Abstract

Efflux proteins are transporter molecules that actively pump out a variety of substrates, including antibiotics, from cells to the environment. They are found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Based on their protein sequence homology, energy source, and overall structure, efflux proteins can be divided into seven groups. Multidrug efflux pumps are transmembrane proteins produced by microbes to enhance their survival in harsh environments and contribute to antibiotic resistance. These pumps are present in all bacterial genomes studied, indicating their ancestral origins. Many bacterial genes encoding efflux pumps are involved in transport, a significant contributor to antibiotic resistance in microbes. Efflux pumps are widely implicated in the extrusion of clinically relevant antibiotics from cells to the extracellular environment and, as such, represent a significant challenge to antimicrobial therapy. This review aims to provide an overview of the structures and mechanisms of action, substrate profiles, regulation, and possible inhibition of clinically relevant efflux pumps. Additionally, recent advances in research and the pharmacological exploitation of efflux pump inhibitors as a promising intervention for combating drug resistance will be discussed.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.