The MRP-related and BCRP/ABCG2 multidrug resistance proteins: biology, substrate specificity and regulation.

Several members of different families of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transport proteins are capable of transporting an extraordinarily structurally diverse array of endo- and xenobiotics and their metabolites across cell membranes. Together, these transporters play an important role in the absorption, disposition and elimination of these chemicals in the body. In tumor cells, increased expression of these drug transporters is associated with resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, current knowledge of the biochemical, physiological and pharmacological properties of nine members of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP)-related ABCC family (MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, MRP5, MRP6, MRP7, ABCC11 and ABCC12) as well as the G family member, ABCG2/BCRP, are summarized. A focus is placed on the structural similarities and differences of these drug transporters as well as the molecular determinants of their substrate specificities and transport activities. Factors that regulate expression of the MRP-related proteins and ABCG2/BCRP are also reviewed.

Identification of human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) mutations and characterization of a G671V substitution.

The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transport proteins can confer resistance to multiple natural product drugs and methotrexate in human tumor cells. In addition, MRP1 is expressed in normal tissues acting as an efflux pump for glutathione, glucuronate, and sulfate conjugates and may thus influence the pharmacokinetic properties of many drugs. Using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, we screened 36 Caucasian volunteers for mutations in the coding exons of the MRP1 gene, including the adjacent intron sequences. Among several mutations found, two are expected to cause amino acid substitutions. One of these mutations (G671V) was of special interest because it is located near the first nucleotide binding domain. To determine whether this mutation caused a change in the MRP1 phenotype, a mutant MRP1 expression vector was constructed and transfected into SV40-transformed human embryonic kidney cells (HEKSV293T) and the transport properties of the mutant protein were examined. Transport of the MRP1 substrates leukotriene C4, 17beta-estradiol 17beta-(D)-glucuronide, and estrone sulfate by membrane vesicles prepared from transiently transfected HEKSV293T cells was comparable to that of wild-type MRP1.

Toxicological relevance of the multidrug resistance protein 1, MRP1 (ABCC1) and related transporters.

The 190 kDa multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is a founding member of a subfamily of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transport proteins and was originally identified on the basis of its elevated expression in multidrug resistant lung cancer cells. In addition to its ability to confer resistance in tumour cells, MRP1 is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues and is a primary active transporter of GSH, glucuronate and sulfate conjugated and unconjugated organic anions of toxicological relevance. Substrates include lipid peroxidation products, herbicides, tobacco specific nitrosamines, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and natural product and antifolate anti-cancer agents. MRP1 also transports unmodified xenobiotics but often requires GSH to do so. Active efflux is generally an important aspect of cellular detoxification since it prevents the accumulation of conjugated and unconjugated compounds that have the potential to be directly toxic. The related transporters MRP2 and MRP3 have overlapping substrate specificities with MRP1 but different tissue distributions, and evidence that they also have chemoprotective functions are discussed. Finally, MRP homologues have been described in other species including yeast and nematodes. Those isolated from the vascular plant Arabidopsis thaliana (AtMRPs) decrease the cytoplasmic concentration of conjugated toxins through sequestration in vacuoles and are implicated in providing herbicide resistance to plants.

Characterization of binding of leukotriene C4 by human multidrug resistance protein 1: evidence of differential interactions with NH2- and COOH-proximal halves of the protein.

