Ultrastructural features and P-glycoprotein immunolocalization in Saos-2/DX580 multidrug-resistant human osteosarcoma cells

J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol. 1996 Jan;28(1):93-100.

Abstract

The multiple drug type of resistance to anticancer agents (MDR) is mediated by an over-expression of the MDR1 gene product, the P-glycoprotein. This is largely present at the cell surface of MDR cells, mediating the active efflux of cytotoxic molecules, but may be found also intracellularly. In this paper, using Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells as a model, we provide further evidence of increased presence of P-glycoprotein at the plasma membrane and in the nucleus of MDR cells, where it is closely bound to the nuclear matrix. The structural changes observed in Saos-2 MDR cells, including an increase of the cell surface by the formation of blebs, and a peculiar clustering of chromatin, which are similar to those observed in other MDR cell lines, are likely to be associated with the observed overexpression of the P-glycoprotein at the cell membrane and nuclear level. These findings suggest the existence of more complex, still undetermined, mechanisms underlying the MDR phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / analysis*
  • Bone Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis*
  • Nuclear Matrix / chemistry
  • Nuclear Matrix / ultrastructure
  • Osteosarcoma / chemistry
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / chemistry
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / ultrastructure

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Chromatin
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Doxorubicin