ABCG2 (BCRP): a cytoprotectant in normal and malignant stem cells.
ABCG2 is a member of the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) family of cell surface transport proteins. ABCG2 is expressed in many types of primitive repopulating cells, and may be a marker of tumor stem cells. The physiologic role of ABCG2 seems to be excretion of genotoxic substances from the body and from primitive repopulating cell populations. A unifying hypothesis is presented, linking the expression of ABCG2 in normal and malignant stem cells with a physiologic role for protection of stem cells. Future studies will explore the possible role of ABCG2 in tumor stem cells and how this may influence the selection of new cancer therapeutic strategies.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Program, University of Colorado Health Science Center, 1665 North Ursula Street, Room 2254, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Brian.Abbott@uchsc.com
Brian L
BL
Abbott
D000070997:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
C116614:ABCG2 protein, human; D000070997:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins