Identification and characterization of the canine multidrug resistance-associated protein.

Human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) confers resistance to the Vinca alkaloids, the anthracyclines, and the epipodophyllotoxins. It is also capable of binding to and transporting the glutathione S-conjugate leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in isolated membrane vesicles. To explore species differences that exist between MRP orthologs, we cloned and characterized the mRNA encoding a canine ortholog of human MRP1-designated canine MRP1 (canMRP1). The canMRP1 mRNA encodes a protein of identical length as MRP1. Sequence alignment revealed that canMRP1 was 92% identical to MRP1 and 88% identical to murine mrp1. Five polymorphisms were identified in the canMRP1 cDNA coding sequence, including one resulting in an amino acid change from alanine to serine at aa149 (canMRP1-A and B alleles, respectively). canMRP1 was expressed and functionally characterized in HeLa and A2780 cells. Both alleles conferred an increased resistance to vincristine and etoposide and transported LTC4. The compound LY402913, a modulating agent developed against human MRP1, was able to sensitize canMRP1-expressing cells to vincristine. The modulation of canMRP1 by LY402913 was additionally confirmed by the calcein-AM accumulation assay. LY402913 inhibited the efflux of calcein in canMRP1-expressing cells. Thus, canMRP1 is similar to MRP1 in conferring resistance to vincristine and etoposide, transporting calcein-a.m., and being inhibited by LY402913. However, despite the high degree of sequence identity and functional similarity to MRP1, canMRP1 transgene failed to confer resistance to doxorubicin either in HeLa or A2780 cells. Knowledge of species differences between canine and human proteins will aid in the design of appropriate pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies for the preclinical evaluation of MRP1 modulators.