Membrane homoeostasis and multidrug resistance in yeast

The development of MDR (multidrug resistance) in yeast is due to a number of mechanisms. The most documented mechanism is enhanced extrusion of drugs mediated by efflux pump proteins belonging to either the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) superfamily or MFS (major facilitator superfamily). These drug-efflux pump proteins are localized on the plasma membrane, and the milieu therein affects their proper functioning. Several recent studies demonstrate that fluctuations in membrane lipid composition affect the localization and proper functioning of the MDR efflux pump proteins. Interestingly, the efflux pumps of the ABC superfamily are particularly susceptible to imbalances in membrane-raft lipid constituents. This review focuses on the importance of the membrane environment in functioning of the drug-efflux pumps and explores a correlation between MDR and membrane lipid homoeostasis.