REVIEW: Transport Proteins of the ABC Family and Multidrug Resistance of Tumor Cells

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A. A. Stavrovskaya^* and T. P. Stromskaya

Institute of Carcinogenesis, Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kashirskoe Shosse 24, 115478 Moscow, Russia; E-mail: astavrovskaya@yahoo.com; stromsktat@mail.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received November 24, 2007; Revision received February 1, 2008

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Some new data concerning the role of transport proteins of the ABC family in multidrug resistance (MDR) of human tumor cells, and problems connected with regulation of these proteins are considered. MDR is a complex phenomenon that may be caused simultaneously by several mechanisms functioning in one and the same cell. Among them there may be the alterations of activity of several transport proteins. Activation of these proteins may be associated with alterations of activities of different cell protective systems and of the signal transduction pathways involved in regulation of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Clinical significance of multifactor MDR is discussed.

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KEY WORDS: ABC family proteins, P-glycoprotein, multidrug resistance of tumors

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297908050118

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