Structure of caa(3) cytochrome c oxidase--a nature-made enzyme-substrate complex

Biol Chem. 2013 May;394(5):579-91. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2012-0343.

Abstract

Aerobic respiration, the energetically most favorable metabolic reaction, depends on the action of terminal oxidases that include cytochrome c oxidases. The latter forms a part of the heme-copper oxidase superfamily and consists of three different families (A, B, and C types). The crystal structures of all families have now been determined, allowing a detailed structural comparison from evolutionary and functional perspectives. The A2-type oxidase, exemplified by the Thermus thermophilus caa(3) oxidase, contains the substrate cytochrome c covalently bound to the enzyme complex. In this article, we highlight the various features of caa(3) enzyme and provide a discussion of their importance, including the variations in the proton and electron transfer pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cytochrome c Group / chemistry*
  • Cytochrome c Group / metabolism
  • Cytochromes a / chemistry*
  • Cytochromes a / metabolism
  • Cytochromes a3 / chemistry*
  • Cytochromes a3 / metabolism
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / chemistry*
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / metabolism
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Structure
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Thermus thermophilus / enzymology

Substances

  • Cytochrome c Group
  • Cytochromes a3
  • cytochrome caa(3)
  • Cytochromes a
  • Electron Transport Complex IV