Transformation of rat liver epithelial cells with v-H-ras or v-raf causes expression of MDR-1, glutathione-S-transferase-P and increased resistance to cytotoxic chemicals.

We have examined the relationship between transformation and multidrug resistance by employing the v-H-ras or v-raf oncogenes to transform rat liver epithelial (RLE) cells in vitro. The data indicate that transformation of RLE cells with v-H-ras or v-raf results in increased resistance to the cytotoxins adriamycin, vinblastine and 2-acetylaminofluorene. This multidrug resistance is accompanied by increasing expression of P-glycoprotein (MDR-1) and glutathione-S-transferase P (GST-P). Thus, neoplastic transformation of RLE cells with v-raf or v-H-ras, independently of chemical exposure, results in multidrug resistance.