The malaria parasite type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase: an alternative enzyme for an alternative lifestyle.

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Fisher N, Bray PG, Ward SA, Biagini GA

The malaria parasite type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase: an alternative enzyme for an alternative lifestyle.

Trends Parasitol. 2007 Jul;23(7):305-10. Epub 2007 May 10.

PubMed ID

17499024 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

The operation of a type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (PfNDH2), also known as alternative Complex I, in the mitochondrion of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has recently been described. Unlike the Complex I of typical mitochondria, type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductases do not have transmembrane domains and are not involved directly in proton (H(+)) pumping. Here, we present a predictive model of PfNDH2, describing putative NADH-, flavin- and quinone-binding sites, as well as a possible membrane 'anchoring' region. In addition, we hypothesize that the alternative Complex I is an evolutionary adaptation to a microaerophilic lifestyle enabling (proton) uncoupled oxidation of NADH. This adaptive feature has several advantages, including: (i) a reduction of proton 'back-pressure' in the absence of extensive ATP synthesis; (ii) a reduction of mitochondrial superoxide generation; and (iii) a mechanism for the deregulated oxidation of cytosolic NADH.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
NADH	NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 9, mitochondrial	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Not Available	Details