How Does the ABCB1 Gene Contribute to Multidrug Resistance?
The ABCB1 gene is a key player in multidrug resistance (MDR), particularly in cancer therapy. Overexpression of P-glycoprotein results in decreased intracellular accumulation of chemotherapeutic agents, leading to reduced drug efficacy. This efflux of drugs from cancer cells is a major hurdle in treating malignancies, necessitating the development of inhibitors to block P-gp activity and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.