Plasma membrane redox system protects cells against oxidative stress

摘要

Aerobic organisms have developed defensive systems to survive in the presence of oxygen and its highly reactive species (ROS). The cellular mechanisms of protection against oxidative injury include: (i) specific enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase; (ii) small hydrophilic molecules, such as ascorbate, glutathione and uric acid; and (iii) hydrophobic agents, such as ubiquinone and -tocopherol in membranes.1 Among these, coenzyme Q (CoQ) is the only lipid-soluble antioxidant that can be synthesized in all organisms so far studied.