Succinate Dehydrogenase

Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH), also known as electron transport chain complex II, is a vital enzyme involved in both the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. It catalyzes the oxidation of succinate to fumarate, transferring electrons to ubiquinone in the electron transport chain, which is essential for ATP generation and mitochondrial function. In eukaryotes, SDH is composed of four subunits (SDHA-D), localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane, while in prokaryotes, it is found in the cytoplasmic membrane. SDH deficiency can lead to an abnormal accumulation of succinate, contributing to age-related organ degeneration in tissues expressing SUCNR1. Elevated succinate levels have been linked to skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. This highlights the importance of SDH in maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing metabolic disorders^[1][2][3].