Copper efflux transporters ATP7A and ATP7B: Novel biomarkers for platinum drug resistance and targets for therapy

Abstract

Platinum-based chemotherapy agents are widely used in the treatment of various solid malignancies. However, their efficacy is limited by drug resistance. Recent studies suggest that copper efflux transporters, which are encoded by ATP7A and ATP7B, play an important role in platinum drug resistance. Over-expressions of ATP7A and ATP7B are observed in multiple cancers. Moreover, their expressions are associated with cancer prognosis and treatment outcomes of platinum-based chemotherapy. In our review, we highlight the roles of ATP7A/7B in platinum drug resistance and cancer progression. We also discuss the possible mechanisms of platinum drug resistance mediated by ATP7A/7B and provide novel strategies for overcoming resistance. This review may be helpful for understanding the roles of ATP7A and ATP7B in platinum drug resistance. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(3):183-191, 2018.

Keywords: ATP7A; ATP7B; drug resistance; platinum-based chemotherapy; tumorigenesis.