Resistance to chemotherapeutics is a widespread phenomenon in cancer cells that may counteract the successful therapy of many patients. In resistant cells, higher level of ABC transporters, among others, often can be detected. This high level of ABC transporters represents a suspected mechanism of acquired cancer resistance. We studied the molecular mechanism of resistance to taxanes in cancer cells using SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. We analyzed the effect of paclitaxel on apoptosis induction in the originally sensitive cells of these lines as compared to their counterpart resistant cells, developed by gradual adaptation to paclitaxel. In resistant cells of the SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 lines, we did not detected ongoing induction of apoptosis but we did detect significantly increased expression of ABCB1 transporter after paclitaxel application. By silencing the expression of the transport via employment of small interfering RNA (siRNA), we tested the role of the ABCB1 transporter in cells resistant to paclitaxel. We found that resistant cells with silenced expression of the ABCB1 transporter had a statistically significant increase of sensitivity to paclitaxel as compared to control resistant cells with high expression of this transporter. Along with increased sensitivity, we demonstrated...

A leucemia mieloide crônica (LMC) é uma expansão clonal da célula progenitora hematopoiética, traduzindo-se por hiperplasia mielóide, leucocitose, neutrofilia, basofilia e esplenomegalia. O cromossomo Filadélfia é característico da doença, sendo produto da translocação t(9;22) (q34;q11), resultando na fusão dos genes ABL e BCR. Esta fusão gera um gene híbrido que produz uma proteína com elevada atividade tirosinoquinase que tem um papel central da patogenia da LMC. O mesilato de imatinibe (MI) é um derivado da fenilaminopirimidina que inibe a proteína-tirosina quinase ABL in vitro e in vivo. O MI interage com transportadores de membrana de efluxo, como o ATP binding cassette B1 (ABCB1). Polimorfismos no gene ABCB1 têm sido associados com alteração na sua funcionalidade e podem estar envolvidos na resposta ao tratamento farmacológico. Este estudo tem por objetivo investigar a relação dos polimorfismos C1236T, C3435T e G2677T/A no gene ABCB1 com marcadores de resposta ao tratamento com MI, em indivíduos com LMC, e determinar os fatores de predisposição de resposta ao MI. Foram incluídos 118 pacientes portadores de LMC. Foram constituídos dois grupos: Grupo 1 com 70 pacientes com resposta citogenética completa com a dose padrão de MI (400 mg/dia de MI) por até 18 meses e, Grupo 2 com 48 pacientes sem resposta citogenética completa com a dose inicial de 400 mg/dia de MI ou que perderam esta resposta ao longo do tratamento . Amostras de sangue foram obtidas para: quantificação de BCR-ABL1, extração de DNA genômico e análise citogenética de banda G. As análises dos polimorfismos foram realizadas por PCR-RFLP. A resposta ao tratamento foi avaliada segundo os critérios da European LeukemiaNet. A distribuição da frequência dos genótipos dos polimorfismos C1236T, C3435T e G2677T/A foi similar nos dois gêneros e entre brancos e não brancos. Não houve influência dos polimorfismos estudados no risco de desenvolvimento da LMC e na resposta ao MI. O haplótipo ABCB1 1236CT/2677GT/3435CT (para os polimorfismos C1236T/G2677T/C3435T no gene ABCB1) foi encontrado em 51,7% dos pacientes com resposta molecular maior (P=0,010). Houve tendência a maior frequência de pacientes portadores de genótipos 1236 CT e TT no grupo de respondedores (86,7%) quando foi analisada a resposta molecular completa (p=0,069). O mesmo aconteceu no grupo de não respondedores quando foi considerado o polimorfismo C1236T. Houve tendência a maior frequência de resposta molecular completa em portadores de genótipo 2677 GT+TT+TA nos dois grupos (respondedores P=0,074 e não respondedores P=0,076). Em conclusão, os genótipos e haplótipos para os polimorfismos ABCB1 C1236T, C3435T e G2677T/A estão associados com a resposta molecular em portadores de LMC respondedores ao tratamento com MI. / The chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal expansion of the hematopoietic progenitor cell, representing myeloid hyperplasia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, basophilia and splenomegaly. The Philadelphia chromosome is peculiar on the disease, being the result of the translocation t(9; 22) (q34; q11), leading on the fusion of the ABL and BCR genes. This merger creates a hybrid gene that produces a protein with high activity of tyrosine kinase that is the main pathogenesis of CML. The Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a fenilaminopirimidine derivative which inhibits the ABL protein-tyrosine kinase in vitro and in vivo. The MI interacts with membrane efflux transporters, such as ATP binding cassette B1 (ABCB1). Polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene have been associated with changes in its functionality and may be involved on the response to drug treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship of C1236T, C3435T and G2677T / A polymorphisms in ABCB1 gene with response markers for MI treatment in individuals with CML, and to determine the predisposing factors of response to MI. 118 patients with CML were included and divided in two groups. Group 1: 70 patients with complete cytogenetic response and a standard dose of IM (400 mg / day IM) for up to 18 months. Group 2: 48 patients without a complete cytogenetic response and initial dose of 400 mg / day IM or whith response lost throughout the treatment. Blood samples were obtained for: quantification of BCR-ABL1, genomic DNA extraction and band G cytogenetic analysis. The analysis of the polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP. The treatment response was evaluated according to European LeukemiaNet criteria. The frequency distribution of genotypes of C1236T, C3435T and G2677T / A polymorphisms were similar in both sexes and between whites and nonwhites. The polymorphisms studied had no influence on the CML development or MI response. The haplotype ABCB1 1236CT/2677GT/3435CT (for C1236T/G2677T/C3435T polymorphisms in the ABCB1) was found in 51.7% patients with major molecular response (P = 0.010). There was a tendency for higher frequency of patients with 1236 CT and TT genotypes in the responders group (86.7%) when the molecular response was analyzed (p = 0.069). The same happened in the nonresponders group when the C1236T polymorphism was considered. There was a tendency for a higher frequency of complete molecular response in patients with 2677 GT + TT + TA genotype in both groups (responders P = 0.074 and nonresponders P = 0.076). In conclusion, genotypes and haplotypes for ABCB1 C1236T, C3435T and G2677T / A polymorphisms are associated with molecular response in patients with CML that respond to MI treatment.

