A gene (ertX) encoding a putative ABC transporter was cloned from the erythromycin producer Saccharopolyspora erythraea, using PCR. The primers were based on regions of homology from ABC transporters which confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics. While ertX encodes a protein with a strong degree of similarity to other macrolide ABC transporters from streptomycetes and staphylococci, it did n...

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters serve as importers and exporters for a wide variety of solutes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and are implicated in microbial drug resistance and a number of significant human genetic disorders. Initial crystal structures of the soluble nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of ABC transporters, while a significant step towards understanding the coupling ...

The phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR) has decreased the hope for successful cancer chemotherapy. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily is the largest transmembrane family. The overexpression of ABC transporters is a major determinant of MDR in cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Unfortunately, until recently, most of the strategies used to surmount ABC-transporter-me...