Complex IV – The regulatory center of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

ATP, the universal energy currency in all living cells, is mainly synthesized in mitochondria by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The final and rate limiting step of the respiratory chain is cytochrome c oxidase (COX) which represents the regulatory center of OXPHOS. COX is regulated through binding of various effectors to its “supernumerary” subunits, by reversible phosphorylation, and by expression of subunit isoforms. Of particular interest is its feedback inhibition by ATP, the final product of OXPHOS. This “allosteric ATP-inhibition” of phosphorylated and dimeric COX maintains a low and healthy mitochondrial membrane potential (relaxed state), and prevents the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) which are known to cause numerous diseases. Excessive work and stress abolish this feedback inhibition of COX by Ca2+-activated dephosphorylation which leads to monomerization and movement of NDUFA4 from complex I to COX with higher rates of COX activity and ATP synthesis (active state) but increased ROS formation and decreased efficiency.