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ABCC2 gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/abcc2/

ABCC2 gene

ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 2

Normal Function

The ABCC2 gene provides instructions for producing a protein called multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2). This protein is one of a family of multidrug resistance proteins involved in the transport of substances out of cells. For example, MRP2 clears certain drugs from organs and tissues, playing a part in drug metabolism. Drug metabolism involves the breakdown of drugs into different chemical components allowing the drugs to have their intended effects and eventually be eliminated from the body. MRP2 also transports a substance called bilirubin out of liver cells and into bile (a digestive fluid produced by the liver). Bilirubin is produced during the breakdown of old red blood cells and has an orange-yellow tint.

MRP2 is primarily found within the outer membrane that surrounds cells in the liver, with smaller amounts in the kidneys, intestine, and placenta.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Dubin-Johnson syndrome

More than 40 mutations in the ABCC2 gene have been found to cause Dubin-Johnson syndrome. This condition is characterized by jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, that typically appears during adolescence or early adulthood. Most of the mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in MRP2. A common mutation in Iranian Jews living in Israel who have Dubin-Johnson syndrome replaces the amino acid isoleucine with the amino acid phenylalanine at position 1173 in MRP2 (written as Ile1173Phe or I1173F). Another mutation that is seen more frequently in those affected in Israel's Moroccan-Jewish population replaces the amino acid arginine with the amino acid histidine at position 1150 in MRP2 (written as Arg1150His or R1150H).

ABCC2 gene mutations that cause Dubin-Johnson syndrome have a variety of effects on the structure and function of MRP2. Mutations may alter how the protein is made, impair transport of the protein to the cell surface, or cause the protein to be broken down too quickly. All of these mutations result in a decrease or absence of MRP2 activity at the cell membrane. As a result, the body's ability to release (excrete) bilirubin is impaired. A buildup of bilirubin causes jaundice in people with Dubin-Johnson syndrome. The accumulation of other substances that usually get transported out of tissues by the MRP2 protein can cause additional signs and symptoms in people with Dubin-Johnson syndrome, but these features usually do not cause health problems.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • ATP-binding cassette, sub-family C (CFTR/MRP), member 2
  • canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter
  • CMOAT
  • cMRP
  • MRP2
  • MRP2_HUMAN

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Devgun MS, El-Nujumi AM, O'Dowd GJ, Barbu V, Poupon R. Novel mutations in the Dubin-Johnson syndrome gene ABCC2/MRP2 and associated biochemical changes. Ann Clin Biochem. 2012 Nov;49(Pt 6):609-12. doi: 10.1258/acb.2012.011279. Epub 2012 Oct 12. Citation on PubMed
  • Jedlitschky G, Hoffmann U, Kroemer HK. Structure and function of the MRP2 (ABCC2) protein and its role in drug disposition. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2006 Jun;2(3):351-66. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2.3.351. Citation on PubMed
  • Keitel V, Nies AT, Brom M, Hummel-Eisenbeiss J, Spring H, Keppler D. A common Dubin-Johnson syndrome mutation impairs protein maturation and transport activity of MRP2 (ABCC2). Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2003 Jan;284(1):G165-74. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00362.2002. Epub 2002 Oct 2. Citation on PubMed
  • Machida I, Wakusawa S, Sanae F, Hayashi H, Kusakabe A, Ninomiya H, Yano M, Yoshioka K. Mutational analysis of the MRP2 gene and long-term follow-up of Dubin-Johnson syndrome in Japan. J Gastroenterol. 2005 Apr;40(4):366-70. doi: 10.1007/s00535-004-1555-y. Citation on PubMed
  • van der Schoor LW, Verkade HJ, Kuipers F, Jonker JW. New insights in the biology of ABC transporters ABCC2 and ABCC3: impact on drug disposition. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2015 Feb;11(2):273-93. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2015.981152. Epub 2014 Nov 7. Citation on PubMed

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