pH-dependent conformational changes of ferricytochrome c induced by electrode surface microstructure

Mechanisms for the direct electron transfer of cytochrome c induced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-modified electrodes can promote the direct electron transfer (DET) of cytochrome c (Cyt c). There are several possible mechanisms that explain the DET of Cyt c. In this study, several experimental methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy were utilized to investigate the conformational changes of Cyt c induced by MWCNTs. The DET mechanism was demonstrated at various nano-levels: secondary structure, spatial orientation, and spin state. In the presence of MWCNTs, the secondary structure of Cyt c changes, which exposes the active site, then, the orientation of the heme is optimized, revolving the exposed active center to the optimum spatial orientation for DET; and finally, a transition of spin states is induced, providing relatively high energy and a more open microenvironment for electron transfer. These changes at different nano-levels are closely connected and form a complex process that promotes the electron transfer of Cyt c.

Conformational stability and dynamics of cytochrome c affect its alkaline isomerization

The alkaline isomerization of horse heart ferricytochrome c (cyt c) has been studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy in the presence of the Hofmeister series of anions: chloride, bromide, rhodanide and perchlorate. The anions significantly affect the apparent pK (a) value of the transition in a concentration-dependent manner according to their position in the Hofmeister series. The Soret region of the absorption spectra is not affected by the presence of the salts and shows no significant structural perturbation of the heme crevice. In the presence of perchlorate and rhodanide anions, the cyanide exchange rate between the bulk solvent and the binding site is increased. These results imply higher flexibility of the protein structure in the presence of chaotropic salts. The thermal and isothermal denaturations monitored by differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism, respectively, showed a decrease in the conformational stability of cyt c in the presence of the chaotropic salts. A positive correlation between the stability, DeltaG, of cyt c and the apparent pK (a) values that characterize the alkaline transition indicates the presence of a thermodynamic linkage between these conformational transitions. In addition, the rate constant of the cyanide binding and the partial molar entropies of anions negatively correlate with the pK (a) values. This indicates the important role of anion-induced solvent reorganization on the structural flexibility of cyt c in the alkaline transitions.

Cytochrome c Superstructure Biocomposite Nucleated by Gold Nanoparticle: Thermal Stability and Voltammetric Behavior

The thermal stability of cytochrome c (cyt c) after Au-nanoparticle-directed association has been studied by various spectroscopic (electronic absorption, resonance Raman, and circular dichroism) and electrochemical methods. The results show that the thermal stability of the Au-cyt c superstructure biocomposite formed by the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions among the associated proteins increases significantly. It is mainly caused by strong hydrophobicity of the associated cyt c in Au-cyt c superstructure at high temperature, which results from the compact secondary structure and the packing of hydrophobic side chains around the Trp 59 and heme. In addition, the formation of bis-His configuration of heme is facilitated by the tightly self-associated state of cyt c in the Au-cyt c superstructure. The electrostatic coupling of the opposite charges among shells of the adsorbed proteins due to the formation of the superstructure biocomposite can reduce repulsions among the same charges in protein. These factors are also important for enhancing the stability of the associated cyt c. Furthermore, the voltammetric behavior of Au-cyt c at DNA modified glassy carbon electrode has been investigated for extending the application of Au-cyt c.