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The ABCs of multidrug resistance in malaria

Jan B Koenderink1, Reginald A Kavishe, Sanna R Rijpma

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology 149, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. J.Koenderink@pharmtox.umcn.nl

Trends in Parasitology
|June 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Drug resistance in malaria is a growing concern. This study reviews Plasmodium ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins, exploring their potential role in multidrug resistance and malaria treatment challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Malariology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Antimalarial drug resistance poses a significant threat to global health, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
  • The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, is implicated in drug resistance through genetic variations.
  • ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are crucial membrane transporters involved in cellular efflux mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the Plasmodium falciparum ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein family.
  • To investigate the potential involvement of Plasmodium ABC proteins in conferring resistance to antimalarial drugs.
  • To highlight the limited understanding of the physiological roles and drug resistance contributions of these transporters.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Plasmodium ABC family members.
  • Analysis of existing data on genetic variations (SNPs, copy number) associated with drug resistance.
  • Comparative analysis of ABC transporter functions across different organisms.

Main Results:

  • The Plasmodium falciparum genome encodes 16 putative ABC proteins.
  • Limited information is available regarding the specific functions and drug transport capabilities of most Plasmodium ABC members.
  • MDR1 and other ABC proteins are potential candidates for mediating antimalarial drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into the Plasmodium ABC family is crucial for understanding and combating drug resistance.
  • Targeting ABC transporters could offer new strategies for overcoming multidrug resistance in malaria.
  • Elucidating the roles of these proteins is essential for developing effective and sustainable malaria treatments.

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