Resveratrol-mediated reversal of doxorubicin resistance in acute myeloid leukemia cells via downregulation of MRP1 expression

Chemo-resistance to anti-cancer drugs is a major obstacle in efforts to develop a successful treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we investigate whether resveratrol, a common ingredient in a broad variety of fruits and vegetables, can reverse drug resistance in AML cells. Three doxorubicin-resistant AML cell lines (AML-2/DX30, AML-2/DX100, AML-2/DX300) were prepared via long-term exposure to doxorubicin for more than 3 months. DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that many genes were differentially expressed in the resistant cells, as compared with the wild type AML-2/WT cells. In particular, the expression level of the MRP1 gene was significantly increased in the AML-2/DX300 cells, as compared to that detected in AML-2 cells. Importantly, the resveratrol was shown not only to induce cell growth arrest and apoptotic death in doxorubicin-resistant AML cells, but was also shown to downregulate the expression of an MRP1 gene. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment induced a significant increase in the uptake of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate, a MRP1 substrate, into the doxorubicin-resistant AML-2/DX300 cells. The results of this study show that resveratrol may facilitate the cellular uptake of doxorubicin via an induced downregulation of MRP1 expression, and also suggest that it may prove useful in overcoming doxorubicin resistance, or in sensitizing doxorubicin-resistant AML cells to anti-leukemic agents.     

Estrogen receptor alpha augments changes in hemostatic gene expression in HepG2 cells treated with estradiol and phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are popular alternatives to estrogen therapy however their effects on hemostasis in post-menopausal women are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the phytoestrogens, genistein, daidzein and equol on the expression of key genes from the hemostatic system in human hepatocyte cell models and to determine the role of estrogen receptors in mediating any response seen. HepG2 cells and Hep89 cells (expressing estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)) were incubated for 24 h with 50 nM 17β-estradiol, genistein, daidzein or equol. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), Factor VII, fibrinogen γ, protein C and protein S mRNA expression were determined using TaqMan PCR. Genistein and equol increased tPA and PAI-1 expression in Hep89 cells with fold changes greater than those observed for estradiol. In HepG2 cells (which do not express ERα), PAI-1 and tPA expression were unchanged. Increased expression of Factor VII was observed in phytoestrogen treated Hep89 cells but not in similarly treated HepG2s. Prothrombin gene expression was increased in equol and daidzein treated HepG2 cells in the absence of the classical estrogen receptors. These data suggest that phytoestrogens can regulate the expression of coagulation and fibrinolytic genes in a human hepatocyte cell line; an effect which is augmented by ERα.     

Resveratrol inhibits plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase inducing an increase in cytoplasmic calcium

Plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (PMCA) plays a vital role in maintaining cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). Given that many diseases have modified PMCA expression and activity, PMCA is an important potential target for therapeutic treatment. This study demonstrates that the non-toxic, naturally-occurring polyphenol resveratrol (RES) induces increases in [Ca²⁺]_i via PMCA inhibition in primary dermal fibroblasts and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our results also illustrate that RES and the fluorescent intracellular calcium indicator Fura-2, are compatible for simultaneous use, in contrast to previous studies, which indicated that RES modulates the Fura-2 fluorescence independent of calcium concentration. Because RES has been identified as a PMCA inhibitor, further studies may be conducted to develop more specific PMCA inhibitors from RES derivatives for potential therapeutic use.     

Absolute quantification of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2) using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2) plays an important role in hepatobiliary efflux of many drugs and drug metabolites and has been reported to account for dramatic interspecies differences in the aspects of pharmacokinetics. In the present study, an absolute quantification method was developed to quantitatively measure MRP2/ABCC2 using LC-MS/MS for detection of a selective tryptic peptide. A unique 16-mer tryptic peptide was identified by conducting capillary LC nanospray ESI-Q-TOF analysis of the immunoprecipitation-enriched samples of MRP2/ABCC2 following proteolysis with trypsin. The lower limit of quantification was established to be 31.25 pM with the linearity of the standard curve spanned to 2500 pM. Both the accuracy (relative error) and the precision (coefficient of variation) of the method were below 15%. Using this method, we successfully determined the absolute amount of MRP2/ABCC2 protein in MRP2/ABCC2 gene-transfected MDCK cells as well as the basal levels of canine Mrp2/Abcc2 protein in MDCK cells. Our findings also demonstrate that the sensitivity of this method exceeds the sensitivity of immunoblotting assay which was not able to detect the basal levels of canine Mrp2/Abcc2 in MDCK cells. The method could be directly applicable to many current research needs related to MRP2/ABCC2 protein.     

