Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites in the N-terminal region of PrP

Details Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites in the N-terminal region of PrP Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites in the N-terminal region of PrP

2006-06-13

arxiv.org/abs/q-bio/0606015v1

Biology

Quantitative Biology

Biomolecules

4 pages, conference proceeding

Scientific paper

The prion protein (PrP) binds Cu2+ ions in the octarepeat domain of the N-terminal tail up to full occupancy at pH=7.4. Recent experiments show that the HGGG octarepeat subdomain is responsible for holding the metal bound in a square planar coordination. By using first principle ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the Car-Parrinello type, the Cu coordination mode to the binding sites of the PrP octarepeat region is investigated. Simulations are carried out for a number of structured binding sites. Results for the complexes Cu(HGGGW)+(wat), Cu(HGGG) and the 2[Cu(HGGG)] dimer are presented. While the presence of a Trp residue and a H2O molecule does not seem to affect the nature of the Cu coordination, high stability of the bond between Cu and the amide Nitrogens of deprotonated Gly's is confirmed in the case of the Cu(HGGG) system. For the more interesting 2[Cu(HGGG)] dimer a dynamically entangled arrangement of the two monomers, with intertwined N-Cu bonds, emerges. This observation is consistent with the highly packed structure seen in experiments at full Cu occupancy.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites in the N-terminal region of PrP does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites in the N-terminal region of PrP, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites in the N-terminal region of PrP will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-46294