ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer: A review of recent updates.

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily is one of the largest membrane protein families existing in wide spectrum of organisms from prokaryotes to human. ABC transporters are also known as efflux pumps because they mediate the cross-membrane transportation of various endo- and xenobiotic molecules energized by ATP hydrolysis. Therefore, ABC transporters have been considered closely to multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, where the efflux of structurally distinct chemotherapeutic drugs causes reduced itherapeutic efficacy.

Revisiting the role of nanoparticles as modulators of drug resistance and metabolism in cancer.

Introduction: Drug resistance is the major obstacle impeding the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Although numerous drug delivery techniques have been developed to combat drug resistance, their limitations of non-specific targeting and inconsistent bioavailability has led to the search of novel delivering strategies, such as nanoparticles.

Areas Covered: Nanoparticles for anti-cancer drug delivery are microscopic preparations encapsulating a chemotherapeutic and a chemosensitizer into a rationally designed drug delivery vehicle.