P-glycoprotein inhibits caspase-8 activation but not formation of the death inducing signal complex (disc) following Fas ligation.

Previous studies by our laboratory have shown that the drug transporter protein P-glycoprotein, P-gp, can specifically inhibit Fas-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Importantly, inhibition of both caspase-3 activation and cell death could be reversed by pharmacological and antibody inhibitors of P-gp function. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning P-gp-mediated resistance to Fas-induced cell death and caspase activation remained unknown. We therefore sought to identify the point(s) within the death receptor pathway at which P-gp exerted its inhibitory effect and to determine whether the ATPase activity of P-gp was required. Structure-function analysis determined that ATP hydrolysis was necessary for P-gp to confer resistance to Fas-induced caspase activation and cell death. Importantly, although both FADD and caspase-8 were recruited to the Death Inducing Signal Complex (DISC) in wild-type P-gp expressing cells following Fas ligation, subsequent activation of caspase-8 at the DISC was inhibited. The ability of P-gp to inhibit caspase-8 activation was also ATP dependent. These studies demonstrate that P-gp inhibits Fas-induced caspase-8 activation but not formation of the DISC and that this activity of P-gp is dependent on ATP hydrolysis.