Protein metalation in biology.

Andrew W Foster, Tessa R Young, Peter T Chivers, Nigel J Robinson

Journal: Current opinion in chemical biology 2022;66():102095

PMID: 34763208

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Abstract

Inorganic metals supplement the chemical repertoire of organic molecules, especially proteins. This requires the correct metals to associate with proteins at metalation. Protein mismetalation typically occurs when excesses of unbound metals compete for a binding site ex vivo. However, in biology, excesses of metal-binding sites typically compete for limiting amounts of exchangeable metals. Here, we summarise mechanisms of metal homeostasis that sustain optimal metal availabilities in biology. We describe recent progress to understand metalation by comparing the strength of metal binding to a protein versus the strength of binding to competing sites inside cells.

Address: Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK; Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.; Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK; Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.102095

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MeSH Terms: Biology, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Metals, Zinc