Open AccessThe multidrug resistance (mdr1) gene product functions as an ATP channel.
Author(s) -
Edward Abraham,
Adriana G. Prat,
Leo E. Gerweck,
Tara Seneveratne,
Robert J. Arceci,
Robert A. Kramer,
Guido Guidotti,
Horacio F. Cantiello
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.90.1.312
Subject(s) - p glycoprotein , gene product , multiple drug resistance , membrane , glycoprotein , gene , biology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , gene expression , antibiotics
The multidrug resistance (mdr1) gene product, P-glycoprotein, is responsible for the ATP-dependent extrusion of a variety of compounds, including chemotherapeutic drugs, from cells. The data presented here show that cells with increased levels of the P-glycoprotein release ATP to the medium in proportion to the concentration of the protein in their plasma membrane. Furthermore, measurements of whole-cell and single-channel currents with patch-clamp electrodes indicate that the P-glycoprotein serves as an ATP-conducting channel in the plasma membrane. These findings suggest an unusual role for the P-glycoprotein.