Pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent dehydrogenase (PQQ-dependent dehydrogenase)

Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a small-molecule aromatic orthoquinone that functions as a redox cofactor and is considered a “longevity vitamin.” It is essential for the catalytic activity of several bacterial oxidoreductase enzymes such as glucose dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase, often referred to as quinoproteins[2][3]. In bacteria, PQQ supports energy metabolism, growth, and survival by facilitating oxidation-reduction reactions. PQQ is present in some foods and breast milk, and is required for normal development in animal models[3][4]. In humans and mammalian systems, it is researched as a nutraceutical with potential benefits for mitochondrial function, antioxidation, neuroprotection, and metabolic health, though it is not a classical drug target[2][3]. Biosynthesis of PQQ in bacteria requires several gene products (PqqA–F), with PqqF acting as a zinc-dependent protease essential for PQQ synthesis[1][4]. Human therapeutic modulation is limited to dietary supplementation; classical drugs do not target PQQ or its associated enzymes.

Other names

Quinoprotein dehydrogenasePQQ-dependent alcohol dehydrogenasePQQ-dependent glucose dehydrogenase

Drugs or inhibitors (mostly experimental) act by interfering with the catalytic function of PQQ-dependent enzymes, often through zinc coordination in the active site. Supplementation: PQQ acts as a redox modulator, influences sirtuin-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, and exerts antioxidant effects.