Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit VIIc (COX7c)

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is the terminal component of the bacterial as well as the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex that catalyzes the conversion of redox energy to ATP. Human COX is composed of 13 subunits, the 3 largest of which are encoded by mitochondrial DNA and represent the catalytic core of the enzyme. The smaller subunits have regulatory functions and are nuclear-encoded.

The COX VIIc subunit is found in all mammalian tissues. The deduced 63-amino acid protein contains a 16-amino acid presequence. the presequences of mouse, bovine, and human COX VIIc are identical. The mature human protein shares 84% and 81% sequence identity with bovine and mouse COX VIIc, respectively.