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is capable of actively transporting a wide range of conjugated and unconjugated organic anions. The protein can also transport additional conjugated and unconjugated compounds in a GSH- or S-methyl GSH-stimulated manner. How MRP1 binds and transports such structurally diverse substrates is not known. We have used [(3)H]leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), a high affinity glutathione-conjugated physiological substrate, to photolabel intact MRP1, as well as fragments of the protein expressed in insect cells. These studies revealed that: (i) LTC(4) labels sites in the NH(2)- and COOH-proximal halves of MRP1, (ii) labeling of the NH(2)-half of MRP1 is localized to a region encompassing membrane-spanning domain (MSD) 2 and nucleotide binding domain (NBD) 1, (iii) labeling of this region is dependent on the presence of all or part of the cytoplasmic loop (CL3) linking MSD1 and MSD2, but not on the presence of MSD1, (iv) labeling of the NH(2)-proximal site is preferentially inhibited by S-methyl GSH, (v) labeling of the COOH-proximal half of the protein occurs in a region encompassing transmembrane helices 14-17 and appears not to require NBD2 or the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal region of the protein, (vi) labeling of intact MRP1 by LTC(4) is strongly attenuated in the presence of ATP and vanadate, and this decrease in labeling is attributable to a marked reduction in LTC(4) binding to the NH(2)-proximal site, and (vii) the attenuation of LTC(4) binding to the NH(2)-proximal site is a consequence of ATP hydrolysis and trapping of Vi-ADP exclusively at NBD2. These data suggest that MRP1-mediated transport involves a conformational change, driven by ATP hydrolysis at NBD2, that alters the affinity with which LTC(4) binds to one of two sites composed, at least in part, of elements in the NH(2)-proximal half of the protein.

Mutation of Trp1254 in the multispecific organic anion transporter, multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) (ABCC2), alters substrate specificity and results in loss of methotrexate transport activity.

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins comprise a large superfamily of transmembrane transporters that utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to translocate their substrates across biological membranes. Multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 2 (ABCC2) belongs to subfamily C of the ABC superfamily and, when overexpressed in tumor cells, confers resistance to a wide variety of anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. MRP2 is also an active transporter of organic anions such as methotrexate (MTX), estradiol glucuronide (E217betaG), and leukotriene C4 and is located on the apical membrane of polarized cells including hepatocytes where it acts as a biliary transporter. We recently identified a highly conserved tryptophan residue in the related MRP1 that is critical for the substrate specificity of this protein. In the present study, we have examined the effect of replacing the analogous tryptophan residue at position 1254 of MRP2. We found that only nonconservative substitutions (Ala and Cys) of Trp1254 eliminated [3H]E217betaG transport by MRP2, whereas more conservative substitutions (Phe and Tyr) had no effect. In addition, only the most conservatively substituted mutant (W1254Y) transported [3H]leukotriene C4, whereas all other substitutions eliminated transport of this substrate. On the other hand, all substitutions of Trp1254 eliminated transport of [3H]MTX. Finally, we found that sulfinpyrazone stimulated [3H]E217betaG transport by wild-type MRP2 4-fold, whereas transport by the Trp1254 substituted mutants was enhanced 6-10-fold. In contrast, sulfinpyrazone failed to stimulate [3H]MTX transport by either wild-type MRP2 or the MRP2-Trp1254 mutants. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Trp1254 plays an important role in the ability of MRP2 to transport conjugated organic anions and identify this amino acid in the putative last transmembrane segment (TM17) of this ABC protein as being critical for transport of MTX.

Identification of DNA-protein interactions in the 5' flanking and 5' untranslated regions of the human multidrug resistance protein (MRP1) gene: evaluation of a putative antioxidant response element/AP-1 binding site.

Overexpression of the multidrug resistance protein, MRP1, confers resistance to multiple natural product-type chemotherapeutics. MRP1 amplification is observed in some multidrug-resistant cell lines, while in others, increased transcription occurs in the absence of gene amplification. To investigate mechanisms influencing MRP1 transcription, three small cell lung cancer cell lines were examined: drug sensitive H69 cells with two apparently normal MRP1 alleles, highly resistant H69AR cells in which MRP1 is amplified and low level resistant H69PR cells that contain only one MRP1 allele. Deoxyribonuclease I footprinting and gel mobility shift assays were undertaken using nuclear extracts from the three cell lines and a 1 kb region encompassing the 5' flanking region of MRP1. Thirteen protein binding sites were identified of which six were sequence specific. Differences in levels of protein binding occurred with a putative antioxidant response element (ARE)/AP-1 binding site at -511 to -477. Levels of protein binding to this site were 2.5- to 3.0-fold higher in H69AR nuclear extracts versus extracts from H69 or H69PR cells. The AP-1 sequence is required for binding and c-Jun and JunD were identified as components of the protein complex. The ARE/AP-1 element functioned as a transcriptional enhancer but did not mediate induction of a luciferase reporter gene upon beta-naphthoflavone treatment.

