Investigating factors regulating the expression and function of P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein at the blood-brain barrier

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) are two protein ‘pumps’ situated at the cellular interface separating the brain from the general blood circulation. Whilst these proteins mainly serve to prevent accumulation of potential toxins and waste products in the brain, they greatly reduce the brain delivery of therapeutic drugs to treat brain diseases and are thought to mediate the transport of a toxic substance involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, this thesis investigated factors regulating the abundance and activity of P-gp and BCRP, which may have application for improving brain drug delivery or the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.