Cytochrome c Interaction with Cardiolipin Plays a Key Role in Cell Apoptosis: Implications for Human Diseases

In the cell cytochrome, c performs different functions depending on environment in which it acts; therefore, has been classified as a multifunction protein. When anchored to outer side of inner mitochondrial membrane, native cytochrome acts Schweitzer-StennerSchweitzer-Stenner that transfers electrons from reductase oxidase respiratory chain. On other hand, interact with cardiolipin (one phospholipids making up membrane) and form c/cardiolipin complex apoptotic process, protein reorganizes its structure into non-native state characterized by asymmetry. The formation is fundamental step pathway, since structural rearrangement induces peroxidase activity c, subsequent permeabilization release free cytoplasm, where activates process. Apoptosis closely related pathogenesis neoplastic, neurodegenerative cardiovascular diseases; this contest, biosynthesis remodeling are crucial for regulation Since role promoter apoptosis strictly depends conformation(s) acquires when bound such event leads traslocation cytosol, functional properties fate will be focus present review.