Cytochrome c as an experimental model protein

Mitochondrial cytochrome c is among the most intensively studied of all proteins. Initial interest was in its role in the respiratory chain and as a model for studies of protein structure, folding and electron transfer. The function of cytochrome c in signalling apoptosis has brought a new wave of research into the protein. Bacterial cytochromesc are more complex and varied in function. This review highlights some of these roles and expands on systems for producing holocytochrome cproteins. Cytochrome c is one of the most studied proteins. This perspective outlines its role as a model metalloprotein and methods for producing holocytochromes c.