Identification of a nonconserved amino acid residue in multidrug resistance protein 1 important for determining substrate specificity: evidence for functional interaction between transmembrane helices 14 and 17.

Murine multidrug resistance protein 1 (mrp1), differs from its human ortholog (MRP1) in that it fails to confer anthracycline resistance and transports the MRP1 substrate, 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG), very poorly. By mutating variant residues in mrp1 to those present in MRP1, we identified Glu(1089) of MRP1 as being critical for anthracycline resistance. However, Glu(1089) mutations had no effect on E(2)17betaG transport. We have now identified a nonconserved amino acid within the highly conserved COOH-proximal transmembrane helix of MRP1/mrp1 that is important for transport of the conjugated estrogen. Converting Ala(1239) in mrp1 to Thr, as in the corresponding position (1242) in MRP1, increased E(2)17betaG transport 3-fold. Any mutation of mrp1 Ala(1239), including substitution with Thr, decreased resistance to vincristine and VP-16 without altering anthracycline resistance. However, introduction of a second murine to human mutation, Q1086E, which alone selectively increases anthracycline resistance, into mrp1A1239T restored resistance to both vincristine and VP-16. To confirm the importance of MRP1 Thr(1242) for E(2)17betaG transport and drug resistance, we mutated this residue to Ala, Cys, Ser, Leu, and Lys. These mutations decreased E(2)17betaG transport 2-fold. Conversion to Asp eliminated transport of the estrogen conjugate and also decreased leukotriene C(4) transport approximately 2-fold. The mutations also reduced the ability of MRP1 to confer resistance to all drugs tested. As with mrp1, introduction of a second mutation based on the murine sequence to create MRP1E1089Q/T1242A restored resistance to vincristine and VP-16, but not anthracyclines, without affecting transport of leukotriene C(4) and E(2)17betaG. These results demonstrate the important role of Thr(1242) for E(2)17betaG transport. They also reveal a highly specific functional relationship between nonconserved amino acids in TM helices 14 and 17 of both mrp1 and MRP1 that enables both proteins to confer similar levels of resistance to vincristine and VP-16.

Multidrug resistance proteins MRP3, MRP1, and MRP2 in lung cancer: correlation of protein levels with drug response and messenger RNA levels.

Previously (L. C. Young et al., Clin. Cancer Res., 5: 673-680, 1999), we found, in a panel of 23 lung cancer cell lines that had not been selected for in vitro drug resistance, that the mRNA levels of MRP3 and MRP1, two members of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of transport proteins, correlated with resistance to doxorubicin, vincristine, VP-16, and cis-diamminedicholoroplatinum(II). To extend these studies, we measured multidrug resistance protein (MRP)1, MRP2, and MRP3 protein levels in a panel of 30 lung cancer cell lines that included the original 23 cell lines as well as an additional 7 unselected lung cancer cell lines. In the case of MRP3, a polyclonal antibody was developed that was found to be a sensitive reagent for the detection of MRP3 by Western blot analysis. We found good agreement in the original 23 cell lines between the cognate mRNA and protein levels for MRP1, MRP2, and, especially, MRP3 (r, 0.852), supporting the use of semiquantitative PCR to predict MRP1, MRP2, and MRP3 protein levels in patient samples. There were also strong correlations between the mRNA and protein levels of MRP3 and MRP1, which suggested that these genes might be expressed in a coordinate manner. MRP3, MRP1, and MRP2 protein levels were higher in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than in the SCLC cell lines and, in addition, MRP3 and MRP2 were detected almost exclusively in the NSCLC cell lines. Finally, we found that both MRP3 and MRP1, but not MRP2, protein levels correlated with decreased sensitivity of these lung cancer cell lines to doxorubicin, VCR, VP-16, and cis-diamminedicholoroplatinum(II). These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that both MRP3 and MRP1 are components of the multifactorial multidrug resistance phenotype of lung cancer and that MRP3 contributes to the intrinsic resistance of NSCLC cells.

