Structure of the human multidrug transporter ABCG2

Nature. 2017 Jun 22;546(7659):504-509. doi: 10.1038/nature22345. Epub 2017 May 29.

Abstract

ABCG2 is a constitutively expressed ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that protects many tissues against xenobiotic molecules. Its activity affects the pharmacokinetics of commonly used drugs and limits the delivery of therapeutics into tumour cells, thus contributing to multidrug resistance. Here we present the structure of human ABCG2 determined by cryo-electron microscopy, providing the first high-resolution insight into a human multidrug transporter. We visualize ABCG2 in complex with two antigen-binding fragments of the human-specific, inhibitory antibody 5D3 that recognizes extracellular loops of the transporter. We observe two cholesterol molecules bound in the multidrug-binding pocket that is located in a central, hydrophobic, inward-facing translocation pathway between the transmembrane domains. Combined with functional in vitro analyses, our results suggest a multidrug recognition and transport mechanism of ABCG2, rationalize disease-causing single nucleotide polymorphisms and the allosteric inhibition by the 5D3 antibody, and provide the structural basis of cholesterol recognition by other G-subfamily ABC transporters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2 / chemistry*
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2 / metabolism
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2 / ultrastructure*
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / ultrastructure
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antibodies / chemistry
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Antibodies / ultrastructure
  • Binding Sites
  • Biological Transport
  • Cholesterol / chemistry
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / ultrastructure
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins / chemistry*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Protein Domains

Substances

  • ABCG2 protein, human
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2
  • Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Cholesterol
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases