Cytochrome c: Proteins and Enzymes

Cytochrome c is a small, highly conserved, heme-containing protein involved in mitochondrial electron transport. Cytochrome c is released from the mitochondria in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli and serves as a cofactor in initiating the activation of the APAF-1/Caspase-9 complex. The effect of specific proteins and/or small molecules on the initiation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway can be evaluated in an in vitro system of isolated mitochondria by monitoring the release of cytochrome c.