Cell detoxification of secondary metabolites by P4-ATPase-mediated vesicle transport

Mechanisms for cellular detoxification of drug compounds are of significant interest in human health. Cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) are widely known antifungal and immunosuppressive microbial natural products. However, both compounds can result in significant side effects when used as immunosuppressants. The insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana shows resistance to CsA and FK506. However, the mechanisms underlying the resistance have remained unknown. Here, we identify a P4-ATPase gene, BbCRPA, from the fungus, which confers resistance via a unique vesicle mediated transport pathway that targets the compounds into detoxifying vacuoles. Interestingly, the expression of BbCRPA in plants promotes resistance to the phytopathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae via detoxification of the mycotoxin cinnamyl acetate using a similar pathway. Our data reveal a new function for a subclass of P4-ATPases in cell detoxification. The P4-ATPases conferred cross-species resistance can be exploited for plant disease control and human health protection.