Expression of Plasmodium major facilitator superfamily protein in transporters - Δ Candida identifies a drug transporter.

Aim: To assess the functional relevance of a putative Major Facilitator Superfamily protein (PF3D7_0210300; ' Pf MFSDT') as a drug transporter, using Candida glabrata for orthologous protein expression. Methods: Complementary Determining Sequence encoding Pf MFSDT was integrated into the genome of genetically engineered C. glabrata strain MSY8 via homologous recombination, followed by assessing its functional relevance as a drug transporter. Results & conclusion: The modified C. glabrata strain exhibited plasma membrane localization of Pf MFSDT and characteristics of an Major Facilitator Superfamily transporter, conferring resistance to antifungals, ketoconazole and itraconazole. The nanomolar inhibitory effects of the drugs on the intra-erythrocytic growth of Plasmodium falciparum highlight their antimalarial properties. This study proposes Pf MFSDT as a drug transporter, expanding the repertoire of the currently known antimalarial 'resistome'.