The Recombinant Danio rerio COX assembly mitochondrial protein 2 homolog, referred to here as Recombinant Danio rerio COX assembly mitochondrial protein 2 homolog (cmc2), is a protein derived from zebrafish (Danio rerio) that plays a crucial role in the assembly of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in mitochondria. COX is the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, essential for cellular respiration and energy production. The cmc2 protein is homologous to its counterparts in other organisms, such as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and humans, highlighting its conserved function across species.
Cmc2 is involved in the biogenesis of cytochrome c oxidase, which requires the incorporation of copper ions for its enzymatic activity. In yeast, Cmc2 is localized to the mitochondrial inner membrane and is crucial for maintaining COX activity and cellular respiration . The absence of Cmc2 leads to a complete loss of COX activity, underscoring its essential role in mitochondrial function . Similarly, in zebrafish, the recombinant cmc2 protein is expected to play a similar role, facilitating the assembly and function of COX.
The Recombinant Danio rerio COX assembly mitochondrial protein 2 homolog (cmc2) is available in various expression systems, including yeast, E. coli, baculovirus, and mammalian cells . This diversity in production systems allows researchers to choose the most suitable form for their experimental needs, depending on factors such as protein yield, purity, and post-translational modifications.
| Expression System | Description |
|---|---|
| Yeast | High purity, suitable for studies requiring native-like protein structure and function. |
| E. coli | Cost-effective, high yield, often used for initial protein characterization. |
| Baculovirus | Used for large-scale production with potential for complex post-translational modifications. |
| Mammalian Cells | Provides proteins with human-like post-translational modifications, ideal for studies requiring high fidelity to human biology. |
Research on cmc2 proteins, including the zebrafish homolog, has focused on their role in mitochondrial function and disease. In yeast, Cmc2 interacts with other proteins like Cmc1 to regulate copper distribution to COX and superoxide dismutase (Sod1) . This interaction is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial health and preventing oxidative stress. In humans, mutations affecting COX assembly proteins can lead to severe mitochondrial disorders, highlighting the potential therapeutic relevance of studying cmc2 and related proteins .