Laser-controlled Interaction of Cytocrome c with Lipids May Not Disrupt Apoptotic Pathway

Abstract

Association of globular protein cytochrome c with lipids causes structural rearrangement of the former and may lead to apoptosis and cell death via corrupting energy metabolism in mitochondria. Laser light could change the kinetics of protein-lipid complex formation. To get insights into the possibilities of laser triggered photo-inactivation of apoptosis-leading interactions of haemoprotein with lipid membranes we have studied the effect of HeNe laser irradiation of protein solutions and aqueous suspensions of liposomes of different lipid composition on the process of complex formation between cytochrome c and spherical lipid vesicles. It was shown that laser light is not able to decrease the constant of association especially with liposomes containing cardiolipin. Mechanisms of established effect are under consideration. Further experiments with laser-treated mitochondria and different modes of laser application are planned to substantiate the viability of assumed pro-apoptotic treatment.