and xenobiotic conjugates and are differentially expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. The epithelium of the gallbladder considerably modifies the composition of primary hepatic bile by absorption and secretion; however, the underlying transport mechanisms were largely unknown. Localization of MRP2 and MRP3 may provide an explanation of how the products of phase II conjugation are effluxed from gallbladder epithelia. Methods: Expression and localization of MRP2 and MRP3 were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence microscopy of human gallbladder tissue. Results: Expression of MRP2 and MRP3 was identified in all gallbladders by RT-PCR followed by sequencing of the amplified fragments. Double immunofluorescence microscopy using 2 specific antibodies for the respective MRP isoform showed the simultaneous expression of MRP2 in the apical membrane and MRP3 in the basolateral membrane of gallbladder epithelia. MRP1 protein expression was not detectable. Conclusions: Our findings show the expression of MRP2 and MRP3 in distinct plasma membrane domains of gallbladder epithelia and provide evidence for the capacity of the gallbladder to secrete xenobiotic and endogenous anionic conjugates into blood via MRP3 and into bile via MRP2.GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;121:1203-1208

Expression of the multidrug resistance proteins MRP2 and MRP3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by chemotherapy is often impeded by the intrinsic multidrug resistance (MDR) of this frequent primary cancer of the liver. The MDR phenotype can be caused by ATP-dependent export of chemotherapeutic drugs across the plasma membrane being mediated by transporters of the MDR P-glycoprotein family or of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family. To elucidate the role of MRP family members in HCC, we analyzed the expression and subcellular localization of MRP1 (ABCC1), MRP2 (ABCC2) and MRP3 (ABCC3); all 3 isoforms have been shown to confer resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Semiquantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that MRP2 and MRP3 mRNA expression in HCC was at least 10-fold higher than MRP1 mRNA expression. MRP2 immunostaining was observed in 87% (33/38) of HCC samples. MRP2 was localized in the plasma membrane in a polarized fashion, either in trabecular structures resembling the canalicular membrane or in the luminal membrane when cells had a pseudoglandular arrangement. MRP3 was detected in all samples examined (9/9) by RT-PCR and by immunofluorescence microscopy. MRP3 was localized to the basolateral membrane of carcinoma cells. Double-label immunofluorescence microscopy with antibodies specific for MRP2 or MRP3 indicated that carcinoma cells expressed both MRP isoforms simultaneously. When MRP1 was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy, it was localized on the intracellular membranes of carcinoma cells. Thus, plasma membrane expression of MRP2 and MRP3, but not of MRP1, can contribute to the MDR phenotype of HCC.

Expression of members of the multidrug resistance protein family in human term placenta.

The placenta serves, in part, as a barrier to exclude noxious substances from the fetus. In humans, a single-layered syncytium of polarized trophoblast cells and the fetal capillary endothelium separate the maternal and fetal circulations. P-glycoprotein is present in the syncytiotrophoblast throughout gestation, consistent with a protective role that limits exposure of the fetus to hydrophobic and cationic xenobiotics. We have examined whether members of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family are expressed in term placenta. After screening a placenta cDNA library, partial clones of MRP1, MRP2, and MRP3 were identified. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting studies demonstrated that MRP2 was localized to the apical syncytiotrophoblast membrane. MRP1 and MRP3 were predominantly expressed in blood vessel endothelia with some evidence for expression in the apical syncytiotrophoblast. ATP-dependent transport of the anionic substrates dinitrophenyl-glutathione and estradiol-17-beta-glucuronide was also demonstrated in apical syncytiotrophoblast membranes. Given the cellular distribution of these transporters, we hypothesize that MRP isoforms serve to protect fetal blood from entry of organic anions and to promote the excretion of glutathione/glucuronide metabolites in the maternal circulation.

The Multidrug Resistance Protein 5 Functions as an ATP-dependent Export Pump for Cyclic Nucleotides

Cellular export of cyclic nucleotides has been observed in various tissues and may represent an elimination pathway for these signaling molecules, in addition to degradation by phosphodiesterases. In the present study we provide evidence that this export is mediated by the multidrug resistance protein isoform MRP5 (gene symbol ABCC5). The transport function of MRP5 was studied in V79 hamster lung fibroblasts transfected with a human MRP5 cDNA. An MRP5-specific antibody detected an overexpression of the glycoprotein of 185 +/- 15 kDa in membranes from MRP5-transfected cells and a low basal expression of hamster Mrp5 in control membranes. ATP-dependent transport of 3',5'-cyclic GMP at a substrate concentration of 1 micrometer was 4-fold higher in membrane vesicles from MRP5-transfected cells than in control membranes. This transport was saturable with a K(m) value of 2.1 micrometer. MRP5-mediated transport was also detected for 3',5'-cyclic AMP at a lower affinity, with a K(m) value of 379 micrometer. A potent inhibition of MRP5-mediated transport was observed by several compounds, known as phosphodiesterase modulators, including trequinsin, with a K(i) of 240 nm, and sildenafil, with a K(i) value of 267 nm. Thus, cyclic nucleotides are physiological substrates for MRP5; moreover, MRP5 may represent a novel pharmacological target for the enhancement of tissue levels of cGMP.

