Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a key component of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain and is one of the most important antioxidants. Cellular CoQ10 level has been reported to decrease in aging. Several diseases are associated with low CoQ10 levels. To elucidate the physiological relevance of CoQ10, we established long-term CoQ10 deficient cell model by the administration of CoQ10 biosynthesis inhibitor, 4-nitrobenzoate (4-NB). We cultured HepG2 cell line more than two years in the medium with 4-NB (Chronic 4-NB cell). We also produced a cell model with administration of 4-NB only for 3-day (Acute 4-NB cell).
SEM analysis revealed that cell surface conditions with Chronic 4-NB cell is different from that with control HepG2 cell. Acute 4-NB cell exhibited more pseudopod.
These results show that cellular CoQ10 is important to maintain normal cell surface condition.
SEM analysis of 4-NB treatedcell lines
