Functional connections and pathways of coenzyme Q10-inducible genes: An in-silico study

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone) is an essential cofactor in the electron transport chain, serves as a potent antioxidant in mitochondria and lipid membranes, and is often used as a dietary supplement for a number of diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Recently, we obtained evidence that CoQ10 (Kaneka Q10™) affects the expression of hundreds of human genes. To decipher the functional and regulatory connections of these genes, a literature search combined with transcription factor binding site analysis was performed using Genomatix BiblioSphere and MatInspector. This in-silico analysis revealed 17 CoQ10-inducible genes which are functionally connected by signalling pathways of G-protein coupled receptors, JAK/STAT, integrin, and beta-arrestin. Promoter analysis of these CoQ10-inducible genes showed one group of NFκ B-regulated genes, namely IL5, thrombin, vitronectin receptor and C-reactive protein (CRP). Furthermore, a common promoter framework containing binding sites of the transcription factor families EVI1, HOXF, HOXC, and CLOX was identified in the promoters of IL5, CRP, and vitronectin receptor. The identified CoQ10-inducible genes and pathways play an important role in inflammatory response. Since these effects are based on an in-vitro study, the effect of CoQ10 on vascular health in vivo needs to be addressed in further animal and/or human intervention studies. © 2007 IUBMB.