MRP2 and 3 in health and disease

MRPs are membrane proteins transporting organic anions at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. MRP2 is known to be a major transporter of organic anions from the liver into bile. We discuss recent results showing allosteric control of human but not rat MRP2. MRP3 has been considered a major player in bile salt metabolism, but our recent results with Mrp3 KO mice do not support this. Instead, we have found a role for MRP3 in the cellular export of drug-glucuronide conjugates. We discuss problems in extrapolating results obtained for murine MRPs. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.