Transport of the beta -O-glucuronide conjugate of the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) by the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1). Requirement for glutathione or a non-sulfur-containing analog.

Nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and its metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) play a crucial role in the induction of lung cancer, and NNAL-O-glucuronide formation and elimination are important steps in detoxification of these compounds. In the present study, we investigated the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein, MRP1 (ABCC1), as a candidate transporter responsible for NNAL-O-glucuronide export. MRP1 mediates the active transport of numerous GSH-, sulfate-, and glucuronide-conjugated organic anions and can transport certain xenobiotics by a mechanism that may involve co-transport with GSH. Using membrane vesicles prepared from transfected cells, we found that MRP1 transports [3H]NNAL-O-glucuronide but is dependent on the presence of GSH (Km 39 microm, Vmax 48 pmol x mg(-1) x min(-1)). We also found that the sulfur atom in GSH was dispensable because transport was supported by the GSH analog, gamma-glutamyl-alpha-aminobutyryl-glycine. Despite stimulation of NNAL-O-glucuronide transport by GSH, there was no detectable reciprocal stimulation of [3H]GSH transport. Moreover, whereas the MRP1 substrates leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and 17beta-estradiol 17beta-(d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG) inhibited GSH-dependent uptake of [3H]NNAL-O-glucuronide, only [3H]LTC4 transport was inhibited by NNAL-O-glucuronide (+GSH) and the kinetics of inhibition were complex. A mutant form of MRP1, which transports LTC4 but not E(2)17betaG, also did not transport NNAL-O-glucuronide suggesting a commonality in the binding elements for these two glucuronidated substrates, despite their lack of reciprocal transport inhibition. Finally, the related MRP2 transported NNAL-O-glucuronide with higher efficiency than MRP1 and unexpectedly, GSH inhibited rather than stimulated uptake. These studies provide further insight into the complex interactions of the MRP-related proteins with GSH and their conjugated organic anion substrates, and extend the range of xenotoxins transported by MRP1 and MRP2 to include metabolites of known carcinogens involved in the etiology of lung and other cancers.

Modulation of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) transport and atpase activities by interaction with dietary flavonoids.

The 190-kDa phosphoglycoprotein multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) (ABCC1) confers resistance to a broad spectrum of anticancer drugs and also actively transports certain xenobiotics with reduced glutathione (GSH) (cotransport) as well as conjugated organic anions such as leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)). In the present study, we have investigated a series of bioflavonoids for their ability to influence different aspects of MRP1 function. Most flavonoids inhibited MRP1-mediated LTC(4) transport in membrane vesicles and inhibition by several flavonoids was enhanced by GSH. Five of the flavonoids were competitive inhibitors of LTC(4) transport (K(i), 2.4-21 microM) in the following rank order of potency: kaempferol > apigenin (+ GSH) > quercetin > myricetin > naringenin (+ GSH). These flavonoids were less effective inhibitors of 17beta-estradiol 17beta-(D-glucuronide) transport. Moreover, their rank order of inhibitory potency for this substrate differed from that for LTC(4) transport inhibition but correlated with their relative lipophilicity. Several flavonoids, especially naringenin and apigenin, markedly stimulated GSH transport by MRP1, suggesting they may be cotransported with this tripeptide. Quercetin inhibited the ATPase activity of purified reconstituted MRP1 but stimulated vanadate-induced trapping of 8-azido-alpha-[(32)P]ADP by MRP1. In contrast, kaempferol and naringenin stimulated both MRP1 ATPase activity and trapping of ADP. In intact MRP1-overexpressing cells, quercetin reduced vincristine resistance from 8.9- to 2.2-fold, whereas kaempferol and naringenin had no effect. We conclude that dietary flavonoids may modulate the organic anion and GSH transport, ATPase, and/or drug resistance-conferring properties of MRP1. However, the activity profile of the flavonoids tested differed from one another, suggesting that at least some of these compounds may interact with different sites on the MRP1 molecule.

