Disulfide Formation in the ER and Mitochondria: Two Solutions to a Common Process

Abstract

Two Ways to Redox Regulation Eukaryotic cells control the redox environment within their cytoplasm to be generally reducing. However, the endoplasmic reticulum provides an oxidizing environment for secretory and membrane proteins. In addition, a subcompartment of mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cell—also generates an oxidizing environment for constituent and itinerant proteins. Riemer et al. (p. 1284 ) review the current understanding of both eukaryotic redox machineries and highlight their implications for the biogenesis and regulation of protein function, focusing on the impact of these systems on health and disease.