Redox state of cytochrome c regulates cellular ROS and caspase cascade in permeablized cell model.

In a permeablized cell system, oxidized cyt c is able to induce caspase cascade whereas reduced cyt c cannot. In in vitro experiments, oxidized cyt c can promote H(2)O(2) generation. It is suggested that the redox state of cyt c might regulate the initiation of apoptosis via regulation of cellular ROS level.