Project Summary (2000-2006)

The goal of this project is to develop a molecular description of the pathway responsible for arsenite efflux in human cells and a determination of genetic heterogeneity in the genes encoding the proteins making up these pathways. Cellular efflux of arsenic ("arsenic pump") is believed to be a primary mechanism of arsenic resistance, and heterogeneity in cellular efflux genes may underlie differences in susceptibility to arsenic compounds. Arsenite has been identified as the likely carcinogenic form of arsenic in humans. Researchers are comparing arsenite efflux rates and genotypes in human cells from different donors that have different susceptibilities to arsenic compounds. This information is leading to a more complete understanding of the heterogeneity in the response of humans to arsenic compounds.