AceI efflux transporter (AceI)

The AceI efflux transporter is a membrane protein originally identified in Acinetobacter baumannii that functions as the prototype of the proteobacterial antimicrobial compound efflux (PACE) family of transporters. It actively exports a range of antiseptics (notably chlorhexidine, benzalkonium, dequalinium, proflavine, and acriflavine), as well as naturally occurring short-chain diamines such as cadaverine and putrescine, using an electrochemical proton gradient as the energy source. The AceI gene is induced in response to the presence of these substrates, providing bacteria with adaptive resistance and substantially contributing to clinical challenges in treating infections by conferring multidrug resistance. AceI homologs are widespread across Proteobacteria, defining a new family of efflux pumps distinct from previously known multidrug transporter families[2][3][5][6][7].

Other names

Acinetobacter chlorhexidine efflux proteinPACE transporter (as a member of the family)Proteobacterial antimicrobial compound efflux family transporter

Active efflux of antibacterial and biocidal agents, reducing their intracellular concentration; Proton gradient-driven antiport (uses proton motive force to transport substrates out of the cell); Direct binding and transport of specific substrates