Identification of an amino acid residue in multidrug resistance protein 1 critical for conferring resistance to anthracyclines.

Murine multidrug resistance protein 1 (mrp1), unlike human MRP1, does not confer resistance to anthracyclines. Previously, we have shown that a human/murine hybrid protein containing amino acids 959-1187 of MRP1 can confer resistance to these drugs. We have now examined the functional characteristics of mutant proteins in which we have converted individual amino acids in the comparable region of mrp1 to those present at the respective locations in MRP1. These mutations had no effect on the drug resistance profile conferred by mrp1 with the exception of converting glutamine 1086 to glutamate, as it is in the corresponding position (1089) in MRP1. This mutation created a protein that conferred resistance to doxorubicin without affecting vincristine resistance, or the ability of mrp1 to transport leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) and 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG). Furthermore, mutation Q1086D conferred the same phenotype as mutation Q1086E while the mutation Q1086N did not detectably alter the drug resistance profile of mrp1, suggesting that an anionic side chain was required for anthracycline resistance. To confirm the importance of MRP1 E1089 for conferring resistance to anthracyclines, we mutated this residue to Gln, Asp, Ala, Leu, and Lys in the human protein. The mutation E1089D showed the same phenotype as MRP1, while the E1089Q substitution markedly decreased resistance to anthracyclines without affecting LTC(4) and E(2)17betaG transport. Conversion of Glu-1089 to Asn, Ala, or Leu had a similar effect on resistance to anthracyclines, while conversion to a positive amino acid, Lys, completely eliminated resistance to anthracyclines and vincristine without affecting transport of LTC(4), E(2)17betaG, and the GSH-dependent substrate, estrone-3-sulfate. These results demonstrate that an acidic amino acid residue at position 1089 in predicted TM14 of MRP1 is critical for the ability of the protein to confer drug resistance particularly to the anthracyclines, but is not essential for its ability to transport conjugated organic anions such as LTC(4) and E(2)17betaG.

Mutation of a single conserved tryptophan in multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) results in loss of drug resistance and selective loss of organic anion transport.

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily and is capable of conferring resistance to a broad range of chemotherapeutic agents and transporting structurally diverse conjugated organic anions. In this study, we found that substitution of a highly conserved tryptophan at position 1246 with cysteine (W1246C-MRP1) in the putative last transmembrane segment (TM17) of MRP1 eliminated 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) (E(2)17betaG) transport by membrane vesicles prepared from transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells while leaving the capacity for leukotriene C(4)- and verapamil-stimulated glutathione transport intact. In addition, in contrast to wild-type MRP1, leukotriene C(4) transport by the W1246C-MRP1 protein was no longer inhibitable by E(2)17betaG, indicating that the mutant protein had lost the ability to bind the glucuronide. A similar phenotype was observed when Trp(1246) was replaced with Ala, Phe, and Tyr. Confocal microscopy of cells expressing Trp(1246) mutant MRP1 molecules fused at the C terminus with green fluorescent protein showed that they were correctly routed to the plasma membrane. In addition to the loss of E(2)17betaG transport, HeLa cells stably transfected with W1246C-MRP1 cDNA were not resistant to the Vinca alkaloid vincristine and accumulated levels of [(3)H]vincristine comparable to those in vector control-transfected cells. Cells expressing W1246C-MRP1 were also not resistant to cationic anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin) or the electroneutral epipodophyllotoxin VP-16. In contrast, resistance to sodium arsenite was only partially diminished, and resistance to potassium antimony tartrate remained comparable to that of cells expressing wild-type MRP1. This suggests that the structural determinants required for transport of heavy metal oxyanions differ from those for chemotherapeutic agents. Our results provide the first example of a tryptophan residue being so critically important for substrate specificity in a eukaryotic ATP-binding cassette transporter.

The structure of the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1). crystallization and single-particle analysis.

