Bacterial Efflux Pump (Efflux Pump)

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.

Other names

Multidrug efflux pumpAntibiotic efflux pump

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