A Conformational Switch to beta-Sheet Structure in Cytochrome c Leads to Heme Exposure.Implications for Cardiolipin Peroxidation and Apoptosis

摘要

We report resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopic evidence for a hitherto unrecognized conformational transition to beta-sheet structure in cytochrome c (cyt c),which may have important functional consequences.In addition to its electron-transfer activity in mitochondria,cyt c plays a key role in apoptosis,and partial unfolding seems to be a critical element in the mechanism.