Expression levels of the ABCG2 multidrug transporter in human erythrocytes correspond to pharmacologically relevant genetic variations.

ABSTRACT: We have developed a rapid, simple and reliable, antibody-based flow cytometry assay for the quantitative determination of membrane proteins in human erythrocytes. Our method reveals significant differences between the expression levels of the wild-type ABCG2 protein and the heterozygous Q141K polymorphic variant. Moreover, we find that nonsense mutations on one allele result in a 50% reduction in the erythrocyte expression of this protein. Since ABCG2 polymorphisms are known to modify essential pharmacokinetic parameters, uric acid metabolism and cancer drug resistance, a direct determination of the erythrocyte membrane ABCG2 protein expression may provide valuable information for assessing these conditions or for devising drug treatments. Our findings suggest that erythrocyte membrane pro

SUBMITTER: Kasza I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3499528 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature