Preparation and characterization of mouse embryonic fibroblasts with K72W mutation in somatic cytochrome C gene

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) with point mutation in somatic cytochrome C gene were generated and characterized. It was shown that the substitution of lysine for tryptophan in position 72 (K72W) decreased the proapoptotic functions of cytochrome C in response to staurosporin treatment without disrupting its respiratory functions. The presence of this mutation did not affect the pattern of cytochrome C gene expression or its localization inside the cell. These cell lines therefore represent an interesting model for the study of apoptotic signaling and physiological functions of cytochrome C.