Recombinant Human COX8C Protein

Recombinant human COX8C protein is a engineered form of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 8C, a critical component of mitochondrial complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) in the electron transport chain. COX8C, encoded by the nuclear genome and imported into mitochondria, anchors to the inner mitochondrial membrane and participates in oxidative phosphorylation by facilitating electron transfer from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen, coupled with proton pumping to generate ATP. Unlike its isoform COX8A (ubiquitously expressed), COX8C exhibits tissue-specific expression, particularly in metabolically active tissues like skeletal muscle and heart, suggesting a regulatory role in energy metabolism under varying physiological demands.

The recombinant protein is typically produced using prokaryotic (E. coli) or eukaryotic expression systems (e.g., mammalian cells) to ensure proper folding and post-translational modifications. It often includes tags (e.g., His-tag) for purification and detection. Recombinant COX8C serves as a valuable tool for studying mitochondrial disorders, age-related degenerative diseases, and cancer, where complex IV dysfunction is implicated. Researchers also employ it to dissect COX8C’s interaction networks within the holoenzyme complex, its role in modulating enzyme activity, and mechanisms underlying tissue-specific expression. However, challenges remain in maintaining structural integrity during recombinant production due to its hydrophobic transmembrane domains. Advances in protein engineering and mitochondrial targeting strategies continue to refine its applications in both basic research and therapeutic development targeting mitochondrial pathologies.