The ternary complex of cytochrome f and cytochrome c: identification of a second binding site and competition for plastocyanin binding.

Abstract

The complex of yeast cytochrome c and cytochrome f from the cyanobacterium Phormidium laminosum was investigated by NMR spectroscopy. Chemical shift perturbation analysis reveals that residues around the haem edge of cytochrome c are involved in the complex interface. Binding curves derived from an NMR spectroscopy titration at 10 mM ionic strength indicate that there are two sites for cytochrome c with binding constants of approximately 2 x 10(4) M(-1) and 4 x 10(3) M(-1). A protein docking simulation with NMR-derived constraints identifies two sites, at the front (Site I) and back faces (Site II) of the haem region of cytochrome f. Site I is homologous to the binding site previously determined for the natural cytochrome f partner plastocyanin. Site II may represent the binding site for the Rieske protein in the cytochrome bf complex. Cytochrome c and plastocyanin are shown to compete for binding at Site I. The competition appears to involve electrostatic screening rather than simple steric occlusion of the binding site.