Cytochrome c from equine heart

Cytochrome C (Cyt C) is a nuclear DNA-encoded protein. It is derived from its precursor apo-cytochrome c and moves across the outer membrane of the mitochondria.

Research area: Apoptosis

Cytochrome c from equine heart has been used to prepare a stock solution for synthesizing and calibrating biotinylated cytochrome c. It has also been used as a component of the reaction buffer to stain electron transport chain (ETC) complex IV and determine its activity using blue-native gel electrophoresis.

The specific sites and extent of oxidation in horse cytochrome c treated with H₂O₂ and UV were characterized. It was suggested that the state of these sites could be used as a biomarker for the oxidative environment in a cell.

Cytochrome C (Cyt C) acts as a potent signaling molecule of apoptosis by activating caspase 3, a death protease. It plays a role in heme-binding with the help of cytochrome c heme lyase which facilitates its release into the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Cyt C also exhibits lipid-binding by interacting with cardiolipin, a phospholipid that initiates protein unfolding and activates the peroxidase function in Cyt C.

Cytochrome c is primarily known as an electron-carrying mitochondrial protein. The transition of cytochrome c between the ferrous and ferric states within the cell makes it an efficient biological electron-transporter and it plays a vital role in cellular oxidations in both plants and animals. It is generally regarded as a universal catalyst of respiration, forming an essential electron-bridge between the respirable substrates and oxygen

A further purification of C2506

Prepared using TCA.

View more information on cytochrome c and electron transport at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer.