RLIP76 is a major determinant of radiation sensitivity

Cancer Res. 2005 Jul 15;65(14):6022-8. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-0968.

Abstract

RLIP76 (RALBP1) is a glutathione-conjugate transporter that is a critical component of clathrin-coated pit-mediated endocytosis, as well as in stress responses. In cultured cells, it provides protection from stressors including heat, oxidant chemicals, chemotherapeutic agents, UV irradiation, and X-irradiation. Here, we show marked reduction in glutathione conjugate transport capacity and stepwise increase in radiation sensitivity associated with heterozygous or homozygous loss of the RLIP76 gene in mice. Survival after radiation in homozygous knockout animals was significantly shorter than either the heterozygous knockouts or the wild type. Delivery of recombinant RLIP76 to mice lacking RLIP76 via a liposomal delivery system rescued radiation sensitivity. Furthermore, treatment of wild-type mice with RLIP76-containing liposomes conferred resistance to radiation. These findings suggest that inhibiting RLIP76 could be used for sensitization to radiation during cancer therapy and that RLIP76 liposomes could be radioprotective agents useful for treatment of iatrogenic or catastrophic radiation poisoning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / deficiency
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / genetics
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / physiology*
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liposomes / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Radiation Tolerance / genetics
  • Radiation Tolerance / physiology*

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Liposomes
  • RALBP1 protein, human
  • Glutathione