Tacrolimus (TAC) é um fármaco imunossupressor muito utilizado na prevenção de rejeição aguda após o transplante de órgãos. Essa droga apresenta um índice terapêutico muito baixo e grande variabilidade intra e interindividual, sendo necessário programas de monitorização terapêutica para se otimizar a eficácia e limitar a toxicidade. O TAC é um fármaco substrato do CYP3A5 e transportado pela proteína de efluxo PGP e acredita-se que o polimorfismos genéticos (SNPs) destas proteínas estejam relacionados a alta variabilidade farmacocinética desta droga. Neste estudo, investigamos a influência dos polimorfismos destas proteínas sobre alguns parâmetros farmacocinéticos do TAC e também, na incidência de lesões renais e rejeição em receptores de transplante renal. Pacientes recebendo TAC a no mínimo 12 meses (n=108) foram genotipados (PCR real time) para os polimorfismos do CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) e do gene ABCB1 1236C>T (rs1128503), 2677G>T/A (rs2032582) e 3435C>T (rs1045642). Dados da concentração plasmática de vale (Co; ng/mL), dose diária normalizada (mg/dia por Kg do paciente) e a concentração plasmática do fármaco normalizada pela dose ingerida (Co/dose, ng/mL por mg/dia por kg do paciente) de TAC foram obtidos dos prontuários médicos ao longo de três anos após o transplante renal. O desfecho clínico foi analisado avaliando-se a curva de sobrevida o enxerto, a função renal obtida pelo clearance de creatinina (Equação de Cockroft-Gault), e desenvolvimento de lesões renais e rejeição aguda e crônica com diagnósticos estabelecidos mediante suspeita clínica e confirmados pela avaliação das biópsias quanto a presença de necrose tubular aguda (NTA) e nefropatia crônica do enxerto (NFC) de acordo com a classificação de BANFF 07. Os haplótipos do gene ABCB1 foram inferidos estatisticamente utilizando o software PHASE (version 2.1). Diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05. Não observamos desvios em relação ao esperado pelo equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg em nossa população para nenhum dos genes estudados. Frequências alélicas destes polimorfismos (6986G 74%; 1236C 60%; 3435C 59% and 2677G 64%) e haplótipos (49% 2677G-3435C-1236C e 31% 2677T-3435T-1236T) foram consistentes com outros estudos realizados na população brasileira. Indivíduos portadores de ao menos um alelo *1 do gene CYP3A5 necessitavam de maiores doses de TAC para obter níveis plasmáticos semelhantes aos dos indivíduos homozigotos para o alelo *3 (0,09 ± 0,03 vs. 0,06 ± 0,03; mg/dia/kg; p<0,001). Ao final do primeiro ano de transplante pacientes CYP*3/*3 apresentavam praticamente o dobro da razão Co/dose quando comparados com os pacientes CYP*1/*1 (144,60 ± 67,29 vs. 70,44 ± 56,05 ng*mL-1 /mg*kg- 1 /dia; p<0,001). Observou-se semelhante em relação quando indivíduos portadores dos alelos e haplótipo variante da PGP foram avaliados. Não encontramos associações significativas entre os genótipos e a sobrevida do enxerto ou clearance de creatinina. No entanto, observamos que os pacientes portadores do haplótipo GCC apresentaram maior incidência de desenvolvimento de NFC. Este estudo confirma o efeito dos polimorfismos do CYP3A5 e, em menor grau da PGP na farmacocinética do TAC. No entanto, não encontramos associações entre esses polimorfismos e desfechos clínicos significantes, sugerindo que a genotipagem para o CYP3A5 ou ABCB1 ainda não deva ser incorporada na prática clínica como uma ferramenta para o manejo de transplante renal. / Tacrolimus (TAC) is widely used to prevent acute rejection following solid-organ transplantation. This drug is characterized by a narrow therapeutic index and drug monitoring programs are required both to optimize efficacy and to limit toxicity. TAC is known to be substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 and P-glycoprotein (PGP/ABCB) and its been suggested that genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) of these proteins are highly associated with variations in TAC pharmacokinetics. We investigated the influence of polymorphisms of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 gene on the pharmacokinetic parameters (PK) of TAC and on the incidence of kidney injuries and allograft rejection (AR) in renal transplant recipients. Patients receiving TAC for at least 12 months (n=108) were genotyped (real-time PCR) for CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) and for ABCB1 1236C>T (rs1128503), 2677G>T/A (rs2032582) and 3435C>T (rs1045642) polymorphisms. TAC predose concentration (Co; ng/mL), TAC daily dose (mg/day per kg body weight) and dose-normalized predose concentrations (Co/dose; ng/mL per mg/day per kg body weight) were retrieved from medical records up to 03 years after transplantation. Clinical outcomes were analyzed evaluating renal function in terms of creatinine clearance ( Cockroft-Gault equation) and allograft survival. Kidney injuries and AR diagnostics were established by clinical suspicion and in presence of histological findings in renal biopsies according to the 2007 Banff classification. ABCB1 gene haplotypes were statistically inferred using PHASE software (version 2.1). No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in our study population for the polymorphic loci examined in CYP3A5 and ABCB1. Allelic frequencies of these polymorphisms (6986G 74%; 1236C 60%; 3435C 60% and 2677G 65%) and haplotypes (49% 2677G-3435C-1236C and 30% 2677T- 3435T-1236T) were consistent with other studies in the Brazilian population. Individuals carrying at least one CYP3A5*1 allele required higher TAC dose to achieve similar TAC blood levels