ABC transporter A3 facilitates lysosomal sequestration of imatinib and modulates susceptibility of chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines to this drug

Background Inhibition of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase activity has evolved as a mainstay of therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. However, a fraction of leukemic cells persists under targeted therapy and can lead to disease progression on cessation of treatment. Design and Methods We analyzed bone marrow progenitor cells with the side population phenotype, and characterized the role of the intracellular ABC transporter A3 in imatinib detoxification. Results BCR-ABL-positive leukemic cells contribute to the side population cell compartment in untreated patients. Such leukemic side population cells, as well as CD34-positive progenitors from chronic myeloid leukemia samples, strongly express the intracellular ABCA3. Functionally, ABCA3 levels are critical for the susceptibility of chronic myeloid leukemia blast cell lines to specific BCR-A-BL inhibition by imatinib. The transporter is localized in the limiting membrane of lysosomes and multivesicular bodies, and intracellular [C-14]-labeled imatinib accumulates in such organelles. The lysosomal storage capacity increases with ABCA3 expression, thus regulating imatinib sequestration. Conclusions The intracellular ABC transporter A3 is expressed in chronic myeloid leukemia progenitor cells and may contribute to intrinsic imatinib resistance by facilitating lysosomal sequestration in chronic myeloid leukemia cells.