A novel ATP-binding cassette transporter from Leishmania is involved in transport of phosphatidylcholine analogues and resistance to alkyl-phospholipids

Mol Microbiol. 2007 Jun;64(5):1141-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05653.x.

Abstract

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent an important family of membrane proteins involved in drug resistance and other biological activities. The present work reports the characterization of the first ABC subfamily G (ABCG)-like transporter, LiABCG4, in the protozoan parasite Leishmania. LiABCG4 localized mainly to the parasite plasma membrane. Overexpression of this half-transporter reduced the accumulation of phosphatidylcholine analogues and conferred resistance to alkyl-phospholipids. Likewise, when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the protein localized to the yeast plasma membrane and conferred resistance to alkyl-phospholipids. Post-Golgi secretory vesicles isolated from a LiABCG4-overexpressing yeast mutant contained the leishmanial ABC transporter and exhibited ATP-dependent, vanadate-sensitive transport of phosphatidylcholine analogues from the cytosolic to the lumenal leaflet of the vesicle membrane. Cross-linking showed dimerization of LiABCG4. These results suggest that LiABCG4 is involved in the active transport of phosphatidylcholine and resistance to alkyl-phospholipids in Leishmania.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / chemistry
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Dimerization
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Leishmania infantum / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylcholines / metabolism*
  • Phospholipid Ethers / metabolism*
  • Phospholipid Ethers / pharmacology
  • Phosphorylcholine / analogs & derivatives
  • Phosphorylcholine / pharmacology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Transformation, Genetic

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Phospholipid Ethers
  • Phosphorylcholine
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • edelfosine
  • perifosine
  • miltefosine