ABC transporters as cancer drivers: Potential functions in cancer development

Abstract

Background: ABC transporters have attracted considerable attention for their function as drug transporters in a broad range of tumours and are therefore considered as major players in cancer chemoresistance. However, less attention has been focused on their potential role as active players in cancer development and progression.

Scope of review: This review presents the evidence suggesting that ABC transporters might have a more active role in cancer other than the well known involvement in multidrug resistance and discusses the potential strategies to target each ABC transporter for a specific tumour setting.

Major conclusions: Emerging evidence suggests that ABC transporters are able to transport bioactive molecules capable of playing key roles in tumour development. Characterization of the effects of these transporters in specific cancer settings opens the possibility for the development of personalized treatments.

General significance: A more targeted approach of ABC transporters should be implemented that considers which specific transporter is playing a major role in a particular tumour setting in order to achieve a more successful outcome for ABC transporters inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Keywords: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters; Cancer biology; Cell signalling; Chemoresistance; Lipid transport.