Cyclohexyl-linked tricyclic isoxazoles are potent and selective modulators of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP1)

Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies on the tricyclic isoxazole series of MRP1 modulators have resulted in the identification of potent and selective inhibitors containing cyclohexyl-based linkers. These studies ultimately identified compound 21b, which reverses drug resistance to MRP1 substrates, such as doxorubicin, in HeLa-T5 cells (EC₅₀ = 0.093 μM), while showing no inherent cytotoxicity. Additionally, 21b inhibits ATP-dependent, MRP1-mediated LTC₄ uptake into membrane vesicles prepared from the MRP1-overexpressing HeLa-T5 cells (EC₅₀ = 0.064 μM) and shows selectivity (1115-fold) against the related transporter, P-glycoprotein, in HL60/Adr and HL60/Vinc cells. Finally, when dosed in combination with the oncolytic MRP1 substrate vincristine, 21b showed tumor regression and growth delay in MRP1-overexpressing tumors in vivo.     

Resveratrol inhibits collagen-induced platelet stimulation through suppressing NADPH oxidase and oxidative inactivation of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced upon collagen stimulation are implicated in propagating various platelet-activating pathways. Among ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidase (NOX) is largely responsible for collagen receptor-dependent ROS production. Therefore, NOX has been proposed as a novel target for the development of antiplatelet agent. We here investigate whether resveratrol inhibits collagen-induced NOX activation and further examine the effects of resveratrol on ROS-dependent signaling pathways in collagen-stimulated platelets. Collagen-induced superoxide anion production in platelets was inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol suppressed collagen-induced phosphorylation of p47^phox, a major regulatory subunit of NOX. Correlated with the inhibitory effects on NOX, resveratrol protected SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) from ROS-mediated inactivation and subsequently attenuated the specific tyrosine phosphorylation of key components (spleen tyrosine kinase, Vav1, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, and phospholipase Cγ2) for collagen receptor signaling cascades. Resveratrol also inhibited downstream responses such as cytosolic calcium elevation, P-selectin surface exposure, and integrin-αIIbβ3 activation. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited platelet aggregation and adhesion in response to collagen. The antiplatelet effects of resveratrol through the inhibition of NOX-derived ROS production and subsequent oxidative inactivation of SHP-2 suggest that resveratrol is a potential compound for prevention and treatment of thrombovascular diseases.     

Resveratrol inhibits heregulin-beta1-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and cell invasion in human breast cancer cells

The growth factor heregulin-β1 (HRG-β1), which is expressed in breast cancer, activates the HER-2 signaling pathway through induction of heterodimeric complexes of HER-2 with HER-3 or HER-4. It has been shown in many studies that HRG-β1 induces the tumorigenicity and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 is a key enzyme in the degradation of extracellular matrices, and its expression may be dysregulated in breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Resveratrol, a major component in grape, exhibited potential anticarcinogenic activities in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on HER-2-mediated expression of MMP-9 has not been demonstrated yet.

