title: ABC proteins: key molecules for lipid homeostasis.
abstract: Forty-nine ABC protein genes exist on human chromosomes. Eukaryotic ABC proteins were originally recognized as drug efflux pumps involved in the multidrug resistance of cancer cells. However, it is now realized that one of their major physiological roles is cellular lipid transport and homeostasis, and their dysfunction is often associated with human diseases. ABCA1 and ABCA7 mediate the apolipoprotein-dependent formation of a high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol complex. ABCA3 is indispensable for pulmonary surfactant secretion. ABCG5 and ABCG8 are involved in the secretion of plant sterols and cholesterol into bile. However, the primary substrates and mechanism of action of these ABC proteins have not been precisely defined. In this review article, we first describe the general structure and functions of eukaryotic ABC proteins. The current model of ABCA1 functionality is then explained based on studies on a topological model, subcellular localization, apoA-I dependence of HDL formation, functional defects of Tangier disease mutants, and ATP hydrolysis of purified ABCA1. ABCA1 is supposed to function as a transporter of lipids as well as a receptor for apoA-I. ABCA3 is likely involved in accumulating phospholipids and cholesterol in lamellar bodies and in generating multivesicular structures.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Division of Applied Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Japan.
authors.forename: Kei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Yasuhisa
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: Koh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagata
authors.forename: Akitsugu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Michinori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: Kazumitsu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ueda
mesh_terms: D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C441524:ABCA3 protein, human; C411895:ABCA7 protein, human; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants