Multidrug Resistance Associated Protein (MRP) refers to a group of membrane transport proteins that play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanism against potentially harmful substances, particularly certain drugs. These proteins are encoded by the ABCC gene family, which consists of 13 members (MRP1 to MRP13) in humans.
MRPs are primarily located in the cell membrane, particularly in tissues involved in drug elimination such as the liver, kidney, and intestines. They work by actively transporting various compounds out of cells, including drugs, toxins, and metabolites. This efflux pump mechanism reduces the intracellular concentration of these substances, thereby decreasing their effectiveness. Consequently, MRP overexpression has been associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) in several diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and viral infections.
The substrates of MRPs range from chemotherapeutic agents to heavy metals, organic anions, and conjugated compounds. By pumping these substances out of cells, MRPs contribute to the elimination of drugs and toxins from the body, playing a crucial role in pharmacokinetics and detoxification processes. However, the overexpression of these transporters in certain diseases can result in reduced drug effectiveness, limiting therapeutic outcomes.
Understanding the function and regulation of MRPs is essential for developing strategies to overcome multidrug resistance in clinical settings. Research in this field focuses on modulating MRP activity and expression, as well as identifying novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse their-mediated resistance, ultimately improving patient outcomes in various treatment scenarios.
