[Two faces of cytochrome c].
This is an outline of the history of research on cytochrome c. Cytochromes were first discovered by Charles A. MacMunn (1886) and re-discovered by David Keilin (1925) who also identified their function in cell respiration. The role of cytochrome c in the mitochondrial electron transport chain has been well established, thus pointing to a vital role of this haemoprotein in cell function. Yet, towards the end of the last century, a novel role of cytochrome c, namely as a signal molecule for the programmed cell death (apoptosis), has been described. Differences in aminoacid composition of cytochrome c have also been used as markers of biochemical evolution. The article ends with a short biographic note on David Keilin.
Wojtczak
Lech
L
Instytut Biologii Doświadczalnej PAN im. Marcelego Nenckiego, Warszawa. l.wojtczak@nencki.gov.pl
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D045304:Cytochromes c / Q000266:history* / Q000378:metabolism*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D051336:Mitochondrial Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010802:Phylogeny; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000378:metabolism
D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D045304:Cytochromes c; D020169:Caspases