Abstract 2384 Active Site Residues of Coq11, an Atypical Short-Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase, are Essential for Efficient Coenzyme Q Biosynthesis

Coenzyme Q (CoQ or ubiquinone) is a redox-active lipid molecule that acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, aiding in energy metabolism. CoQ is synthesized in the mitochondrial matrix by a multi-subunit, high-molecular-mass protein-lipid complex termed the CoQ Synthome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Recently, the polypeptide Coq11 was identified as a novel member of the yeast CoQ Synthome. Deletion of COQ11 has been shown to significantly reduce, but not abolish, de novo CoQ biosynthesis.