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) polytopic membrane transporter of considerable clinical importance that confers multidrug resistance on tumor cells by reducing drug accumulation by active efflux. MRP1 is also an efficient transporter of conjugated organic anions. Like other ABC proteins, including the drug resistance conferring 170-kDa P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), the 190-kDa MRP1 has a core structure consisting of two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), each followed by a nucleotide binding domain (NBD). However, unlike P-glycoprotein and most other ABC superfamily members, MRP1 contains a third MSD with five predicted transmembrane segments with an extracytosolic NH(2) terminus. Moreover, the two nucleotide-binding domains of MRP1 are considerably more divergent than those of P-glycoprotein. In the present study, the first structural details of MRP1 purified from drug-resistant lung cancer cells have been obtained by electron microscopy of negatively stained single particles and two-dimensional crystals formed after reconstitution of purified protein with lipids. The crystals display p2 symmetry with a single dimer of MRP1 in the unit cell. The overall dimensions of the MRP1 monomer are approximately 80 x 100 A. The MRP1 monomer shows some pseudo-2-fold symmetry in projection, and in some orientations of the detergent-solubilized particles, displays a stain filled depression (putative pore) appearing toward the center of the molecule, presumably to enable transport of substrates. These data represent the first structural information of this transporter to approximately 22-A resolution and provide direct structural evidence for a dimeric association of the transporter in a reconstituted lipid bilayer.

Glutathione stimulates sulfated estrogen transport by multidrug resistance protein 1.

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that transports a range of hydrophobic xenobiotics, as well as relatively hydrophilic organic anion conjugates. The protein is present at high levels in testicular Leydig and Sertoli cells. Studies with knockout mice suggest that MRP1 may protect germ cells from exposure to some cytotoxic xenobiotics, but potential endobiotic substrates in this organ have not been identified. Previously, we have shown certain D-ring, but not A-ring, estrogen glucuronides can act as competitive inhibitors of MRP1 mediated transport, suggesting that they are potential substrates for the protein. In the case of 17 beta-estradiol-17 beta-d-glucuronide, this has been confirmed by direct transport studies. The Leydig cell is the major site of estrogen conjugation in the testis. However, the principal products of conjugation are A-ring estrogen sulfates, which are then effluxed from the cell by an unknown transporter. To determine whether MRP1/mrp1 could fulfill this function, we used membrane vesicles from MRP1-transfected HeLa cells to assess this possibility. We found that estradiol and estrone 3-sulfate alone were poor competitors of MRP1-mediated transport of the cysteinyl leukotriene, leukotriene C(4). However, in the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH), their inhibitory potency was markedly increased. Direct transport studies using [(3)H]estrone 3-sulfate confirmed that the conjugated estrogen could be efficiently transported (K(m) = 0.73 microm, V(max) = 440 pmol mg(-)1 protein min(-)1), but only in the presence of either GSH or the nonreducing alkyl derivative, S-methyl GSH. In contrast to previous studies using vincristine as a substrate, we detected no reciprocal increase in MRP1-mediated GSH transport. These results provide the first example of GSH-stimulated, MRP1-mediated transport of a potential endogenous substrate and expand the range of MRP1 substrates whose transport is stimulated by GSH to include certain hydrophilic conjugated endobiotics, in addition to previously identified hydrophobic xenobiotics.

DNA binding and transcription activation by chicken interferon regulatory factor-3 (chIRF-3).

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are a family of transcription factors involved in the cellular response to interferons and viral infection. Previously we isolated an IRF from a chicken embryonic liver cDNA library. Using a PCR-based binding site selection assay, we have characterised the binding specificity of chIRF-3. The optimal binding site (OBS) fits within the consensus interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) but the specificity of chIRF-3 binding allows less variation in nucleotides outside the core IRF-binding sequence. A comparison of IRF-1 and chIRF-3 binding to ISREs in electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that the binding specificity of chIRF-3 was clearly distinguishable from IRF-1. The selection assay also showed that chIRF-3 is capable of binding an inverted repeat of two half OBSs separated by 10-13 nt. ChIRF-3 appears to bind both the OBS and inverted repeat sites as a dimer with the protein-protein interaction requiring a domain between amino acids 117 and 311. In transfection experiments expression of chIRF-3 strongly activated a promoter containing the OBS. The activation domain was mapped to between amino acids 138 and 221 and a domain inhibitory to activation was also mapped to the C-terminal portion of chIRF-3.

