Abcc2 gene

The ABC2 gene codes for an ATP-dependent transporter in the apical membrane (multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 - MRP2) which enables the efflux of bilirubin glucuronides and other organic anions from the liver cell into the bile ducts. It is cytogenetically located on chromosome 10q24.2 (Toh S et al 1999).

The encoded protein ABCC2 or also called MRP2is an integral 190-kD heavy membrane glycoprotein expressed mainly in the canalicular (apical) membrane of liver cells. It belongs to the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette transporters and transports endogenous and exogenous anionic conjugates (mainly bilirubin, but also various drugs) from the hepatocyte to the bile (Pacifico L et al. 2010).

ABCC2 is also involved in the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents (Mor-Cohen et al. 2001).

1. Mor-Cohen R et al (2001) Identification and functional analysis of two novel mutations in the multidrug resistance protein 2 gene in Israeli patients with Dubin-Johnson syndrome. J. Biol. chem. 276: 36923-36930
2. Pacifico L et al (2010) Mutational analysis of ABCC2 gene in two siblings with neonatal-onset Dubin syndrome. (Letter) Clin. Gene. 78: 598-600
3. Toh S et al (1999) Genomic structure of the canalicular multispecific organic anion-transporter gene (MRP2/cMOAT) and mutations in the ATP-binding-cassette region in Dubin-Johnson syndrome. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 64: 739-746.