As previously described48 (link), proteins (30–50 μg) were separated on 4–20 % SDS-polyacrylamide gels and transferred onto PVDF membranes. The PVDF membranes were then blocked with 3% BSA in TBST followed by incubation with anti-Cytochrome c (Proteintech, IL) antibodies at 4 °C for 12 hours. After washing three times, PVDF membranes were incubated with HRP conjugated secondary antibodies (Cell Signaling; Danvers, MA, USA) for 1 hour at room temperature. Membrane-bound proteins were detected and analyzed by CCD digital imaging system and Image J analysis software (Version 1.49; NIH, USA), respectively.