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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
05:27
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Sensitivity to Na+ Reveals Partially Segmented Functional CoQ Pools
Published on: July 20, 2022
Resolving the subcellular redox landscape of Coenzyme Q
Tae Ha Kim1, Chi Thi Ngoc Nguyen1, Dahee Jang1
1College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
Cell Chemical Biology
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Accurate measurement of Coenzyme Q (CoQ) redox status is now possible using a novel dual-isotope LC-MS/MS platform. This method reveals distinct CoQ redox profiles in cellular compartments, aiding ferroptosis and metabolism research.
Area of Science:
- Redox biology
- Biochemistry
- Cellular metabolism
Background:
- Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is vital for electron transport and antioxidant functions.
- Its biological roles are redox-state dependent.
- Accurate CoQ redox measurement is challenging due to ex vivo oxidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust method for quantifying Coenzyme Q redox status.
- To investigate compartment-specific CoQ redox differences.
- To analyze CoQ redox changes during ferroptosis.
Main Methods:
- Development of a dual-isotope-based oxidation-correction LC-MS/MS platform.
- Integration with rapid subcellular fractionation.
- Analysis of CoQ redox status in various biological matrices, including plasma.
Main Results:
- The platform enables accurate quantification of CoQ redox status across diverse samples.
- Cytosolic CoQ10H2/CoQ10 ratio is higher than in mitochondria.
- Compartment-specific remodeling of CoQ redox status occurs during ferroptosis.
Conclusions:
- The developed platform provides a broadly applicable tool for redox biology research.
- It facilitates the study of ferroptosis, mitochondrial metabolism, and biomarker discovery.
- Accurate CoQ redox analysis offers new insights into cellular functions.
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