Molecular mechanisms of drug transporter regulation

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2011:(201):373-402. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-14541-4_10.

Abstract

Interindividual differences in drug transporter expression can result in variability in drug response. This variation in gene expression is determined, in part, by the actions of nuclear hormone receptors that act as xenobiotic- and endobiotic-sensing transcription factors. Among the ligand-activated nuclear receptors, signaling through the pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) constitute major pathways regulating drug transporter expression in tissues. Hence, these endobiotic- and xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors are intrinsically involved in environmental influences of drug response. Moreover, because nuclear receptor genes are polymorphic, these transcription factors are also thought to contribute to heritability of variable drug action. In this chapter, the molecular aspects of drug transporter gene regulation by ligand-activated nuclear receptors will be reviewed including their clinical relevance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Drug Interactions
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / drug effects
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear