Na+-translocating NADH-quinone reductase (Na+-NQR) (Na+-NQR)

Na+-translocating NADH-quinone reductase (Na+-NQR) is a primary respiratory enzyme complex found in the inner membranes of various pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio cholerae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Source: PubMed PMID: 28961953). It catalyzes the transfer of electrons from NADH to ubiquinone, coupled to the translocation of sodium ions to generate a sodium motive force (SMF) (Source: PMC4054256). This SMF is essential for bacterial ATP synthesis, motility, and nutrient transport (Source: PubMed PMID: 24811130). Since Na+-NQR is absent in humans, who use a proton-pumping Complex I instead, it is a promising target for selective antibiotics (Source: MDPI Molecules 2023). Inhibitors like korormicin and clofazimine derivatives block this enzyme, leading to bacterial death through energy depletion and reactive oxygen species production (Source: Loyola eCommons 2022). The enzyme consists of six subunits (NqrA-F) and utilizes multiple cofactors, including FAD and FMN, to facilitate electron flow (Source: PMC10331415). Targeting the unique sodium-pumping mechanism provides a strategy to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens without affecting host mitochondrial function.

Other names

Na+-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductaseNQR complexNADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-translocating)Respiratory sodium pump

Inhibition of the respiratory enzyme activity, preventing the generation of a sodium motive force required for bacterial ATP synthesis and motility, often leading to the production of lethal reactive oxygen species (Source: PubMed PMID: 28961953).