In the present study, we investigated the anti-invasive mechanism of resveratrol in human breast cancer cells. Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were exposed to resveratrol (2, 5 and 10 μM). The expression activity of MMP-9 was measured by zymogram analysis. Phosphorylated levels of HER-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK were measured by Western blot analysis. Total actin was used as internal control for protein expression. HRG-β1 induced the phosphorylation of HER-2/neu receptor and MMP-9 expression in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Resveratrol significantly inhibited HRG-β1-mediated MMP-9 expression in human breast cancer cells. MEK inhibitor induced a marked reduction in MMP-9 expression, and it suggested that ERK1/2 cascade could play an important role in HRG-β1-mediated MMP-9 expression. Furthermore, resveratrol significantly suppressed HRG-β1-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and invasion of breast cancer cells. However, resveratrol had negligible effects on either HRG-β1-mediated phosphorylation of HER-2 receptor or expression of the tissue inhibitor of MMP, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase protein 1.

Taken together, our results suggest that resveratrol inhibited MMP-9 expression in human breast cancer cells. The inhibitory effects of resveratrol on MMP-9 expression and invasion of breast cancer cells are, in part, associated with the down-regulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.     

Resveratrol inhibits EMMPRIN expression via P38 and ERK1/2 pathways in PMA-induced THP-1 cells

The extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is significant in the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) synthesis in atherosclerosis-related cells, and is possibly involved in the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. EMMPRIN expression is also up-regulated in PMA-induced THP-1 cells and is inhibited by resveratrol. However, it remains unclear how resveratrol inhibits EMMPRIN expression. We thus investigated the role of the MAPK signaling pathway in resveratrol inhibiting the up-regulation of EMMPRIN in PMA-induced THP-1 cells. We found that the ERK1/2 and p38 pathways, but not the JNK, are activated during the up-regulation of EMMPRIN expression. We also observed that while resveratrol suppresses the up-regulation of EMMPRIN, it also suppresses both the ERK1/2 and p38 pathways in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, we established that it is through both the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways that resveratrol inhibits the expression of EMMPRIN in PMA-induced THP-1 cells.     

The role of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) in transport of fluorescent anions across the human erythrocyte membrane

We employed human red blood cells as a model system to check the affinity of MRP1 (Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein 1) towards fluorescein and a set of its carboxyl derivatives: 5/6-carboxyfluorescein (CF), 2,7-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5/6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and calcein (CAL). We found significant differences in the characteristics of transport of the dyes tested across the erythrocyte membrane. Fluorescein is transported mainly in a passive way, while active efflux systems at least partially contribute to the transport of the other compounds. Inside-out vesicle studies revealed that active transport of calcein is masked by another, ATP-independent, transport activity. Inhibitor profiles of CF and BCECF transport are typical for substrates of organic anion transporters. BCECF is transported mainly via MRP1, as proven by the use of QCRL3, a monoclonal antibody known to specifically inhibit MRP1-mediated transport. Lack of effect of QCRL3 on CF uptake excludes the possibility of MRP1 being a transporter of this dye. No inhibition of CF accumulation by cGMP, thioguanine and 6-mercaptopurine suggests also that this fluorescent marker is not a substrate for MRP5, another ABC transporter identified in the human erythrocyte membrane.     

Molecular modeling of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1)

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is a 190 kDa member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transmembrane transporters that is clinically relevant for its ability to confer multidrug resistance by actively effluxing anticancer drugs. Knowledge of the atomic structure of MRP1 is needed to elucidate its transport mechanism, but only low resolution structural data are currently available. Consequently, comparative modeling has been used to generate models of human MRP1 based on the crystal structure of the ABC transporter Sav1866 from Staphylococcus aureus. In these Sav1866-based models, the arrangement of transmembrane helices differs strikingly from earlier models of MRP1 based on the structure of the bacterial lipid transporter MsbA, both with respect to packing of the twelve helices and their interactions with the nucleotide binding domains. The functional importance of Tyr³²⁴ in transmembrane helix 6 predicted to project into the substrate translocation pathway was investigated.     

