Regulation of Synthesis of Coenzyme Q10

Abstract

The regulation of gene expression needs many mechanisms of control which are multiple and diverse, encompassing from DNA structure to synthesis, modification and location of proteins. These processes, in addition to being tissuespecific, change during embryonic development and throughout the life of the organism. CoQ 10 is essential to maintain cell homeostasis and to increase life-span. CoQ 10 biosynthesis pathway is strictly regulated and this program involves different levels of regulation (transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational).Here we have focused on processes of post-transcriptional regulation governed by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and review the role of these RBPs in senescence and aging. Finally, we report post-transcriptional and post-translational events involved in the regulation of several COQs genes involved in the CoQ 10 synthesis complex assembly. The knowledge of processes that control CoQ 10 levels in cells is key to develop therapies to stimulate the endogenous synthesis of CoQ 10 .