as the homozygous individuals for the *3 allele (0.09 ± 0.03 vs.0.06 ± 0.03, mg/day per kg body weight, p<0.001). The presence of the CYP3A5*1 allele was also associated with lower TAC Co/dose compared to CYP*3 homozygous (84.9 ± 43.2 vs. 144.6 ± 66.7 ng/mL per mg/day per kg body weight, p<0.001). Regarding ABCB1 polymorphisms, individuals homozygous for the variant allele of each individual SNP and for the haplotype (TTT) showed higher Co/dose ratio. No associations were found between SNPs or haplotypes and allograft survival or creatinine clearance. We did find, though, that patients carrying GCC haplotype had a higher incidence of chronic rejection. Our findings confirm the effect of CYP3A5 and, less pronounced of ABCB1 polymorphisms, on the TAC pharmacokinetic. On the other hand, we did not find any association between these polymorphisms and relevant clinical outcomes, suggesting that CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotyping must not be incorporated as a useful clinical tool on the management of kidney transplantation.

Tacrolimus (TAC) é um fármaco imunossupressor muito utilizado na prevenção de rejeição aguda após o transplante de órgãos. Essa droga apresenta um índice terapêutico muito baixo e grande variabilidade intra e interindividual, sendo necessário programas de monitorização terapêutica para se otimizar a eficácia e limitar a toxicidade. O TAC é um fármaco substrato do CYP3A5 e transportado pela proteína de efluxo PGP e acredita-se que o polimorfismos genéticos (SNPs) destas proteínas estejam relacionados a alta variabilidade farmacocinética desta droga. Neste estudo, investigamos a influência dos polimorfismos destas proteínas sobre alguns parâmetros farmacocinéticos do TAC e também, na incidência de lesões renais e rejeição em receptores de transplante renal. Pacientes recebendo TAC a no mínimo 12 meses (n=108) foram genotipados (PCR real time) para os polimorfismos do CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) e do gene ABCB1 1236C>T (rs1128503), 2677G>T/A (rs2032582) e 3435C>T (rs1045642). Dados da concentração plasmática de vale (Co; ng/mL), dose diária normalizada (mg/dia por Kg do paciente) e a concentração plasmática do fármaco normalizada pela dose ingerida (Co/dose, ng/mL por mg/dia por kg do paciente) de TAC foram obtidos dos prontuários médicos ao longo de três anos após o transplante renal. O desfecho clínico foi analisado avaliando-se a curva de sobrevida o enxerto, a função renal obtida pelo clearance de creatinina (Equação de Cockroft-Gault), e desenvolvimento de lesões renais e rejeição aguda e crônica com diagnósticos estabelecidos mediante suspeita clínica e confirmados pela avaliação das biópsias quanto a presença de necrose tubular aguda (NTA) e nefropatia crônica do enxerto (NFC) de acordo com a classificação de BANFF 07. Os haplótipos do gene ABCB1 foram inferidos estatisticamente utilizando o software PHASE (version 2.1). Diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05. Não observamos desvios em relação ao esperado pelo equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg em nossa população para nenhum dos genes estudados. Frequências alélicas destes polimorfismos (6986G 74%; 1236C 60%; 3435C 59% and 2677G 64%) e haplótipos (49% 2677G-3435C-1236C e 31% 2677T-3435T-1236T) foram consistentes com outros estudos realizados na população brasileira. Indivíduos portadores de ao menos um alelo *1 do gene CYP3A5 necessitavam de maiores doses de TAC para obter níveis plasmáticos semelhantes aos dos indivíduos homozigotos para o alelo *3 (0,09 ± 0,03 vs. 0,06 ± 0,03; mg/dia/kg; p<0,001). Ao final do primeiro ano de transplante pacientes CYP*3/*3 apresentavam praticamente o dobro da razão Co/dose quando comparados com os pacientes CYP*1/*1 (144,60 ± 67,29 vs. 70,44 ± 56,05 ng*mL-1 /mg*kg- 1 /dia; p<0,001). Observou-se semelhante em relação quando indivíduos portadores dos alelos e haplótipo variante da PGP foram avaliados. Não encontramos associações significativas entre os genótipos e a sobrevida do enxerto ou clearance de creatinina. No entanto, observamos que os pacientes portadores do haplótipo GCC apresentaram maior incidência de desenvolvimento de NFC. Este estudo confirma o efeito dos polimorfismos do CYP3A5 e, em menor grau da PGP na farmacocinética do TAC. No entanto, não encontramos associações entre esses polimorfismos e desfechos clínicos significantes, sugerindo que a genotipagem para o CYP3A5 ou ABCB1 ainda não deva ser incorporada na prática clínica como uma ferramenta para o manejo de transplante renal. / Tacrolimus (TAC) is widely used to prevent acute rejection following solid-organ transplantation. This drug is characterized by a narrow therapeutic index and drug monitoring programs are required both to optimize efficacy and to limit toxicity. TAC is known to be substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 and P-glycoprotein (PGP/ABCB) and its been suggested that genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) of these proteins are highly associated with variations in TAC pharmacokinetics. We investigated the influence of polymorphisms of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 gene on the pharmacokinetic parameters (PK) of TAC and on the incidence of kidney injuries and allograft rejection (AR) in renal transplant recipients. Patients receiving TAC for at least 12 months (n=108) were genotyped (real-time PCR) for CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) and for ABCB1 1236C>T (rs1128503), 2677G>T/A (rs2032582) and 3435C>T (rs1045642) polymorphisms. TAC predose concentration (Co; ng/mL), TAC daily