Dynamic Profile of the Copper Chaperone CopP from Helicobacter Pylori Depending on the Bound Metals

Abstract

Copper is an elemental ion in living organisms. CopP from Helicobacter Pylori (HpCopP) is a copper(I)-binding protein and was suggested as regulator of copper metabolism in vivo. Previously, the metal binding property of HpCopP for Ag(I), Cu(I), and Cu(II) as well as the tertiary structure of HpCopP was shown. In this study, the dynamic profiles of HpCopP depending on metal binding were studied using {H-1}-N-15 steady-state NOE analysis. The heteroNOE experiment was performed for apo-CopP or metal-bound CopP. The obtained NOE values were analyzed and compared to figure out the effect of metals on the structural flexibility of HpCopP. As a result, Ag(I) and Cu(I) ions improved the rigidity of the structure while Cu(II) ion increased the flexibility of the structure, suggesting the oxidation of the CXXC motif decreases the structural stability of HpCopP.