The link between redox balance and (mitochondrial) energy metabolism

Background: ATP is generated through cellular respiration in mitochondria, making these cell organelles important for cellular metabolism. Mitochondria are the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as unpaired electrons are generated in the process of oxidative phosphorylation. As a consequence, mitochondria are well equipped with antioxidant defences. High levels of ROS are strongly related to metabolic complications.

Questions: What is the metabolic consequence of redox balance versus imbalance? What tips the scale? Is this influenced by physiological status like obese or insulin resistant vs healthy? Is this influenced by nutritional status? Is redox state an interesting target for nutritional or therapeutic intervention strategies?

Aims: Integrate results from research papers to create an overview about one or more questions related to this topic (exact topic to be determined with supervisor). The aim is to go into depth by describing molecular pathways or the involvement of specific protein(s).