dose (mg/day per kg body weight) and dose-normalized predose concentrations (Co/dose; ng/mL per mg/day per kg body weight) were retrieved from medical records up to 03 years after transplantation. Clinical outcomes were analyzed evaluating renal function in terms of creatinine clearance ( Cockroft-Gault equation) and allograft survival. Kidney injuries and AR diagnostics were established by clinical suspicion and in presence of histological findings in renal biopsies according to the 2007 Banff classification. ABCB1 gene haplotypes were statistically inferred using PHASE software (version 2.1). No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in our study population for the polymorphic loci examined in CYP3A5 and ABCB1. Allelic frequencies of these polymorphisms (6986G 74%; 1236C 60%; 3435C 60% and 2677G 65%) and haplotypes (49% 2677G-3435C-1236C and 30% 2677T- 3435T-1236T) were consistent with other studies in the Brazilian population. Individuals carrying at least one CYP3A5*1 allele required higher TAC dose to achieve similar TAC blood levels as the homozygous individuals for the *3 allele (0.09 ± 0.03 vs.0.06 ± 0.03, mg/day per kg body weight, p<0.001). The presence of the CYP3A5*1 allele was also associated with lower TAC Co/dose compared to CYP*3 homozygous (84.9 ± 43.2 vs. 144.6 ± 66.7 ng/mL per mg/day per kg body weight, p<0.001). Regarding ABCB1 polymorphisms, individuals homozygous for the variant allele of each individual SNP and for the haplotype (TTT) showed higher Co/dose ratio. No associations were found between SNPs or haplotypes and allograft survival or creatinine clearance. We did find, though, that patients carrying GCC haplotype had a higher incidence of chronic rejection. Our findings confirm the effect of CYP3A5 and, less pronounced of ABCB1 polymorphisms, on the TAC pharmacokinetic. On the other hand, we did not find any association between these polymorphisms and relevant clinical outcomes, suggesting that CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotyping must not be incorporated as a useful clinical tool on the management of kidney transplantation.

A leucemia mieloide crônica (LMC) é uma expansão clonal da célula progenitora hematopoiética, traduzindo-se por hiperplasia mielóide, leucocitose, neutrofilia, basofilia e esplenomegalia. O cromossomo Filadélfia é característico da doença, sendo produto da translocação t(9;22) (q34;q11), resultando na fusão dos genes ABL e BCR. Esta fusão gera um gene híbrido que produz uma proteína com elevada atividade tirosinoquinase que tem um papel central da patogenia da LMC. O mesilato de imatinibe (MI) é um derivado da fenilaminopirimidina que inibe a proteína-tirosina quinase ABL in vitro e in vivo. O MI interage com transportadores de membrana de efluxo, como o ATP binding cassette B1 (ABCB1). Polimorfismos no gene ABCB1 têm sido associados com alteração na sua funcionalidade e podem estar envolvidos na resposta ao tratamento farmacológico. Este estudo tem por objetivo investigar a relação dos polimorfismos C1236T, C3435T e G2677T/A no gene ABCB1 com marcadores de resposta ao tratamento com MI, em indivíduos com LMC, e determinar os fatores de predisposição de resposta ao MI. Foram incluídos 118 pacientes portadores de LMC. Foram constituídos dois grupos: Grupo 1 com 70 pacientes com resposta citogenética completa com a dose padrão de MI (400 mg/dia de MI) por até 18 meses e, Grupo 2 com 48 pacientes sem resposta citogenética completa com a dose inicial de 400 mg/dia de MI ou que perderam esta resposta ao longo do tratamento . Amostras de sangue foram obtidas para: quantificação de BCR-ABL1, extração de DNA genômico e análise citogenética de banda G. As análises dos polimorfismos foram realizadas por PCR-RFLP. A resposta ao tratamento foi avaliada segundo os critérios da European LeukemiaNet. A distribuição da frequência dos genótipos dos polimorfismos C1236T, C3435T e G2677T/A foi similar nos dois gêneros e entre brancos e não brancos. Não houve influência dos polimorfismos estudados no risco de desenvolvimento da LMC e na resposta ao MI. O haplótipo ABCB1 1236CT/2677GT/3435CT (para os polimorfismos C1236T/G2677T/C3435T no gene ABCB1) foi encontrado em 51,7% dos pacientes com resposta molecular maior (P=0,010). Houve tendência a maior frequência de pacientes portadores de genótipos 1236 CT e TT no grupo de respondedores (86,7%) quando foi analisada a resposta molecular completa (p=0,069). O mesmo aconteceu no grupo de não respondedores quando foi considerado o polimorfismo C1236T. Houve tendência a maior frequência de resposta molecular completa em portadores de genótipo 2677 GT+TT+TA nos dois grupos (respondedores P=0,074 e não respondedores P=0,076). Em conclusão, os genótipos e haplótipos para os polimorfismos ABCB1 C1236T, C3435T e G2677T/A estão associados com a resposta molecular em portadores de LMC respondedores ao tratamento com MI. / The chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal expansion of the hematopoietic progenitor cell, representing myeloid hyperplasia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, basophilia and splenomegaly. The Philadelphia chromosome is peculiar on the disease, being the result of the translocation t(9; 22) (q34; q11), leading on the fusion of the ABL and BCR genes. This merger creates a hybrid gene that produces a protein with high activity of tyrosine kinase that is the main pathogenesis of CML. The Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a fenilaminopirimidine derivative which inhibits the ABL protein-tyrosine kinase in vitro and in vivo. The MI interacts with membrane efflux transporters, such