Understanding Ubiquinone

Abstract

Ubiquinone (UQ; also known as coenzyme Q; CoQ) is a mobile component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, where it acts as a pro-oxidant in its ubisemiquinone state. Despite this, UQ is also believed to be a membrane antioxidant. These properties place UQ at the center of hotly debated questions about how mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS) impact aging and disease. New studies using transgenic mouse models have provided unexpected insights into whether, and how, UQ is required in various processes, cell types, and subcellular locations. These studies have not only shed light on the role of mitochondria and ROS in the aging process, but also question the mechanisms of action by which UQ might function as a therapeutic agent.

Keywords: coenzyme Q; electron transport; mitochondria; reactive oxygen species; ubiquinone.