背景
The membrane-associated protein encoded by this gene is a member of the superfamily of
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABC proteins transport various molecules across
extra- and intra-cellular membranes. ABC genes are divided into seven distinct subfamilies
(ABC1, MDR/TAP, MRP, ALD, OABP, GCN20, White). This protein is a member of the MDR/TAP
subfamily. Members of the MDR/TAP subfamily are involved in multidrug resistance. The
protein encoded by this gene is an ATP-dependent drug efflux pump for xenobiotic
compounds with broad substrate specificity. It is responsible for decreased drug
accumulation in multidrug-resistant cells and often mediates the development of resistance
to anticancer drugs. This protein also functions as a transporter in the blood-brain barrier.
Mutations in this gene are associated with colchicine resistance and Inflammatory bowel
disease 13. Alternative splicing and the use of alternative promoters results in multiple
transcript variants.
