Characterization of MOAT-C and MOAT-D, new members of the MRP/cMOAT subfamily of transporter proteins.
BACKGROUND
Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT) are transporter proteins that pump organic anions across cellular membranes and have been linked to resistance to cytotoxic drugs. We previously identified MOAT-B, an MRP/cMOAT-related transporter, by use of a polymerase chain reaction approach. However, analysis of expressed sequence tag (EST) databases indicated that there might be additional MRP/cMOAT-related transporters. To further define the MRP/cMOAT subfamily of transporters, we used EST probes to isolate complementary DNAs for two related transporter proteins, MOAT-C and MOAT-D.


METHODS
MOAT-C and MOAT-D expression patterns in human tissues were determined by RNA blot analysis, and chromosomal localization of the genes was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
MOAT-C is predicted to encode a 1437-amino-acid protein that, among eukaryotic transporters, is most closely related to MRP, cMOAT, and MOAT-B (about 36% identity). However, MOAT-C is less related to MRP and cMOAT than MRP and cMOAT are to each other (about 48% identity). Like MOAT-B, MOAT-C lacks an N-terminal membrane-spanning domain, indicating that the topology of this protein is similarly distinct from that of MRP and cMOAT. MOAT-D is predicted to encode a 1527-amino-acid protein that is the closest known relative of MRP (about 58% identity). MOAT-D is also highly related to cMOAT (about 47% identity). The presence of an N-terminal membrane-spanning domain indicates that the topology of MOAT-D is quite similar to that of MRP and cMOAT. MOAT-C transcripts are widely expressed in human tissues; however, MOAT-D transcript expression is more restricted. The MOAT-C and MOAT-D genes are located at chromosomes 3q27 and 17q21.3, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of amino acid identity and protein topology, the MRP/cMOAT transporter subfamily falls into two groups; the first group consists of MRP, cMOAT, and MOAT-D, and the second group consists of MOAT-B and MOAT-C.
Belinsky
M G
MG
Division of Medical Sciences, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
Bain
L J
LJ
Balsara
B B
BB
Testa
J R
JR
Kruh
G D
GD
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D027321:Anion Transport Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D002886:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 / Q000235:genetics; D002893:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 / Q000235:genetics; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D027425:ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family C Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D027321:Anion Transport Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D027425:ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family C Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins