Physical and biological characteristics of multi drug resistance (MDR): an integral approach considering pH and drug resistance in cancer

Omran, Ziad; Scaife, Paula; Stewart, Simon; Rauch, Cyril

Abstract

The role of the Warburg effect in cancer remains to be elucidated with a resurgence in research efforts over the past decade. Why a cancer cell would prefer to use energy inefficient glycolysis, leading to an alteration of pH both inside and outside of the cell, remains to be uncovered. The development of MDR represents a major challenge in the treatment of cancer and it is explained, so far, by the over expression of drug transporters such as the well-known and archetypal P-glycoprotein (Pgp). However, controversies exist regarding the function of Pgp in multi-drug resistance. We suggest here that Pgp-mediated MDR relies fundamentally on pH alterations mediated by the Warburg effect. Furthermore, we propose that the use of proton pump and/or transporters inhibitors (PPIs/PTIs) in cancer are key to controlling both MDR, i.e. sensitize tumors to antineoplastic agents, and drug-related adverse effects.

Citation

Omran, Z., Scaife, P., Stewart, S., & Rauch, C. (2017). Physical and biological characteristics of multi drug resistance (MDR): an integral approach considering pH and drug resistance in cancer. Seminars in Cancer Biology, 43, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.01.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 5, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Jan 8, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 11, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 11, 2017
• Journal: Seminars in Cancer Biology
• Print ISSN: 1044-579X
• Electronic ISSN: 1096-3650
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.01.002
• Keywords: Pharmacokinetic; Drug transporter; Membrane biophysics; Warburg effect
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/970149
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1044579X17300020