CYT2

CYT2, also known as CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE SUBUNIT 2, is a protein encoded by the CYT2 gene. This gene is found in the mitochondrial DNA of many organisms, including humans. CYT2 is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, specifically playing a crucial role in complex IV, also known as cytochrome c oxidase. This complex is essential for cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy in the form of ATP.

The protein encoded by CYT2 is one of the catalytic subunits of cytochrome c oxidase. It contains a binuclear center comprising a heme a and a copper A center, which are vital for electron transfer from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen. This electron transfer ultimately leads to the reduction of oxygen to water, releasing protons that drive ATP synthesis. Mutations in the CYT2 gene have been associated with various mitochondrial diseases, often affecting tissues with high energy demands such as the brain and muscles. These diseases can manifest with a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, neurological dysfunction, and developmental delays. Research into CYT2 and its function continues to shed light on the intricate mechanisms of cellular energy production and the genetic basis of mitochondrial disorders.