Structural characterization of the L0 cytoplasmic loop of human multidrug resistance protein 6 (MRP6)

ABCC6 is a member of the C subfamily of ATP-binding cassette transporters whose mutations are correlated to Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, an autosomal recessive, progressive disorder characterized by ectopic mineralization and fragmentation of elastic fibers. Structural studies of the entire protein have been hindered by its large size, membrane association, and domain complexity. Studies previously performed have contributed to shed light on the structure and function of the nucleotide binding domains and of the N-terminal region. Here we report the expression in E. coli of the polypeptide E₂₀₅-G₂₇₉ contained in the cytoplasmic L0 loop. For the first time structural studies in solution were performed. Far-UV CD spectra showed that L0 is structured, assuming predominantly α-helix in TFE solution and turns in phosphate buffer. Fluorescence spectra indicated some flexibility of the regions containing aromatic residues. ¹H NMR spectroscopy identified three helical regions separated by more flexible regions.     

Reversal of resistance in multidrug resistance protein (MRP1)-overexpressing cells by LY329146

The benzothiophene LY329146 reverses the drug resistance phenotype in multidrug resistance protein (MRP1)-overexpressing cells when dosed in combination with MRP1-associated oncolytics doxorubicin and vincristine. Additionally, LY329146 inhibited MRP1-mediated uptake of the MRP1 substrate LTC4 into membrane vesicles prepared from MRP1-overexpressing cells.     

Cholestin inhibits cholesterol synthesis and secretion in hepatic cells (HepG2)

Hyperlipidemia is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis and statins are widely used to treat patients with elevated levels of lipids in their plasma. Notwithstanding the proven benefits of statin drugs on both primary and secondary prevention of heart disease, the high cost of statin treatment, in addition to possible side effects such as liver function abnormalities, may limit their widespread use. We conducted a study on a natural product as an alternative to statin treatment. Cholestin, a dietary supplement, is prepared from rice fermented with red yeast (Monascus purpureus), which has been shown to significantly decrease total cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. Our objective was to determine the cellular effect of Cholestin on cholesterol synthesis in human hepatic cells (HepG2) and the mechanism by which it caused a change in lipid metabolism. Cholestin had a direct inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase activity (78–69% of control). Cholesterol levels in HepG2 cells treated with Cholestin (25–100 g/mL) were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (81–45% of control, respectively). This reduction was associated with decreased synthesis and secretion of both unesterified cholesterol (54–31 and 33–14% of control, respectively) and cholesteryl ester (18–6 and 37–19% of control, respectively). These results indicate that one of the anti-hyperlipidemic actions of Cholestin is a consequence of an inhibitory effect on cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatic cells and provide the first documentation of a biomolecular action of red yeast rice.     

Interaction of ivermectin with multidrug resistance proteins (MRP1, 2 and 3)

Ivermectin is a potent antiparasitic drug from macrocyclic lactone (ML) family, which interacts with the ABC multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp). We studied the interactions of ivermectin with the multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) by combining cellular and subcellular approaches. The inhibition by ivermectin of substrate transport was measured in A549 cells (calcein or 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, BCECF) and in HL60-MRP1 (calcein). Ivermectin induced calcein and BCECF retention in A549 cells (IC(50) at 1 and 2.5microM, respectively) and inhibited calcein efflux in HL60-MRP1 (IC(50)=3.8microM). The action of ivermectin on the transporters ATPase activity was followed on membranes from Sf9 cells overexpressing human Pgp, MRP1, 2 or 3. Ivermectin inhibited the Pgp, MRP1, 2 and 3 ATPase activities after stimulation by their respective activators. Ivermectin showed a rather good affinity for MRPs, mainly MRP1, in the micromolar range, although it was lower than that for Pgp. The transport of BODIPY-ivermectin was followed in cells overexpressing selectively Pgp or MRP1. In both cell lines, inhibition of the transporter activity induced intracellular retention of BODIPY-ivermectin. Our data revealed the specific interaction of ivermectin with MRP proteins, and its transport by MRP1. Although Pgp has been considered until now as the sole active transporter for this drug, the MRPs should be taken into account for the transport of ivermectin across cell membrane, modulating its disposition in addition to Pgp. This could be of importance for optimizing clinical efficacy of ML-based antiparasitic treatments. This offers fair perspectives for the use of ivermectin or non-toxic derivatives as multidrug resistance-reversing agents.     

