A role for P-glycoprotein in regulating cell death

Leuk Lymphoma. 2000 Jun;38(1-2):1-11. doi: 10.3109/10428190009060314.

Abstract

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an energy dependent drug pump responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR) in human cancers. While it is irrefutable that P-gp can efflux xenobiotics out of cells, the biological function of P-gp in multicellular organisms has yet to be firmly established. The question of what, if anything, P-gp does when not effluxing drugs has been raised by recent reports indicating that P-gp may regulate apoptosis, chloride channel activity, cholesterol metabolism and immune cell function. There is now a lively debate regarding the possible role of P-gp in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1*
  • Apoptosis*
  • Cell Death
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1