Transfer of the MDR1 (multidrug resistance) gene: protection of hematopoietic cells from cytotoxic chemotherapy, and selection of transduced cells in vivo.

Abstract

Expression of the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein, encoded by the multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene, has been identified as an impediment to successful chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases. More recently, its potential use for gene therapy has been analyzed. Expression of a full-length MDR1 cDNA in hematopoietic cells renders them resistant to various anticancer drugs, as first shown in a transgenic mouse model. Similarly, mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells in bone marrow or peripheral blood are protected from the toxicity of anticancer chemotherapy by retroviral transduction of the MDR1 gene. Furthermore, cells engineered to express P-glycoprotein survived after the administration of cytotoxic drugs, indicating that the gene could function as a selectable marker in vivo. Recently, MDR1 transduction into isolated pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells has been demonstrated. Clinical studies on MDR1 gene transfer into hematopoietic cells of cancer patients are being planned. Transfer of the MDR1 gene into hematopoietic precursor cells may allow the introduction and selection of otherwise non-selectable genes in bone marrow. The ability to select transduced cells can circumvent the low transduction efficiency that has hampered efficient gene therapy. Recently, fusion genes in which the MDR1 cDNA is fused to genes that correct genetic disorders have been constructed to facilitate gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders.