Complexities of complex II: Sulfide metabolism in vivo

High levels of H(2)S produced by gut microbiota can block oxygen utilization by inhibiting mitochondrial complex IV. Kumar et al. have shown how cells respond to this inhibition by using the mitochondrial sulfide oxidation pathway and reverse electron transport. The reverse activity of mitochondrial complex II (succinate-quinone oxidoreductase, i.e., fumarate reduction) generates oxidized coenzyme Q, which is then reduced by the mitochondrial sulfide quinone oxidoreductase to oxidize H(2)S. This newly identified redox circuitry points to the importance of complex II reversal in mitochondria during periods of hypoxia and cellular stress.