P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), also known as multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) or ABCB1, is a critical efflux transporter protein located in the cell membranes of various tissues, including the intestine, kidneys, liver, and brain. It functions by pumping foreign substances and drugs out of cells, playing a key role in drug metabolism and the protection of tissues from toxins. P-gp is particularly significant in the pharmaceutical industry because its activity can lead to multidrug resistance in cancer by ejecting anticancer drugs from cancer cells, thereby reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, targeting P-gp to inhibit its function is a strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and manage drug resistance in cancer treatment.