Role of MRP1 in multidrug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia

The best characterized resistance mechanism in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the one mediated by the MDR1 gene which has been shown to be asso ciated with poor outcome. However, alternative proteins such as the more re cently recognized multidrug-associated protein (MRP1), may also contribute to the resistance to anthracyclines and etoposide in AML. Recently, the rol e of this protein was discussed and was unclear in AML. However, recent dat a concerning the functionality and the modulation of the activity of MRP1 m ay elucidate its role in comparison with other mechanisms of resistance. In this paper, we will review these recent data concerning the role of MRP1 i n adult AML.