Export pumps for glutathione S-conjugates

The release of glutathione S–conjugates from cells is an ATP-dependent process mediated by integral membrane glycoproteins belonging to the recently discovered multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) family. Many lipophilic compounds conjugated with glutathione, glucuronate, or sulfate are substrates for export pumps of the MRP family. In humans six MRP isoforms encoded by different genes have been cloned. Orthologs of MRP have been identified in many species including yeast, plants, and nematodes. Human MRP1 and MRP2 are currently best characterized with respect to substrate specificity by measurements of ATP-dependent transport into inside-out membrane vesicles. High-affinity substrates include the glutathione S-conjugate leukotriene C 4, S-(2,4dinitrophenyl)glutathione, bilirubin glucuronosides, and 17β-glucuronosyl estradiol. In addition, glutathione disulfide is transported by MRP1 and MRP2. Reduced glutathione may be released from cells in a process directly or indirectly mediated by members of the MRP family. Proteins of the MRP family are indispensable for transport of glutathione S-conjugates and glutathione disulfide into the extracellular space and play, therefore, a decisive role in detoxification and defense against oxidative stress.

Export pumps for anionic conjugates encoded by MRP genes.

Several members of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family mediate the ATP-dependent transport of amphiphilic anions across membranes. The substrate specificity of recombinant human MRP1 has been most extensively defined by use of inside-out membrane vesicles. Substrates include the glutathione S-conjugate leukotriene C4, 17 beta-glucuronosyl estradiol, glucuronosyl bilirubin, glutathione disulfide, in addition to the fluorescent lipophilic anion Fluo-3. These substances are also substrates for the apical isoform MRP2, also termed canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter, cMOAT, which shares only 49% amino acid sequence identity with MRP1. The K(m) of leukotriene C4 for MRP2 is 10-fold higher than for MRP1, and the K(m) of 17 beta-glucuronosyl estradiol is 4.8-fold higher for MRP2 than for recombinant human MRP1. Human as well as rat MRP2 confer multidrug resistance to polarized MDCKII cells permanently expressing the recombinant glycoprotein in their apical plasma membrane. Resistance of cells transfected with human and rat MRP2 to etoposide was enhanced 5-fold and 3.8-fold, and resistance to vincristine was enhanced 2.3-fold and 6.0-fold, respectively. Conjugate-transporting members of the MRP family with a related sequence and a similar function have been detected recently. In addition to several MRP isoforms (MRP1-6) and orthologs in mammals (human, rat, rabbit, mouse), MRP family members have been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. These conjugate export pumps of the MRP family play a widespread role in detoxification, drug resistance, and, because of the role in the export of glutathione disulfide by MRP1 and MRP2, in the defense against oxidative stress.

Characterization of the human multidrug resistance protein isoform MRP3 localized to the basolateral hepatocyte membrane.

Several members of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) family are expressed in the liver. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent transport of glutathione and glucuronoside conjugates across the hepatocyte canalicular membrane is mediated by the apical MRP isoform, MRP2 (APMRP), also known as canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT). We have cloned an additional MRP isoform, MRP3, from human liver and localized it to the basolateral membrane domain of hepatocytes. Basolateral MRP (BLMRP) is composed of 1,527 amino acids and encoded by 4,581 base pairs of complementary DNA. Northern blotting of various human tissues indicated an expression of MRP3 in the liver, colon, pancreas, and, at a lower level, in the kidney. The amino acid identity of MRP3 with MRP1 and MRP2 is 58% and 48%, respectively. These three isoforms, encoded by genes on different chromosomes, have a similar predicted topology of transmembrane segments and ATP-binding domains. Antibodies raised against two peptide sequences of MRP3 that are not shared by other MRP family members detected recombinant MRP3 expressed in polarized MDCK cells. Both antibodies served to localize MRP3 to the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes. Double-label immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that MRP3 was not detectable in the canalicular membrane domain. A particularly strong expression of the MRP3 protein was observed in the basolateral hepatocyte membrane of two patients with Dubin-Johnson syndrome who are deficient in MRP2. These results indicate that the basolateral MRP isoform, MRP3, may be upregulated when the canalicular secretion of anionic conjugates by MRP2 is impaired.

Lack of biliary excretion of Cd linked to an inherent defect of the canalicular isoform of multidrug resistance protein (cMrp) does not abnormally stimulate accumulation of Cd in the Eisai hyperbilirubinemic (EHB) rat liver.