Cloning and promoter analysis of the chicken interferon regulatory factor-3 gene.

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are a family of DNA-binding proteins involved in mediating the cellular response to interferons (IFNs) and viral infection. Although extensively studied in mammals, IRFs of other vertebrates have been less well characterized. Previously, we cloned chicken interferon regulatory factor-3 (chIRF-3) mRNA, which is rapidly and transiently induced by double-stranded (ds)RNA. The chIRF-3 mRNA encodes a protein distinct from any known mammalian IRF. Here, we show that chIRF-3 is activated additively by type I and type II IFNs. To delineate the sequence elements required to regulate chIRF-3 expression, we cloned chlRF-3 and 0.48 kb of 5' flanking sequence. Computer analysis of the proximal promoter revealed three putative binding sites for nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, two overlapping interferon-stimulated response elements (ISREs), and an interferon gamma activating sequence (GAS). The presence of both GAS and ISRE consensus sequences in the chIRF-3 promoter is unique among IRF family members. Both type I and II IFNs, as well as dsRNA and IRF-1, trans-activate the promoter in short-term transfection experiments. Mutational analysis of the promoter demonstrated that the putative NF-kappaB binding sites are needed for stimulation by dsRNA but not by either type I or type II IFN and that both the overlapping ISREs and GAS are required for full induction by type I or type II IFN.

Structure-activity studies of verapamil analogs that modulate transport of leukotriene C(4) and reduced glutathione by multidrug resistance protein MRP1.

The 190-kDa multidrug resistance protein MRP1 is an ATP-binding cassette protein that confers resistance to multiple antineoplastic agents and actively transports conjugated organic anions. We have previously shown that MRP1-mediated GSH transport is stimulated by verapamil but transport of verapamil in the presence or absence of GSH is not observed. We have now examined 20 sulfur-containing verapamil analogs for their ability to inhibit MRP1-mediated leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) transport and stimulate GSH uptake into inside-out membrane vesicles. All of the derivatives were poor inhibitors of LTC(4) uptake. However, the inhibitory potency of the more lipophilic dithiane compounds could be enhanced by coincubation with GSH whereas this was not the case for the more hydrophilic dithiane tetraoxides. The dithiane derivatives stimulated GSH transport whereas, with one exception, the dithiane tetraoxides did not. One pair of dithiane stereoisomers differed significantly in their ability to stimulate GSH transport although their ability to inhibit LTC(4) uptake in the presence of GSH was comparable. Our findings indicate that the GSH transport activity of MRP1 can be dissociated from its conjugated organic anion transport activity.

Functional reconstitution of substrate transport by purified multidrug resistance protein MRP1 (ABCC1) in phospholipid vesicles.

The 190-kDa multidrug resistance protein MRP1 (ABCC1) is a polytopic transmembrane protein belonging to the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily. In addition to conferring resistance to various antineoplastic agents, MRP1 is a transporter of conjugated organic anions, including the cysteinyl leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)). We previously characterized the ATPase activity of reconstituted immunoaffinity-purified native MRP1 and showed it could be stimulated by its organic anion substrates (Mao, Q., Leslie, E. M., Deeley, R. G., and Cole, S. P. C. (1999) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1461, 69-82). Here we show that purified reconstituted MRP1 is also capable of active transport of its substrates. Thus LTC(4) uptake by MRP1 proteoliposomes was osmotically sensitive and could be inhibited by two MRP1-specific monoclonal antibodies. LTC(4) uptake was also markedly reduced by the competitive inhibitor, S-decyl-glutathione, as well as by the MRP1 substrates 17 beta-estradiol 17-beta-(d-glucuronide), oxidized glutathione, and vincristine in the presence of reduced glutathione. The K(m) for ATP and LTC(4) were 357 +/- 184 microm and 366 +/- 38 nm, respectively, and 2.14 +/- 0.75 microm for 17 beta-estradiol 17-beta-(d-glucuronide). Transport of vincristine required the presence of both ATP and GSH. Conversely, GSH transport was stimulated by vincristine and verapamil. Our data represent the first reconstitution of transport competent purified native MRP1 and confirm that MRP1 is an efflux pump, which can transport conjugated organic anions and co-transport vincristine together with GSH.

