Cu(I) Recognition Via Cation-Pi and Methionine Interactions in Cusf.
Xue, Y., Davis, A.V., Balakrishnan, G., Stasser, J.P., Staehlin, B.M., Focia, P., Spiro, T.G., Penner-Hahn, J.E., O'Halloran, T.V.(2008) Nat Chem Biol 4: 107
- PubMed: 18157124 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.2007.57
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
2VB2, 2VB3 - PubMed Abstract: 
Methionine-rich motifs have an important role in copper trafficking factors, including the CusF protein. Here we show that CusF uses a new metal recognition site wherein Cu(I) is tetragonally displaced from a Met2His ligand plane toward a conserved tryptophan. Spectroscopic studies demonstrate that both thioether ligation and strong cation-pi interactions with tryptophan stabilize metal binding. This novel active site chemistry affords mechanisms for control of adventitious metal redox and substitution chemistry.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.