Progress in understanding the structure–activity relationships of P-glycoprotein

Efflux out of cells by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) represents a serious liability for pharmaceuticals, particularly for anti-cancer drugs. Consequently, identification of compounds as potential substrates is important for understanding their bioavailability. Also, the development of agents which reverse this multi-drug resistance phenotype has received considerable attention. Assays for determining these activities are reviewed. Recent literature and studies into the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of the resulting data are discussed. Multiple binding sites and other complicating factors have prevented the development of a truly general, conclusive SAR either for substrate or inhibitory activities. Consequently, many models have tended to address only very general properties, such as lipophilicity and size. However, progress has been made in the last few years toward more specific SAR suggesting well-defined structural features responsible for both activities. The future of understanding the details of P-gp SAR lies in more specific assays that target specific binding sites and mechanisms of action.