Reconstitution of transport-active multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2; ABCC2) in proteoliposomes

The apical multidrug resistance protein MRP2 (symbol ABCC2) is an ATP-dependent export pump for anionic conjugates in polarized cells. MRP2 has only 48% amino acid identity with the paralog MRP1 (ABCC1). In this study we show that purified recombinant MRP2 reconstituted in proteoliposomes is functionally active in substrate transport. The Km values for ATP and LTC4 in the transport by MRP2 in proteoliposomes were 560 microM and 450 nM, respectively. This transport function of MRP2 in proteoliposomes was dependent on the amount of MRP2 protein present and was determined to 2.7 pmol x min(-1) x mg MRP2(-1) at 100 nM LTC4. Transport was competitively inhibited by the quinoline derivative MK571 with 50% inhibition at about 12 microM. Our data document the first reconstitution of transport-active purified recombinant MRP2. Binding and immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that MRP2 preferentially associates with the chaperone calnexin, but co-reconstitution studies using purified MRP2 and purified calnexin in proteoliposomes suggested that the LTC4 transport function of MRP2 is not dependent on calnexin. The purified, transport-active MRP2 may serve to identify additional interacting proteins in the apical membrane of polarized cells.     

Role of residual Sb(III) in meglumine antimoniate cytotoxicity and MRP1-mediated resistance

Despite the clinical use of pentavalent antimonials for more than half a century, their metabolism in mammals and mechanisms of action and toxicity remain poorly understood. It has been proposed that the more active and toxic trivalent antimony form Sb(III) plays a critical role in their antileishmanial activity and toxicity. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of residual Sb(III) both in the antileishmanial/antitumoral activities of the pentavalent meglumine antimoniate and in the MRP1 (multidrug resistance-associated protein 1)-mediated resistance to this drug. Samples of meglumine antimoniate differing in their amount of residual Sb(III) (meglumine antimoniate synthesized either from SbCl₅ or from KSb(OH)₆ as well as commercially-available meglumine antimoniate) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo on Leishmania amazonensis infections, as well as for their cytotoxicity to normal and MRP1-overexpressing GLC4 cell lines. Although in vitro the two most effective drugs contained the highest levels of Sb(III), no correlation was found in vivo between the antileishmanial activity of meglumine antimoniate and its residual Sb(III) content, suggesting that residual Sb(III) contributes only marginally to the drug antileishmanial activity. On the other hand, the GLC4 cells growth inhibition data strongly suggests a marked contribution of residual Sb(III). Additionally, the potassium salt of antimoniate (non-complexed form of Sb(V)) was found to be more cytotoxic than meglumine antimoniate. Although MRP1-overexpressing GLC4 cells showed a marked resistance to trivalent antimonials, cross-resistance to meglumine antimoniate was observed only for the products that contained relatively high levels of Sb(III) (at least 0.03% by weight), suggesting that MRP1 mediates resistance to Sb(III) but not to Sb(V). In conclusion, our data strongly suggest that residual Sb(III) in pentavalent antimonial drugs does not contribute significantly to their antileishmanial activity, but is responsible for their cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells and the MRP1-mediated resistance to these drugs.     

Effects of maturation on RNA transcription and protein expression of four MRP genes in human placenta and in BeWo cells

The placenta is a multifunctional organ that protects the fetus from toxic compounds and the MRPs contribute to this function. The expression of MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, and MRP5 was compared in human placental tissue and in BeWo cells by real-time RT-PCR analysis; protein expression was assessed by Western blot. MRP1 and MRP3 were the most abundantly expressed genes in placenta but only MRP1 was highly expressed in the BeWo cells. Expression of MRP1 increased 4-fold in the third as compared with first trimester placental samples, and increased 20-fold with polarization of BeWo cells. MRP2, MRP3, and MRP5 were weakly expressed both in placenta and BeWo cells. Protein expression followed mRNA quantification for MRP1 and MRP5 but not for MRP2 and MRP3. These data indicated that MRP1 and MRP5 increase with trophoblast maturation, suggesting a particular role for these proteins in the organ functional development.