as ATP binding cassette B1 (ABCB1). Polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene have been associated with changes in its functionality and may be involved on the response to drug treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship of C1236T, C3435T and G2677T / A polymorphisms in ABCB1 gene with response markers for MI treatment in individuals with CML, and to determine the predisposing factors of response to MI. 118 patients with CML were included and divided in two groups. Group 1: 70 patients with complete cytogenetic response and a standard dose of IM (400 mg / day IM) for up to 18 months. Group 2: 48 patients without a complete cytogenetic response and initial dose of 400 mg / day IM or whith response lost throughout the treatment. Blood samples were obtained for: quantification of BCR-ABL1, genomic DNA extraction and band G cytogenetic analysis. The analysis of the polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP. The treatment response was evaluated according to European LeukemiaNet criteria. The frequency distribution of genotypes of C1236T, C3435T and G2677T / A polymorphisms were similar in both sexes and between whites and nonwhites. The polymorphisms studied had no influence on the CML development or MI response. The haplotype ABCB1 1236CT/2677GT/3435CT (for C1236T/G2677T/C3435T polymorphisms in the ABCB1) was found in 51.7% patients with major molecular response (P = 0.010). There was a tendency for higher frequency of patients with 1236 CT and TT genotypes in the responders group (86.7%) when the molecular response was analyzed (p = 0.069). The same happened in the nonresponders group when the C1236T polymorphism was considered. There was a tendency for a higher frequency of complete molecular response in patients with 2677 GT + TT + TA genotype in both groups (responders P = 0.074 and nonresponders P = 0.076). In conclusion, genotypes and haplotypes for ABCB1 C1236T, C3435T and G2677T / A polymorphisms are associated with molecular response in patients with CML that respond to MI treatment.

La surexpression de pompes d’efflux par les cellules cancéreuses permet l’élimination d’agents cytotoxiques, induisant alors une résistance à la chimiothérapie. Trois transporteurs ABC sont principalement impliqués dans cette résistance : ABCB1 (aussi appelé P-gp), ABCC1 (ou MRP1) et ABCG2 (ou BCRP, MXR, ABCP). Du fait de leur implication dans le phénotype de « MultiDrug Resistance », il est essentiel de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement de ces transporteurs. Une étude par mutagenèse dirigée a montré que les boucles intracellulaires, ICL0 et ICL1 sont impliquées dans le transport des substrats. Deux résidus sont particulièrement intéressants : W379 qui agirait comme un filtre des substrats ; et H457 qui participerait à la reconnaissance ou à la fixation des substrats. Par ailleurs, il est important de moduler cette chimiorésistance. Dans ce contexte nous avons développé une nouvelle classe d’inhibiteurs d’ABCB1 et ABCG2 non compétitifs basés sur un motif dipeptidique. Les composés les plus efficaces, CT1347 pour ABCB1 et CT1364 pour ABCG2, s’avèrent, d’une part peu ou pas cytotoxiques à fortes concentrations, abolissent d’autre part la résistance induite par ABCB1 ou ABCG2 et se comportent comme des inhibiteurs non compétitifs du Hoechst 33342 et de la daunorubicine. De plus, CT1364 inhibe l’activité ATPasique d’ABCG2 et induit une diminution rapide de l’expression de la protéine. Enfin, les 1ers tests in vivo de ce composé montrent que l’association avec l’irinotécan ralentit la croissance des xénogreffes de petite taille chez des souris / Resistance to chemotherapy is partly due to efflux pumps expressed in the plasma membrane which prevent the accumulation of anticancer drugs in the tumour cells. Three human ATP-binding Cassette (ABC) transporters are particularly involved in this phenotype: P-gp/ABCB1, MRP1/ABCC1, and the last discovered BCRP/ABCG2. Because of their involvement in chemoresistance, it is critical to understand the mechanism by which those ABC transporters recognize and transport drugs. The mutagenesis study of the intracellular loops, ICL0 and 1 shows that these loops are involved in this mechanism. Two amino acids were particularly remarkable: W379 which act as a substrate filter and H457 which can be involved in substrate recognition and binding. In order to restore the cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, we have developed a new class of peptide inhibitors, specific to one transporter. A structure-activity relationship study has been performed and made it possible to develop a second generation of molecules. The most efficient compound inhibiting ABCB1 (CT1347) or ABCG2 (CT1364) have none or limitated cytotoxic effects. These compounds restore the activity of chemotherapeutic drugs and act as non competitive inhibitors. Moreover, CT1364 inhibits the ATP hydrolysis activity and lead to a rapid reduction of ABCG2 expression. Initial in vivo tests that have been carried out with CT1364 associated with irinotecan allow to observe a growth reduction of small mice xenografts

