The assembly of succinate dehydrogenase: a key enzyme in bioenergetics

Abstract

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) also known as complex II or succinate:quinone oxidoreductase is an enzyme involved in both oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid cycle; the processes that generate energy. SDH is a multi-subunit enzyme which requires a series of proteins for its proper assembly at several steps. This enzyme has medical significance as there is a broad range of human diseases from cancers to neurodegeneration related to SDH malfunction. Some of these disorders have recently been linked to defective assembly factors, reinvigorating further research in this area. Apart from that this enzyme has agricultural importance as many fungicides have been/will be designed targeting specifically this enzyme in plant fungal pathogens. In addition, we speculate it might be possible to design novel fungicides specifically targeting fungal assembly factors. Considering the medical and agricultural implications of SDH, the aim of this review is an overview of the SDH assembly factors and critical analysis of controversial issues around them.

Keywords: Complex II; Fumarate reductase; Mitochondria; Oxidative phosphorylation; Succinate:quinone oxidoreductases; Tricarboxylic acid cycle.