The mechanism and applications of mitochondrial electron transport chain in regulating stem cell fate through reactive oxygen species
SUN Ling
CHEN Fei
Abstract：The mitochondrial electron transport chain(ETC)transfers electrons from reducing donors to oxygen through four enzyme complexes,while driving proton translocation across the inner membrane to create a proton gradient.The F1F0 ATP synthase utilizes this gradient to synthesize ATP,completing the cellular energy conversion process.During electron transfer,a small fraction of electrons may leak from the ETC,leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).ROS play crucial physiological roles in stem cell proliferation,differentiation,and self-renewal,making the precise regulation of ROS levels essential for maintaining stem cell homeostasis and function.Investigating how the ETC regulates stem cell fate through ROS generation is of great significance for understanding stem cell regulatory mecha-nisms.This review primarily discusses the structure and function of ETC complexes,the mechanisms by which the ETC generates ROS,and how ROS mediate the regulation of stem cell fate,and specifically fo-cuses on the pathway by which ETC generates ROS and regulates stem cell fate.Exploring this mecha-nism not only provides new perspectives for oxygen radical research but also offers potential therapeutic targets for the clinical management of tumors,aging-related conditions,neurodegenerative diseases,and other diseases related to stem cell function.
Keywords：mitochondriareactive oxygen speciesstem cellsoxidative phosphorylation
Publication Date：2026-02-25
Online Publishing Date：2026-08-28(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：9( 118-126 )