Differential expression of human nucleoside transporters in normal and tumor tissue.

Responses to nucleoside analog drugs used in the treatment of cancers and viral infections can vary considerably between individuals. Genetic variability between individuals in their ability to transport drugs may be a contributory factor. Nucleoside transporters (NTs) move nucleosides and analog drugs across cell membranes. Four human NTs have been cloned: hENT1, hENT2, hCNT1, and hCNT2. Human NT expression profiles are not well defined; therefore, we undertook a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the differential expression of NTs within normal and tumor tissue. Results show tissue specific expression of the different NTs in normal tissue while matched normal/tumor tissue cDNA array data show considerable variability in all NT expression profiles from different individuals, in particular decreased expression in tumor tissue. Decreased NT expression in tumor tissue may contribute to reduced drug uptake and the development of resistance. These data suggest that nucleoside analog drug therapies may be optimized by determining individual NT expression profiles. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.