Molecular Classification
Transporter, ABC Transporter, Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS), Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division (RND) family transporter, Small Multidrug Resistance (SMR) family transporter, Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) family transporter, Proteobacterial Antimicrobial Compound Efflux (PACE)
Other Names
Multidrug efflux pump, Antibiotic efflux pump
Disease Roles
InfectionAntibiotic resistance

Bacterial Efflux Pump Overview

Bacterial efflux pumps are membrane-bound transport proteins that actively expel a wide range of substrates—including antibiotics, toxins, detergents, dyes, and metabolic waste—from the interior of bacterial cells to the external environment. This process, known as active efflux, is a crucial mechanism by which bacteria develop resistance to multiple antibiotics. They are classified into several superfamilies including ABC, MFS, RND, SMR, MATE and PACE. Efflux-mediated drug resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections. Inhibiting these pumps has emerged as a promising strategy for restoring antibiotic efficacy.

Mechanism of Action

Active transport of substrates across bacterial membranes, reducing intracellular concentration of antimicrobials. Efflux pump inhibitors aim to block this transport, restoring antibiotic efficacy.

Biological Functions

Drug resistance
Export of toxins
Export of metabolic waste
Virulence factor

Disease Associations

Infection
Antibiotic resistance

Safety Considerations

  • Structural diversity of pumps makes broad-spectrum inhibitor development challenging.
  • Inhibitor resistance

Interacting Drugs

Antibiotics
Efflux pump inhibitors