Recombinant Nostoc sp. Cytochrome c biogenesis protein CcsB (ccsB)

Introduction to Recombinant Nostoc sp. Cytochrome c Biogenesis Protein CcsB (ccsB)

Recombinant Nostoc sp. Cytochrome c biogenesis protein CcsB (ccsB) is a crucial component in the biogenesis of cytochromes c, which are essential electron transport proteins found in various organisms, including bacteria and cyanobacteria. The protein CcsB is part of the system II biogenesis pathway, which facilitates the covalent attachment of heme to apocytochrome c, enabling its maturation into functional cytochrome c. This process involves several key proteins, with CcsB playing a pivotal role alongside CcsA in the minimal system II synthetase .

Structure and Function of CcsB

CcsB is a membrane-bound protein that works in conjunction with CcsA to form the cytochrome c synthase complex. This complex is responsible for the delivery and ligation of heme to apocytochrome c in the periplasmic space of bacteria . The protein contains a conserved motif and is part of the heme handling protein (HHP) superfamily, which is involved in heme trafficking and attachment .

Key Features of Recombinant CcsB

• Species: Nostoc sp.

• Source: Expressed in E. coli.

• Tag: His-tagged for purification.

• Protein Length: Full-length, 1-461 amino acids.

• Form: Lyophilized powder.

• Purity: Greater than 90% as determined by SDS-PAGE .

Biogenesis of Cytochromes c

The system II pathway, which includes CcsB, is utilized by various bacteria and cyanobacteria for cytochrome c biogenesis. This pathway involves the reduction of cysteine residues in the apocytochrome c, followed by the transmembrane transport of heme and its covalent attachment via thioether bonds . CcsB, in combination with CcsA, is essential for this process, as it facilitates the heme delivery and ligation steps .

Expression and Purification

Recombinant CcsB is typically expressed in E. coli, allowing for efficient production and purification. The His-tag facilitates affinity purification, making it easier to obtain high-purity protein preparations . This recombinant protein can be used in various biochemical assays to study cytochrome c biogenesis mechanisms.

Potential Applications

The study of recombinant CcsB contributes significantly to understanding the biogenesis of cytochromes c. This knowledge can be applied in biotechnology, particularly in optimizing the production of cytochromes c for use in bioelectrochemical systems or as models for studying electron transport mechanisms . Additionally, insights into the system II pathway can inform strategies for enhancing the efficiency of cytochrome c production in various microbial systems.