Characterization of the ATPase activity of the Mr 170,000 to 180,000 membrane glycoprotein (P-glycoprotein) associated with multidrug resistance in K562/ADM cells

The Mr 170,000 to 180,000 membrane glycoprotein associated with multidrug resistance (P-glycoprotein) is involved in drug transport mechanisms across the plasma membrane of multidrug-resistant cells. We have recently reported the purification of P-glycoprotein. The purified P-glycoprotein was found to have an ATPase activity, which might be coupled with the active efflux of anticancer drugs. In the present study, we have further studied the properties of the P-glycoprotein ATPase activity by an immobilized enzyme assay procedure using a P-glycoprotein-antibody-Protein A-Sepharose complex. GTP was also hydrolyzed by the P-glycoprotein, although less efficiently than ATP. The ATPase activity of P-glycoprotein had an optimal pH range around neutrality (pH 6.5-7.4). The detergent concentration of 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propane sulfonate used for protein solubilization was essential for enzyme recovery. Maximum activity was obtained when 0.1-0.2% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl-ammonio]-propane sulfonate was used, while higher concentrations markedly inhibited the ATPase activity. The ATPase activity was dependent on Mg2+; maximum activity was obtained at 2-10 mM. Manganese and cobalt could substitute for magnesium as ionic cofactors. Divalent cations such as Ca2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ inhibited the Mg2+-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. N-Ethylmaleimide and vanadate inhibited the ATPase activity, while sodium azide or ouabain had no effect. Anticancer agents such as vincristine and Adriamycin did not affect the enzyme activity. In contrast, verapamil and trifluoperazine, agents which inhibit active drug efflux and restore drug sensitivity in resistant cells, caused an increase in the P-glycoprotein ATPase activity suggesting that P-glycoprotein might be the target molecule of these agents.