Modeling protein-protein complexes involved in the cytochrome c oxidase copper-delivery pathway

Abstract

Proper assembly and function of cytochrome c oxidase, which catalyzes the reduction of O-2 and generates the proton gradient driving ATP synthesis, depend on correct copper delivery and incorporation. Structural details about the protein-protein complexes involved in this process are still missing. We describe here models of four complexes along this pathway obtained by combining bioinformatics interface predictions with information-driven docking and discuss their relevance with respect to known and pathogenic mutations.