ATP-binding Cassette Family - Function

Function

The physiologic function of ABC transporters is not well known, and they are expressed constitutively in more than just cancer cells. It is known that ABC transporters bind ATP and use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to drive the transport of various molecules across the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisome, and mitochondria. ABC transporters are thought to participate in the absorption and secretion of endogenous and exogenous substances. There are normal ABC transporter cells found in digestive cells of the small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas. They are also found in epithelial cells of the kidneys, adrenals, brain, and testes as well as endothelial cells found in the lining of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. They can be thought of as a hydrophobic vacuum cleaner powered by ATP that expels nonpolar compounds from the lipid bilayer to the exterior.

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