Image for ATP-binding cassette transporters

ATP-binding cassette transporters

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large family of proteins located in cell membranes that help move various molecules, such as nutrients, drugs, and waste, in and out of cells. They use energy from ATP, the cell’s energy molecule, to perform this task. This process is crucial for maintaining cell health, protecting against toxins, and managing the intake and removal of substances. ABC transporters are fundamental to many biological functions, including immune responses and drug resistance, making them important targets in medicine and pharmacology.