De plus en plus d’inhibiteurs de kinase (IKs) sont testés dans le cancer de la prostate qui représente chez l’homme un enjeu de santé publique majeur de par son incidence (1er cancer) et sa mortalité (4ème cancer). Les essais cliniques pour évaluer l'efficacité des IKs dans cette indication ont donné des résultats mitigés malgré la présence de leurs cibles pharmacologiques dans les tumeurs de prostate (VEGF, EGFR, CMET..), pouvant faire penser que l’inefficacité serait en partie liée à la molécule elle-même et à sa pharmacocinétique/pharmacodynamie. En effet, les IKs sont sujets à un métabolisme et un transport intense via des enzymes de phase I et II et des transporteurs contrôlés pour la majorité par le récepteur nucléaire PXR (Pregnane X Receptor, gène NR1I2). En plus d’être abondamment exprimé dans le foie et le long du tractus gastro-intestinal, PXR est également exprimé dans certaines tumeurs épithéliales et pourrait être impliqué dans la résistance aux chimiothérapies par augmentation du catabolisme et de l’efflux de ces agents anticancéreux. A ce jour une seule étude a révélé l’expression de PXR dans le cancer de la prostate sans en avoir évalué l’impact sur la réponse aux traitements utilisés dans cette indication. En collaboration avec le Pr G. Fromont, nous avons observé dans une cohorte de 449 patients que l’expression de PXR était plus fréquemment retrouvée dans les cancers résistants à la castration et les métastases, par rapport aux cancers cliniquement localisés dans lesquels l’expression de PXR était corrélée avec le stade TNM et le score ISUP. Ces résultats confirment donc l’intérêt d’étudier le rôle que peut jouer PXR et les gènes du métabolisme et du transport qu’il régule, dans la sensibilité aux IKs dans les cancers de la prostate.Nous avons mesuré l’expression de PXR et de ses gènes cibles dans les lignées de cancer de la prostate 22RV1, LnCap, PC3 et DU145. Les résultats montrent une expression significative des enzymes et transporteurs responsables de la détoxication des IKs mais une faible expression de PXR liée à des phénomènes d’hyperméthylation NR1I2 dans nos lignées Cela nous a conduit à établir des modèles de surexpression stable de PXR dans lesquels l’agoniste SR12813 est capable d’induire l’activité transcriptionnelle de ce xénorécepteur, indiquant la compétence métabolique de ces lignées. À l'aide de ces modèles, nous avons démontré que la surexpression de PXR module la réponse à l’erlotinib, le dasatinib, le dabrafénib et l’afatinib démontrant que PXR joue un rôle fonctionnel dans la sensibilité à ces IKs. Nous avons également démontré que certains inhibiteurs avaient des propriétés agonistes de PXR, notamment le dabrafénib qui montre un effet agoniste plus marqué que le composé de référence SR12813, ce qui n’a jamais été démontré. Cette découverte originale nous a conduit à engager une collaboration pour tenter de cristalliser le complexe PXR/dabrafénib et à tester l’hypothèse que l’induction de l’activité PXR pouvait entraîner une modification du métabolisme et/ou du transport d’autres médicaments co-administrés. Or, nous avons observé dans la lignée 22RV1 un effet additif entre le dabrafénib et le tramétinib, une combinaison approuvée dans le traitement du mélanome, qui devient antagoniste lorsque PXR est surexprimé, résultat qui va effectivement dans le sens de notre hypothèse même s’il reste à démontrer que cet effet est bien lié à une altération du métabolisme de ces IKs, ce que nous sommes en train d’évaluer en dosant les métabolites de ces IKs. L’ensemble de nos données pourraient servir de rationnel biologique dans le choix des IKs ou de leurs combinaisons à tester avec les hormonothérapies et chimiothérapies déjà utilisés dans le traitement du cancer de la prostate, afin de potentialiser la réponse tumorale. / More and more kinase inhibitors (KIs) are tested in prostate cancer that represents a major health issue in men with its incidence and mortality rates. Clinical trials to evaluate KIs efficacy in prostate cancer gave disapointing results depsite the presence of KIs pharmacological targets in prostate tumors (VEGF, EGFR, CMET..), suggesting that inefficiency of these drugs would be at least in part linked to the inhibitor itself or its pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics parameters. Indeed KIs are metabolized and transported via phase I and II enzymes that are mainly controlled by the xenoreceptor PXR (Pregnane X Receptor, gène NR1I2). It is mainly expressed in liver and gastro-intestinal tract but also in epithelial tumors. PXR is also involved in the resistance to chemotherapies by increasing the catabolism and the efflux of these anticancer agents. To date only one study evaluated PXR expression in prostate cancer without evaluating its impact on treatment efficacy. In collaboration with Pr G. Fromont we analyzed a cohort of 449 prostate tumors and observed that PXR was more frequently detected in castration resistant or metastatic tumors as compared to clinically localized forms in which PXR expression was significantly correlated with TNM and ISUP Score. These results confirmed the interest to study the potential role of PXR and its target genes in the sensitivity to kinase inhibitors in prostate cancer models.We measured the expression of PXR and its target genes in prostate cancer cell lines 22RV1, LnCap, PC3 and DU145. The results showed that enzymes and transporters involved in KI detoxification was significantly expressed in these cells whereasPXR was poorly expressed due to hypermethylation of NR1I2 in our cells. This lead us to develop specific prostate cancer cell models stably overexpressing PXR in which transcriptional activity of PXR can be induced by its known agonist SR12813 further indicating that prostate cancer cells are metabolically competent. Using these models we showed that PXR overexpression modulates the sensitivity of 22RV1 cells to erlotinib, dasatinib, dabrafenib and afatinib, demonstrating that PXR plays a functional role in the sensitivity to KIs. We also demonstrated that several KIs were PXR agonists, including