4 research outputs found
Alternative NADH dehydrogenase extends lifespan and increases resistance to xenobiotics in Drosophila
Production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species both affect reproductive success in male and female Drosophila melanogaster
Molecular Structure, Biosynthesis, and Distribution of Coenzyme Q
Coenzyme Q is a very old molecule in evolutionary terms that has accumulated numerous functions in the cellular metabolism beyond its primordial function, the electron transport. In all organisms, coenzyme Q maintains a highly conserved structure allowing a localization inside cell membranes in a hydrophobic environment thanks to having an isoprenoid tail, and at the same time allows the polar ring benzene to interact with acceptors and electron donors. Coenzyme Q deficiency constitutes a group of mitochondrial diseases. Affected patients suffer mainly a decrease in energy production that induces dysfunctions in most organs and body systems. Current therapeutic alternatives are based on increasing coenzyme Q levels either through induction of endogenous mechanisms or exogenous supplementation. This chapter includes both aspects, the mechanisms associated with the coenzyme Q supplementation and the regulatory mechanisms of coenzyme Q biosynthesis. In terms of synthesis, the structure of coenzyme Q is complicated since it requires the participation of two well-differentiated pathways that must be carefully regulated. The synthesis is carried out through the participation of a multienzyme complex located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and controlled by different levels of regulation that at this time are not well-known