The ABC transporter BCRP/ABCG2 is a placental survival factor, and its expression is reduced in idiopathic human fetal growth restriction

Abstract

The efflux pump ATP binding cassette superfamily member G2 (ABCG2)/breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is highly expressed in human placenta. We have investigated the role of BCRP in the protection of the human placental trophoblasts from apoptosis and its expression in idiopathic fetal growth restriction, a condition associated with abnormal placental apoptosis. Inhibition of BCRP activity with the selective inhibitor Ko143 augmented cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ)-induced apoptosis and phosphatidylserine externalization in primary trophoblast and trophoblast-like BeWo cells. Silencing of BCRP expression in BeWo cells significantly increased their sensitivity to apoptoti..