Mitochondrial complex II can generate reactive oxygen species at high rates in both the forward and reverse reactions.

TitleMitochondrial complex II can generate reactive oxygen species at high rates in both the forward and reverse reactions.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsQuinlan CL, Orr AL, Perevoshchikova IV, Treberg JR, Ackrell BA, Brand MD
JournalJ Biol Chem
Volume287
Issue32
Pagination27255-64
Date Published2012 Aug 03
ISSN1083-351X
KeywordsElectron Transport Complex II, Hydrogen Peroxide, Mitochondria, Reactive Oxygen Species
Abstract

Respiratory complex II oxidizes succinate to fumarate as part of the Krebs cycle and reduces ubiquinone in the electron transport chain. Previous experimental evidence suggested that complex II is not a significant contributor to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in isolated mitochondria or intact cells unless mutated. However, we find that when complex I and complex III are inhibited and succinate concentration is low, complex II in rat skeletal muscle mitochondria can generate superoxide or H(2)O(2) at high rates. These rates approach or exceed the maximum rates achieved by complex I or complex III. Complex II generates these ROS in both the forward reaction, with electrons supplied by succinate, and the reverse reaction, with electrons supplied from the reduced ubiquinone pool. ROS production in the reverse reaction is prevented by inhibition of complex II at either the ubiquinone-binding site (by atpenin A5) or the flavin (by malonate), whereas ROS production in the forward reaction is prevented by malonate but not by atpenin A5, showing that the ROS from complex II arises only from the flavin site (site II(F)). We propose a mechanism for ROS production by complex II that relies upon the occupancy of the substrate oxidation site and the reduction state of the enzyme. We suggest that complex II may be an important contributor to physiological and pathological ROS production.

DOI10.1074/jbc.M112.374629
Alternate JournalJ. Biol. Chem.
PubMed ID22689576
PubMed Central IDPMC3411067
Grant ListP01 AG025901 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
PL1 AG032118 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG033542 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
TL1 AG032116 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States