Pharmacogenetics of membrane transporters: an update on current approaches

Mol Biotechnol. 2010 Feb;44(2):152-67. doi: 10.1007/s12033-009-9220-6.

Abstract

This review provides an overview of the pharmacogenetics of membrane transporters including selected ABC transporters (ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2) and OATPs (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3). Membrane transporters are heavily involved in drug clearance and alters drug disposition by actively transporting substrate drugs between organs and tissues. As such, polymorphisms in the genes encoding these proteins may have significant effects on the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of compounds, and may alter pharmacodynamics of many agents. This review discusses the techniques used to identify substrates and inhibitors of these proteins and subsequently to assess the effect of genetic mutation on transport, both in vitro and in vivo. A comprehensive list of substrates for the major drug transporters is included. Finally, studies linking transporter genotype with clinical outcomes are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / physiology
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / physiology*
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2
  • Organic Anion Transporters / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Organic Anion Transporters / genetics
  • Organic Anion Transporters / metabolism
  • Organic Anion Transporters / physiology
  • Pharmacogenetics / methods*

Substances

  • ABCC2 protein, human
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2
  • Organic Anion Transporters