Trans-plasma membrane electron transport in mammals: functional significance in health and disease

Antioxid Redox Signal. 2011 Jun;14(11):2289-318. doi: 10.1089/ars.2010.3247. Epub 2011 Mar 3.

Abstract

Trans-plasma membrane electron transport (t-PMET) has been established since the 1960s, but it has only been subject to more intensive research in the last decade. The discovery and characterization at the molecular level of its novel components has increased our understanding of how t-PMET regulates distinct cellular functions. This review will give an update on t-PMET, with particular emphasis on how its malfunction relates to some diseases, such as cancer, abnormal cell death, cardiovascular diseases, aging, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and genetically linked pathologies. Understanding these relationships may provide novel therapeutic approaches for pathologies associated with unbalanced redox state.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Autophagy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome Reductases / metabolism
  • Cytochromes b / metabolism
  • Electron Transport / physiology*
  • Fertilization
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Metabolic Diseases / metabolism
  • NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / metabolism
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels / metabolism

Substances

  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels
  • Cytochromes b
  • NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases
  • Cytochrome Reductases