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Coenzyme Q-dependent functions of plasma membrane in the aging process
Plácido Navas1, José Manuel Villalba, Giorgio Lenaz
1Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|April 20, 2013
Summary
Coenzyme Q (Q) in the plasma membrane protects against aging by preventing oxidative damage. Calorie restriction boosts Q levels and activity, extending lifespan and reducing aging markers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate during aging, primarily from mitochondria and other membranes.
- Coenzyme Q (Q) reduction by NAD(P)H-dependent reductases is crucial for cellular respiration and antioxidant defense.
- Plasma membrane Q plays a key role in preventing lipid peroxidation and ceramide-induced apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma membrane Coenzyme Q (Q) in the aging process.
- To examine the effects of calorie restriction on plasma membrane Q content and reductase activity.
- To understand how plasma membrane Q influences aging-related pathways.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the biochemical mechanisms involving Coenzyme Q (Q) and NAD(P)H-dependent reductases.
- Analysis of changes in Q content and reductase activity in aging and calorie-restricted mammals.
- Assessment of lipid peroxidation and ceramide production in plasma membranes.
Main Results:
- Aging mammals show decreased Coenzyme Q (Q) content and reductase activity in their plasma membranes.
- Calorie restriction, a lifespan-extending intervention, increases plasma membrane Q levels and activates its reductases.
- These changes in calorie-restricted animals correlate with reduced lipid peroxidation and ceramide production.
Conclusions:
- The plasma membrane's Coenzyme Q (Q) concentration and redox state are critical regulators of the aging process.
- Maintaining plasma membrane Q homeostasis is a potential therapeutic target for mitigating aging.
- NAD(P)H-dependent reductases in the plasma membrane are key players in Q-mediated antioxidant protection during aging.
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