Kinetic, thermodynamic and X-ray structural insights into the interaction of melatonin and analogues with quinone reductase 2.

ABSTRACT: Melatonin exerts its biological effects through at least two transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2, and a lower-affinity cytosolic binding site, designated MT3. MT3 has recently been identified as QR2 (quinone reductase 2) (EC 1.10.99.2) which is of significance since it links the antioxidant effects of melatonin to a mechanism of action. Initially, QR2 was believed to function analogously to QR1 in protecting cells from highly reactive quinones. However, recent studies indicate that QR2 may actually transform certain quinone substrates into more highly reactive compounds capable of causing cellular damage. Therefore it is hypothesized that inhibition of QR2 in certain cases may lead to protection of cells against these highly reactive species. Since melatonin is known to

SUBMITTER: Calamini B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3265362 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature