Florfenicol resistance protein FloR (FloR)

FloR is a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) efflux transporter that confers bacterial resistance to the phenicol class of antibiotics, specifically florfenicol and chloramphenicol. It functions as a secondary active transporter, typically using the proton electrochemical gradient across the bacterial membrane to drive the export of these drugs, thereby preventing their accumulation to toxic levels inside the cell[1][2]. FloR is widely distributed among Gram-negative bacteria, has been detected in various pathogenic human and animal isolates, and is a critical determinant of multidrug resistance, frequently located on plasmids or transposons, facilitating horizontal gene transfer between species. Detection of the floR gene is a recognized biomarker for resistance monitoring in clinical and environmental microbiology. The presence of FloR poses a significant challenge for antibiotic therapy, emphasizing the need for surveillance and novel drug development.

Other names

Florfenicol exporter FloRPhenicol resistance protein FloRChloramphenicol/florfenicol efflux MFS transporter FloRMajor facilitator superfamily phenicol efflux pump FloR

Efflux pump action: actively exports phenicol antibiotics (e.g., florfenicol, chloramphenicol) out of bacterial cells using a proton motive force, lowering intracellular drug levels and conferring resistance