Mitochondrial compartmentalization of redox processes

Knowledge of location and intracellular subcompartmentalization is essential for the understanding of redox processes, because oxidants, owing to their reactive nature, must be generated close to the molecules modified in both signaling and damaging processes. Here we discuss known redox characteristics of various mitochondrial microenvironments. Points covered are the locations of mitochondrial oxidant generation, characteristics of antioxidant systems in various mitochondrial compartments, and diffusion characteristics of oxidants in mitochondria. We also review techniques used to measure redox state in mitochondrial subcompartments, antioxidants targeted to mitochondrial subcompartments, and methodological concerns that must be addressed when using these tools.

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► We discuss the redox characteristics of various mitochondrial microenvironments.
► We review the locations of mitochondrial oxidant generation and antioxidant systems and diffusion characteristics of oxidants in mitochondria.
► Techniques used to measure the redox state in mitochondrial subcompartments are summarized.
► We also discuss antioxidants targeted to mitochondrial subcompartments.