Cross-resistance to methotrexate and metals in human cisplatin-resistant cell lines results from a pleiotropic defect in accumulation of these compounds associated with reduced plasma membrane binding proteins.

Cross-resistance to a wide array of toxic chemicals is a common phenomenon in cisplatin-resistant cell lines. In this study, two independently isolated cisplatin-resistant cell lines derived from a human hepatoma and a cervical adenocarcinoma were shown to be cross-resistant to methotrexate (MTX) and several metal salts, such as sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, antimony potassium tartrate, and cadmium chloride. A pleiotropic defect resulting in reduced accumulation of cisplatin, 3[H]MTX, 73As3+, and 73As5+ was found in both cisplatin-resistant cell lines. Analysis by immunoblot, indirect immunofluorescence, and Northern hybridization showed dramatically reduced expression of the folate binding protein that mediates MTX uptake in both human cisplatin-resistant cell lines. By photoaffinity labeling with UV irradiation, specific binding proteins of Mr 230,000 and Mr 48,000 for 73As3+ and Mr 190,000 for 73As5+ were found in enriched plasma membrane of both human cisplatin-sensitive parental cell lines. Expression of these specific binding proteins was decreased in cells selected for cisplatin resistance. A protein band at Mr 36,000 that binds to 73As3+ was overexpressed in both human cisplatin-resistant cell lines. The finding of loss of distinct binding proteins for MTX, arsenate, and arsenite in association with decreased accumulation of these agents in cisplatin-resistant cells suggests a pleiotropic, possibly regulatory, alteration in these cells.