Abstract
ABCB5 is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily composed of 48 transporters, which have been extensively studied for their role in cancer multidrug resistance and, more recently, in tumorigenesis. ABCB5 has been identified as a marker of skin progenitor cells, melanoma, and limbal stem cells. It has also been associated with multidrug resistance in several cancers. The unique feature of ABCB5 is that it exists as a full transporter (ABCB5FL) and as a half transporter (ABCB5β). Several studies have shown that the ABCB5β homodimer does not confer multidrug resistance, in contrast to ABCB5FL. In this study, using three complementary techniques, nanoluciferase-based bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET), co-immunoprecipitation, and a proximity ligation assay, we identified two novel heterodimers in melanoma: ABCB5β/B6 and ABCB5β/B9. These results represent an important step forward in untangling the functional role of ABCB5β in melanocytes and melanoma.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
