Regensburg 2025 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 17: Poster Session II

BP 17.57: Poster

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 18:00–20:30, P4

Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Structural and Thermal Dynamics in Cytochrome c-DNA Complex — •Berken Hamarat, Damla Melisa Balci, and Günnur Güler — Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Türkiye

Cytochrome c (Cytc) plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and apoptosis, with potential for biosensor applications due to its electron transfer capabilities. The binding of Cytc to DNA enables its consideration as a target molecule in biosensors and facilitates the modulation of Cytc's electronic properties via protein-DNA interactions. Temperature-controlled FT-IR spectroscopy in the transmission mode was used to investigate the structural changes and thermal stability of Cytc upon DNA complex in oxidized and reduced forms. Deuterated samples of Cytc and DNA were used during the analysis. Structural changes were observed after DNA binding, with a reduction in α-helix content, particularly in the oxidized form. Thermal stability analyses showed that the Cytc-DNA complex lost structural integrity at lower temperatures compared to free Cytc. These results indicate that DNA binding not only alters Cytc's secondary structure but also reduces its thermal stability. While Cytc's high thermal stability makes it suitable for biosensor applications, the observed changes after DNA binding, particularly the decrease in thermal stability must be minimized and optimized to ensure effective biosensor functionality. (Supported by Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, TÜBITAK 2209-B Project, 1139B412200835).

Keywords: FT-IR spectroscopy; protein-dna interactions; thermal stability; secondary structure; biosensors