Plasma membrane electron transport system (PMET)

The plasma membrane electron transport system (PMET) is a complex network of cytosolic and membrane-associated oxidoreductase enzymes embedded in the plasma membrane that transfer electrons from intracellular donors (primarily NADH and NADPH) to extracellular acceptors. This system helps maintain cellular redox homeostasis, supports metabolic processes (such as regulation of glycolytic flux in pancreatic β-cells), and provides defense against oxidative stress. Its composition varies across cell types and may involve enzymes such as NADH-cytochrome B5 oxidoreductase, NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and NADPH oxidases (e.g., NOX2). While it plays important physiological roles, "plasma membrane electron transport system" is not a single protein or druggable target but a descriptor for a distributed, functionally related assembly of redox enzymes.

Other names

PMET systemPlasma membrane redox systemCell surface electron transport

Inhibitors of PMET components might block cellular redox cycling, reduce extracellular electron transfer, or alter reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.