Hepatocellular transport: Role of ATP-binding cassette proteins

The interest of mammalian biologists in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins is relatively recent. However, ABC proteins are widespread in distribution and have long been known to play an important transport role in prokaryotes. This review includes a brief overview of the structure, regulation, and varied functions of ABC proteins in different cell types as well as a synopsis of the emerging role of ABC proteins in human biology and disease. The review then focuses on the established (canalicular secretion of organic cations by the multidrug resistance, or MDR 1, gene product; ductular secretion of fluid and electrolytes mediated by CFTR), probable (biliary phospholipid secretion by the MDR 2 gene product; secretion of non bile acid organic anions by the multidrug resistance protein, or MRP) and possible (bile acid secretion; biliary secretion of the signaling molecule, ATP; hormone transport) roles of known and novel ABC proteins in hepatobiliary secretion.