Cycs

Function

Electron carrier protein. The oxidized form of the cytochrome c heme group can accept an electron from the heme group of the cytochrome c1 subunit of cytochrome reductase. Cytochrome c then transfers this electron to the cytochrome oxidase complex, the final protein carrier in the mitochondrial electron-transport chain.

Plays a role in apoptosis. Suppression of the anti-apoptotic members or activation of the pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family leads to altered mitochondrial membrane permeability resulting in release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Binding of cytochrome c to Apaf-1 triggers the activation of caspase-9, which then accelerates apoptosis by activating other caspases.

Post-translational modifications

Binds 1 heme c group covalently per subunit.

Phosphorylation at Tyr-49 and Tyr-98 both reduce by half the turnover in the reaction with cytochrome c oxidase, down-regulating mitochondrial respiration.

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the cytochrome c family.

Tissue Specificity

Found in embryos and in adult liver and heart.

Cellular localization

• Mitochondrion intermembrane space
• Loosely associated with the inner membrane.

Alternative names

Cycs

Database links

swissprot:P62897 entrezGene:13063

Other research areas

• Immunology & Infectious Disease