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Copper induces structural changes in N-terminus of human prion protein
Bo Lu1, Lili Zhao2, Kefeng Qin3
1Department of Physiology, Pre-Clinical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China.
Abstract:
Copper ions reportedly bind to the cellular prion (PrPC) and induce PrP proteinase K (PK) resistant from (PrPres). PrPC also plays a role in response to oxidative stress. By using purified human PrP23-98 containing octarepeats, we have found that Cu(II) induces PrPres determined by Western blots and atomic force microscopy, and structural changes detected by hydrogen/deuterium exchange in the PrP N-terminus. Therefore, we have provided the evidence that copper ions play an important role in the change of N-terminus of human prion protein.
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