A new mutant, the Eisai hyperbilirubinemic (EHB) rat, shows no inherent expression of the canalicular isoform of the multidrug resistance protein (cMrp) in the liver. It has defective biliary secretion of organic anions such as bilirubin glucuronides, bromosulfophthalein (BSP), cysteinyl leukotrienes, glutathione (GSH) and bile acid sulfate and glucuronides. When rats were injected intravenously with CdCl2, biliary excretion of Cd over 30 min was 0.28% and 0.004% of the total dose in Sprague-Dawley (SD) and EHB rats, respectively. Six SD rats and five EHB rats were fed a diet containing Cd. Bile Cd was detected at the level of 2 ng/20 min in SD rats, but not in EHB rats. There was no significant difference of hepatic Cd concentration between SD and EHB rats. Furthermore, there were no significant differences of renal and intestinal Cd, and hepatic and renal metallothionein (MT) concentrations between the SD and EHB groups. Biliary excretion of reduced-GSH for 20 min was 1.3 +/- 0.3 mg and 3.6 +/- 0.9 micrograms in SD and EHB rats, respectively. Our results suggest that hepatobiliary excretion of exogenous Cd is mediated mainly via carrier transport, including a cMrp or GSH carrier, but that the lack of the transport pathway does not contribute to abnormal accumulation of Cd in the liver.

CDNA Cloning of the Hepatocyte Canalicular Isoform of the Multidrug Resistance Protein, cMrp, Reveals a Novel Conjugate Export Pump Deficient in Hyperbilirubinemic Mutant Rats

ATP-dependent transport of glutathione and glucuronate conjugates from hepatocytes into bile is mediated by a distinct member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily. We have cloned and sequenced the canalicular isoform of the multidrug resistance protein from rat liver, and termed it cMrp. This membrane glycoprotein is composed of 1541 amino acids with an identity of 47.8% with the human multidrug resistance protein (MRP) and of 41.9% with the yeast cadmium factor (YCF1). The carboxyl-terminal 130 amino acids of the human hepatocyte canalicular isoform of MRP (cMRP) were 80.2% identical with rat cMrp. cMrp was not expressed in the liver of two mutant rat strains, the Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rat and the GY/TR- mutant, which are deficient in the ATP-dependent transport of conjugates across the canalicular membrane. Immunoblotting using an antibody raised against the carboxyl terminus of cMrp detected the glycoprotein of about 190 kDa only in the canalicular membrane from normal liver. Double immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy localized cMrp exclusively to the canalicular membrane domain of hepatocytes and demonstrated its loss in the hyperbilirubinemic mutant rat. The results identify cMrp as a canalicular transport protein with a novel sequence and with a function similar to the one of the MRP.

Absence of the canalicular isoform of the MRP gene-encoded conjugate export pump from the hepatocytes in Dubin-Johnson syndrome

The Dubin-Johnson syndrome is characterized by an inherited defect in the secretion of amphiphilic anionic conjugates from hepatocytes into the bile. We have recently identified the membrane protein mediating the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent transport of glutathione and glucuronate conjugates as a multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) and localized it to the canalicular as well as to the lateral hepatocyte plasma membrane. In the present study we show the selective absence of the canalicular isoform of MRP (cMRP) from the hepatocytes in a patient with Dubin-Johnson syndrome by double-label immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy using antibodies directed against MRP and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV). Another isoform of MRP was detected, however, in the lateral hepatocyte membrane of the patient. Moreover, MRP was present on immunoblots of erythrocyte membranes from Dubin-Johnson syndrome and normal humans. These findings are analogous to our recent observations on the localization of the rat homolog of MRP and its canalicular isoform, cMRP, in normal and transport- deficient GY/TR- Wistar rat liver. The elucidation of the selective absence of an isoform of MRP and from the canalicular membrane domain in conjunction with the defined substrate specificity of the MRP and cMRP gene-encoded conjugate export pumps contributes to the molecular definition of the transport defect in Dubin-Johnson syndrome. (Hepatology 1996 May;23(5):1061-6)

Absence of the canalicular isoform of the MRP gene-encoded conjugate export pump from the hepatocytes in Dubin-Johnson syndrome

The Dubin-Johnson syndrome is characterized by an inherited defect in the secretion of amphiphilic anionic conjugates from hepatocytes into the bile. We have recently identified the membrane protein mediating the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent transport of glutathione and glucuronate conjugates as a multidrug-resistance protein (MRP) and localized it to the canalicular as well as to the lateral hepatocyte plasma membrane. In the present study we show the selective absence of the canalicular isoform of MRP (cMRP) from the hepatocytes in a patient with Dubin-Johnson syndrome by double-label immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy using antibodies directed against MRP and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV). Another isoform of MRP was detected, however, in the lateral hepatocyte membrane of the patient. Moreover, MRP was present on immunoblots of erythrocyte membranes from Dubin-Johnson syndrome and normal humans. These findings are analogous to our recent observations on the localization of the rat homolog of MRP and its canalicular isoform, cMRP, in normal and transport- deficient GY/TR- Wistar rat liver. The elucidation of the selective absence of an isoform of MRP and from the canalicular membrane domain in conjunction with the defined substrate specificity of the MRP and cMRP gene-encoded conjugate export pumps contributes to the molecular definition of the transport defect in Dubin-Johnson syndrome.