Molecular Features of the Zn2+ Binding Site in the Prion Protein Probed by 113Cd NMR

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a zinc binding protein that contributes to the regulation of Zn2+ and other divalent species of the central nervous system. Zn2+ coordinates to the flexible, N-terminal repeat region of PrPC and drives a tertiary contact between this repeat region and a well-defined cleft of the C-terminal domain. The tertiary structure promoted by Zn2+ is thought to regulate inherent PrPC toxicity. Despite the emerging consensus regarding the interaction between Zn2+ and PrPC, there is little direct spectroscopic confirmation of the metal ion's coordination details.

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