dabrafenib that displayed enhanced agonistic properties as compared to SR12813, a result that was never published before. This original finding led us to engage the cristalization of PXR/dabrafenib complex and to test whether induction of PXR could lead to an alteration of metabolism and transport of other drugs that are co-administered. In this line we have observed that in 22RV1 cells the additive effect of the combination of dabrafenib with trametinib that is already approved in the treatment of melanomas, became antagonistic when PXR was overexpressed in these cells. This result is supporting our hypothesis though we still need to demonstrate that this effect is linked to a change in drugs metabolism, which is currently under investigation by the measurement of the known metabolites of these KIs.Altogether, our data could serve as rational basis for the choice of kinase inhibitors or their potential combinations that could be tested in further clinical trials alone or in association with hormone therapies or with chemotherapies that are currently prescribed in the treatment of advanced prostate cancers, in order to potentiate tumor response.

La transplantation hépatique est une technique chirurgicale maîtrisée, mais le devenir à long terme du greffon et de l’hôte doit encore être amélioré. L’étude pharmacogénétique des inhibiteurs de la calcineurine (CNI) devrait permettre de comprendre la variabilité de leurs effets thérapeutiques et toxiques. Dans un premier temps, nous avons réalisé une revue de la littérature concernant la pharmacogénétique des CNI en greffe d’organe et surtout hépatique en particulier les trois polymorphismes les plus impliqués dans la pharmacocinétique des CNI (CYP3A4*22, CYP3A5*3 et ABCB1 exons 12, 21, 26) et leurs éventuelles associations avec le devenir clinique du patient. L’état actuel des connaissances valide l’intérêt du génotype CYP3A5*3 pour adapter au mieux la posologie précoce de tacrolimus seulement en greffe rénale. Dans un second temps, nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective visant à étudier la pertinence et l’intérêt des génotypes du donneur et du receveur d’organe mentionnés précédemment, intervenant dans le métabolisme (CYP3A4*22, CYP3A5*3) et le transport membranaire (ABCB1 exons 12, 21 et 26) de la cyclosporine et du tacrolimus en transplantation hépatique. 170 patients avec un suivi de plus de 10 ans en moyenne ont été inclus. Les principaux résultats montrent que : l’allèle CYP3A5 *1 du receveur était associé significativement à un risque plus élevé de perte de greffon à long terme comparé à l’allèle CYP3A5 *3 ; l’allèle TT de l’exon 12 d’ABCB1 du receveur était associé à un risque moins élevé de rejet chronique ; et l’exposition à des doses élevées de CNI, la valeur initiale de la fonction rénale et l’âge du receveur étaient également indépendamment associés au risque d’altération de la fonction rénale. La caractérisation de ces marqueurs pharmacogénétiques en transplantation hépatique pourrait permettre d’adapter les traitements immunosuppresseurs pour chaque patient transplanté. D’autres voies de recherche (pharmacogénétique de la voie calcineurine, biomarqueurs précoces des lésions du greffon, ...) seront nécessaires pour identifier un profil personnalisé pour chaque greffé afin d’adapter au mieux la stratégie thérapeutique à long terme. / Liver transplantation is now a well mastered surgery with standardized procedures, but the long-term clinical outcomes of the graft and the patient remain uncertain. The pharmacogenetic study of the calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) cyclosporine and tacrolimus should help to understand the variability of their pharmacokinetics and therapeutic or side effects. In the first part of this work, we reviewed the main pharmacogenetic studies of CNI in liver transplantation, focusing on the three polymorphisms mostly involved in CNI pharmacokinetics (CYP3A4*22, CYP3A5*3 et ABCB1 exons 12, 21, 26) and their possible associations with clinical outcomes. To date, the only pharmacogenetic test consensually recommended in organ transplantation is the CYP3A5*3 variant for a better selection of the initial tacrolimus dose in kidney transplantation. The second part of this work was a retrospective cohort study in liver transplantation to investigate the influence of the above mentioned donor’s and recipient’s genotypes, involved in the metabolism (CYP3A4*22, CYP3A5*3) and the membrane transport (ABCB1 exons 12, 21 and 26) of cyclosporine and tacrolimus. 170 patients were enrolled in this study with a mean follow-up of more than ten years. Our main results are that: the recipient CYP3A5*1 allele was associated with a higher risk of graft loss than the CYP3A5*3 allele; the recipient ABCB1 exon 12 TT genotype was associated with a lower risk of chronic rejection than the CC genotype; overexposure to CNI, initial renal function and recipient age were associated with a higher risk of post-transplantation renal dysfunction. No genetic factor was associated with patient survival, acute rejection, liver function tests, recurrence of viral or other initial liver disease, or nephrotoxicity. Prospective characterization of both recipient and donor CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms could help to optimize immunosuppressive therapy for each candidate to liver transplantation. Further studies (pharmacogenetics of calcineurin pathway, early biomarkers of graft dysfunction, ...), should help to define a personalized profile for each transplant patient in order to best adapt the immunosuppressive strategy on the long term.

