Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex (OXPHOS complex)

The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex (OXPHOS complex) refers collectively to a series of five enzyme complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane—Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase), Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase), Complex III (ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase), Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), and Complex V (ATP synthase)—that drive ATP synthesis by coupling electron transport with proton translocation and chemiosmosis[1][2][4][7][8]. These complexes transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, producing water and generating a proton gradient used to power ATP production[1][2][4]. The process is essential for meeting most cellular energy needs, regulates cell fate, and is susceptible to dysfunction, linking it to diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders[2][4][5]. **Note on specificity:** The query refers to "mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes" in plural, which is not specific to an individual molecular target but rather a group of closely linked enzyme complexes (Complex I–V), each of which can be considered a target on its own[8]. For structured data extraction and drug development, it is usually preferable to refer to each specific complex (e.g., "NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase" for Complex I). The current form is overly broad and would require disambiguation for most research or clinical applications, especially as drugs often target a specific complex or even subunits thereof[3][6].

Other names

Electron transport chain complexMitochondrial respiratory chain complexETC complex

Inhibition of electron transfer, Inhibition of ATP synthesis, Disruption of proton gradient, Generation/inhibition of reactive oxygen species, AMPK activation (for metformin), Induction of apoptosis