The fascinating but mysterious mechanistic aspects of multidrug transport by MdfA from Escherichia coli

Abstract

MdfA is an interesting member of a large group of secondary multidrug (Mdr) transporters. Through genetic, biochemical and biophysical studies of MdfA, many challenging aspects of the multidrug transport phenomenon have been addressed. This includes its ability to interact with chemically unrelated drugs and how it utilizes energy to drive efflux of compounds that are not only structurally, but also electrically, different. Admittedly, however, despite all efforts and a recent pioneering structural contribution, several important mechanistic issues of the promiscuous capabilities of MdfA still seek better molecular and dynamic understanding.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; MdfA; Multidrug efflux; Multidrug resistance; Promiscuity; Secondary transport.