Citation:
I., A. ; E., S. D. ; S., Y. ; M., H. Determining the structure and binding mechanism of oxytocin-Cu2+ complex using paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR analysis. J. Biol. Inorg. Chem. 2021.
Abstract:
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that binds copper ions in nature. The structure of oxytocin in interaction with Cu2+ was determined here by NMR, showing which atoms of the peptide are involved in binding. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR analyses indicated a binding mechanism where the amino terminus was required for binding and subsequently Tyr2, Ile3 and Gln4 bound in that order. The aromatic ring of Tyr2 formed a π-cation interaction with Cu2+.
