title: Localization of breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) in endocrine organs and inhibition of its transport activity by steroid hormones.
abstract: Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is known for its protective function against the toxic effects of exogenous compounds. In addition to this, a role in the transport of endogenous compounds has been described. Since BCRP in the plasma membrane was shown to be regulated by sex steroids, we investigated the presence and possible role of BCRP in steroid hormone-producing organs. Therefore, the presence and localization of Bcrp was investigated in endocrine organs of wild-type mice. Furthermore, the interaction of various steroid hormones with human BCRP activity was studied. Quantitative PCR revealed Bcrp mRNA in the pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreas, ovary, testis and adipose tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of Bcrp in the cortex of the adrenal gland and in plasma membranes of adipocytes. In the pituitary gland, pancreas, ovary and testis, Bcrp was mainly located in the capillaries. The interaction between BCRP and 12 steroid hormones was studied using membrane vesicles of HEK293-BCRP cells. Estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and androstenedione inhibited BCRP-mediated uptake of (3)H-estrone sulphate (E(1)S) most potently, with calculated inhibitory constant (Ki) values of 5.0 ± 0.2, 36 ± 14, 14.7 ± 1.3 and 217 ± 13 μM, respectively. BCRP function was attenuated non-competitively, which implies an allosteric inhibition of BCRP-mediated E(1)S transport by these steroids. In conclusion, localization of Bcrp in endocrine organs together with the efficient allosteric inhibition of the efflux pump by steroid hormones are suggestive for a role for BCRP in steroid hormone regulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (149), Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences / Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P. O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anita C A
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dankers
authors.forename: Fred C G J
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Sweep
authors.forename: Jeanne C L M
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pertijs
authors.forename: Vivienne
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Verweij
authors.forename: Jeroen J M W
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: van den Heuvel
authors.forename: Jan B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Koenderink
authors.forename: Frans G M
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Russel
authors.forename: Rosalinde
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Masereeuw
mesh_terms: D000070997:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism*; D014161:Transduction, Genetic
chemical_list: C116614:ABCG2 protein, human; D000070997:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; C501412:Abcg2 protein, mouse; D006728:Hormones; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013256:Steroids