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

To assess the functional relevance of a putative Major Facilitator Superfamily protein (PF3D7_0210300; 'MFSDT') as a drug transporter, using for orthologous protein expression. Complementary Determining Sequence encoding MFSDT was integrated into the genome of genetically engineered strain MSY8 via homologous recombination, followed by assessing its functional relevance as a drug transporter. The modified strain exhibited plasma membrane localization of 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 highlight their antimalarial properties. This study proposes MFSDT as a drug transporter, expanding the repertoire of the currently known antimalarial 'resistome'.