NR ATAC
AU Viles,J.H.
TI Copper and the prion protein - function and dysfunction
QU The Biochemist 2005 Aug; 27(4)
AB The prion protein (PrP) has the ability to infect a host, and that infectivity is conferred by its conformation.The concept of an infectious protein presents a fascinating subject for those interested in protein structure. Cu2+ binds to a region of PrP vital for prion propagation, suggesting that the misfolding and fibrillization of PrP may be profoundly influenced by the presence of Cu2+.The normal function of the prion protein has yet to be established, but its affinity for Cu2+ also suggests a role in copper homoeostasis.
AD John H. Viles, Queen Mary, University of London, UK
SP englisch