<p>The human multidrug resistance transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is highly expressed at blood- tissue barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and poses a serious challenge for the delivery of therapeutics to the brain. Additionally, expression of P-gp is also detected in some blood cancers, and is thought to limit the uptake of therapeutics, leading to a multidrug resistant phenotype (MDR). P-gp has multiple substrate binding sites and uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to actively transport a variety of hydrophobic compounds out of the cell from the plasma membrane. Our goal is to take advantage of the polyvalency of the substrate binding site to create P-gp inhibitors from substrates through dimerization. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesizes and characterization two libraries of dimeric prodrug inhibitors of P-gp based on the substrates temozolomide and dasatinib, a glioblastoma chemotherapeutic and chronic myelogenous leukemia chemotherapeutic, respectively. In addition to inhibiting P-gp, by containing reversible tethers, these dimers are designed to act as prodrugs and release the therapeutics inside the cell. To improve the efficacy and solubility of our dimers, we synthesized heterodimers with the known substrate quinine to generate libraries of temozolomide-quinine and dasatinib-quinine molecules with varying tether lengths. Both libraries were shown to be potent inhibitors of P- gp efflux at low micromolar concentrations.</p>

Background: Abdominal solid organ transplantation has evolved from an experimental procedure to a well-established therapy within a few decades. This success is largely due to the introduction of calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppression. Tacrolimus is the most widely used calcineurin inhibitor but has a narrow therapeutic range which requires close drug monitoring to prevent both toxicity and inadequate immunosuppression. Previous studies in renal transplantation have shown that genetic polymorphisms, CYP3A5, CYP3A4*22 and ABCB1 can influence the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus. These polymorphisms are closely linked to ethnicity and have never been studied in a Scottish population before. Additionally, increasing evidence suggests that high variability of tacrolimus is linked to increased graft loss in kidney transplant patients. Methods: 5889 subjects were genotyped for the genetic polymorphisms CYP3A5 A > G allele transition, CYP3A4*22 C > T and ABCB1 C > T transition. This included 4899 healthy individuals from Generation Scotland bio-resource and 990 patients who underwent renal, liver, or simultaneous pancreas kidney transplants or were organ donors. Tacrolimus dose, trough level and renal function were measured at 11 time points from date of transplant up to and including 12 months post-transplant. Clinical data including episodes of acute rejection, graft and patient survival were compared between the different genotypes. Separate analyses were undertaken for kidney, SPK transplants, as well as liver transplants, the latter looking at recipient and liver donor genotype. A separate cohort of 103 renal transplant patients converted from twice-daily to once-daily tacrolimus had their tacrolimus variability calculated and compared with graft survival. Results: The distribution of the 3 different genotypes of CYP3A5, CYP3A4*22 and ABCB1 were comparable with other Caucasian populations studied previously. In renal transplant recipient expression of the A allele (GA/AA) led to significantly increased dose requirements of tacrolimus and initially lower tacrolimus trough levels. The different genotypes of ABCB1 had no effect. Expression of a CYP3A4*22 T allele trended towards a lower tacrolimus dose requirement but this was not significant. There was no difference in renal function, graft survival or patient survival with any of the polymorphisms. SPK patients had comparable results. In the liver transplant patients, the donor genotype had a greater influence than the recipient one. The donors with CYP3A5 A allele expression had significantly higher tacrolimus dose requirements and lower initial tacrolimus levels. This was apparent to a lesser extent with the recipient expression of CYP3A5 and did not reach statistical significance at all time points. There was no significant difference in tacrolimus dose requirements or level with either donor or recipient expression of ABCB1 or CYP3A4*22. There was a significantly higher incidence of acute rejection in donor CYP3A5 A allele expressers of liver transplant patients in univariate and multivariate analysis. There was no significant different in acute rejection with ABCB1 or CYP3A4*22 genotype. No differences in graft or patient survival with either donor or recipient genotype of any of the 3 polymorphisms were noted. Conversion from twice-daily to once-daily tacrolimus in the first 12 months post-transplant reduced tacrolimus variability. Patients with high tacrolimus variability pre and post conversion had significantly greater graft loss than patients with low tacrolimus variability. Conclusion: CYP3A5 expression results in increased tacrolimus requirements to achieve adequate immunosuppression in renal transplant and SPK patients. Donor rather than recipient CYP3A5 expression is relevant for liver transplantation and dose requirements. There may be an association with donor CYP3A5 expression in liver transplant patients and acute rejection which needs further evaluation. ABCB1 and CYP3A4*22 do not appear to have a significant impact in any of the organ transplants. High tacrolimus variability is associated increased graft loss in renal transplant patients.