Simultaneous quantitation of topoisomerase II alpha and beta isoform mRNAs in lung tumor cells and normal and malignant lung tissue.

Certain drugs used in the treatment of lung cancer and other human malignancies are cytotoxic because of their ability to interact with the two isoforms of topoisomerase II (topo II), topo IIalpha and topo IIbeta. As part of an effort to evaluate the contribution of topo II alterations to drug sensitivity and resistance in lung cancer, we have developed a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to measure levels of topo II alpha and beta mRNAs simultaneously using a single pair of primers with sequences common to both isoforms. The PCR products derived from the topo II alpha and beta mRNAs are both 446 bp but have different electrophoretic mobilities in a nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel, allowing sensitive, rapid quantitation when the products are radiolabeled with [35S]-dATP. Using this RT-PCR method, poly(A+) RNA from 13 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines was analyzed. The results obtained indicated that the cell lines express a wide range of topo II alpha mRNA levels (12-fold) and topo IIbeta mRNA levels (5.5-fold). Tumor and normal lung tissues from 25 patients with NSCLC were also examined. In the tumor samples, the levels of the topo II alpha and beta mRNAs were similar. However, mean topo IIalpha mRNA levels in the tumors were approximately 7-fold higher than those of the paired normal lung tissues. In contrast, topo IIbeta mRNA levels were similar in both tumor and normal lung. Topo II alpha and beta mRNA levels were both significantly lower in the squamous cell tumors than in the adenocarcinoma samples. Topo IIbeta mRNA levels in the squamous cell tumors were also significantly lower than those in paired normal lung tissue. The RT-PCR method described is reliable and convenient, and for the first time, makes the rapid simultaneous direct comparison of topo IIalpha and topo IIbeta mRNA levels feasible in large numbers of clinical samples.

Comparison of the functional characteristics of the nucleotide binding domains of multidrug resistance protein 1.

Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MRP1) transports diverse organic anionic conjugates and confers resistance to cytotoxic xenobiotics. The protein contains two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) with features characteristic of members of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily and exhibits basal ATPase activity that can be stimulated by certain substrates. It is not known whether the two NBDs of MRP1 are functionally equivalent. To investigate this question, we have used a baculovirus dual expression vector encoding both halves of MRP1 to reconstitute an active transporter and have compared the ability of each NBD to be photoaffinity-labeled with 8-azido-[(32)P]ATP and to trap 8-azido-[(32)P]ADP in the presence of orthovanadate. We found that NBD1 was preferentially labeled with 8-azido-[(32)P]ATP, while trapping of 8-azido-[(32)P]ADP occurred predominantly at NBD2. Although trapping at NBD2 was dependent on co-expression of both halves of MRP1, binding of 8-azido-ATP by NBD1 remained detectable when the NH(2)-proximal half of MRP1 was expressed alone and when NBD1 was expressed as a soluble polypeptide. Mutation of the conserved Walker A lysine 684 or creation of an insertion mutation between Walker A and B motifs eliminated binding by NBD1 and all detectable trapping of 8-azido-ADP at NBD2. Both mutations decreased leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) transport by approximately 70%. Mutation of the NBD2 Walker A lysine 1333 eliminated trapping of 8-azido-ADP by NBD2 but, in contrast to the mutations in NBD1, essentially eliminated LTC(4) transport activity without affecting labeling of NBD1 with 8-azido-[(32)P]ATP.