Copper induces structural changes in N-terminus of human prion protein.

Copper ions reportedly bind to the cellular prion (PrP C ) and induce PrP proteinase K (PK) resistant from (PrP res ). PrP C also plays a role in response to oxidative stress. By using purified human PrP23-98 containing octarepeats, we have found that Cu(II) induces PrP res 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]