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 (MFS) protein (PF3D7\_0210300; “ Pf MFS\_DT”) as a drug transporter, using Candida glabrata for orthologous protein expression. Methods CDS encoding Pf MFS_DT 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 and Conclusion The modified C. glabrata strain exhibited plasma membrane localization of Pf MFS\_DT and characteristics of an MFS transporter, conferring resistance to antifungals, ketoconazole and itraconazole. The nanomolar inhibitory effects of the drugs on the intra-erythrocytic growth of P. falciparum highlight their antimalarial properties. This study proposes Pf MFS\_DT as a drug transporter, expanding the repertoire of the currently known antimalarial “resistome”. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.