Both Met(109) and Met(112) are utilized for Cu(II) coordination by the amyloidogenic fragment of the human prion protein at physiological pH

The prion protein is a ubiquitous neuronal membrane protein. Misfolding of the prion protein has been implicated in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases). It has been demonstrated that the human prion protein (PrP) is capable of coordinating at least five Cu^II ions under physiological conditions; four copper binding sites can be found in the octarepeat domain between residues 61 and 91, while another copper binding site can be found in the unstructured “amyloidogenic” domain between residues 91 and 126 PrP(91-126). Herein we expand upon a previous study [J. Shearer, P. Soh, Inorg. Chem. 46 (2007) 710-719] where we demonstrated that the physiologically relevant high affinity Cu^II coordination site within PrP(91-126) is found between residues 106 and 114. It was shown that Cu^II is contained within a square planar (N/O)₃S coordination environment with one His imidazole ligand (H(111)) and one Met thioether ligand (either M(109) or M(112)). The identity of the Met thioether ligand was not identified in that study. In this study we perform a detailed investigation of the Cu^II coordination environment within the PrP fragment containing residues 106-114 (PrP(106-114)) involving optical, X-ray absorption, EPR, and fluorescence spectroscopies in conjunction with electronic structure calculations. By using derivatives of PrP(106-114) with systematic Met → Ile “mutations” we show that the Cu^II coordination environment within PrP(106-114) is actually comprised of a mixture of two major species; one Cu^II(N/O)₃S center with the M(109) thioether coordinated to Cu^II and another Cu^II(N/O)₃S center with the M(112) thioether coordinated to Cu^II. Furthermore, deletion of one or more Met residues from the primary sequence of PrP(106-114) both reduces the Cu^II affinity of the peptide by two to seven fold, and renders the resulting Cu^II metallopeptides redox inactive. The biological implications of these findings are discussed.     

Ab initio simulations of Cu binding sites on the N-terminal region of prion protein

The human prion protein binds Cu²⁺ ions in the octarepeat domain of the N-terminal tail up to full occupancy at pH 7.4. Recent experiments have shown that the HGGG octarepeat subdomain is responsible for holding the metal bound in a square-planar configuration. By using first principle ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the Car–Parrinello type, the coordination of copper to the binding sites of the prion protein octarepeat region is investigated. Simulations are carried out for a number of structured binding sites. Results for the complexes Cu(HGGGW)(wat), Cu(HGGG), and [Cu(HGGG)]₂ are presented. While the presence of a Trp residue and a water molecule does not seem to affect the nature of the copper coordination, high stability of the bond between copper and the amide nitrogen of deprotonated Gly residues is confirmed in all cases. For the more interesting [Cu(HGGG)]₂ complex, a dynamically entangled arrangement of the two domains with exchange of amide nitrogen bonds between the two copper centers emerges, which is consistent with the short Cu–Cu distance observed in experiments at full copper occupancy.     

The configuration of the Cu2+ binding region in full-length human prion protein

The cellular prion protein (PrP^C) is a Cu²⁺ binding protein connected to the outer cell membrane. The molecular features of the Cu²⁺ binding sites have been investigated and characterized by spectroscopic experiments on PrP^C-derived peptides and the recombinant human full-length PrP^C (hPrP-[23-231]). The hPrP-[23-231] was loaded with ⁶³Cu under slightly acidic (pH 6.0) or neutral conditions. The PrP^C/Cu²⁺-complexes were investigated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR). For comparison, peptides from the copper-binding octarepeat domain were investigated in different environments. Molecular mechanics computations were used to select sterically possible peptide/Cu²⁺ structures. The simulated EPR, ENDOR, and EXAFS spectra of these structures were compared with our experimental data. For a stoichiometry of two octarepeats per copper the resulting model has a square planar four nitrogen Cu²⁺ coordination. Two nitrogens belong to imidazole rings of histidine residues. Further ligands are two deprotonated backbone amide nitrogens of the adjacent glycine residues and an axial oxygen of a water molecule. Our complex model differs significantly from those previously obtained for shorter peptides. Sequence context, buffer conditions and stoichiometry of copper show marked influence on the configuration of copper binding to PrP^C. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Synthesis, spectral and magnetical characterization of monomeric [Cu(2-NO2bz)2(nia)2(H2O)2] and structural analysis of similar [Cu(RCOO)2(L-N)2(H2O)2] complexes

A new complex of composition [Cu(2-NO₂bz)₂(nia)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) (nia = nicotinamide, 2-NO₂bz = 2-nitrobenzoate) has been prepared and its composition and stereochemistry as well as coordination mode have been determined by elemental analysis, electronic, infrared and EPR spectroscopy, magnetization measurements over the temperature range 1.8-300 K, and its structure has been solved, as well. The complex structure consists of the centrosymmetric molecules with Cu(II) atom monodentately coordinated by the pair of 2-nitrobenzoato anions and by the pair of nicotinamide molecules, forming nearly tetragonal basal plane, and by a pair of water molecules that complete tetragonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron about the copper atom. The complex 1 exhibits magnetic moment μ_eff = 1.86 B.M. at 300 K which decreases to μ_eff = 1.83 B.M. at 1.8 K. The magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence obeys Curie-Weiss law with Curie constant of 0.442 cm³ K mol⁻¹ and with Weiss constant of −1.0 K. EPR spectra at room temperature as well as at 77 K are of axial type with g_⊥ = 2.065 and g_∥ = 2.280 and exhibit clearly, but partially resolved parallel hyperfine splitting with A_II = 160 G, that is consistent with the determined molecular structure of 1. In order to analyze the factors influencing the degree of tetragonal distortion of coordination polyhedron, the dataset of 72 structures similar to that of 1 was extracted from CCD and analyzed. A significant correlation between the average Cu-O_ax bond length and tetragonality parameter τ which was found as a consequence of the Jahn-Teller effect.     

Spectral properties and bio-activity of copper(II) clofibriates, part III: crystal structure of Cu(clofibriate)2(2-pyridylmethanol)2, Cu(clofibriate)2(4-pyridylmethanol)2(H2O) dihydrate, and Cu2(clofibriate)4(N,N-diethylnicotinamide)2

New copper(II) clofibriates (clof, {2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic or 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)isobutyric acid}) of composition Cu(clof)₂L₂ (where L=2-pyridylmethanol (2-pymeth) (1), N-methylnicotinamide (Menia) (4), N,N-diethylnicotinamide (Et₂nia) (5), isonicotinamide (isonia) (7) or methyl-3-pyridylcarbamate (mpc) (8)), [Cu(clof)₂(4-pymeth)₂(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (4-pymeth=4-pyridylmethanol) (2 · 2H₂O) and Cu(clof)₂L (where L=4-pymeth (3) or Et₂nia (6)) have been prepared and spectroscopically characterized. All the Cu(clof)₂L₂ compounds seem to possess distorted octahedral copper(II) stereochemistry with differing tetragonal distortions. An X-ray analysis of 1 was carried out and it featured a tetragonal-bipyramidal geometry around the copper(II) atom. X-ray analysis of 2 · 2H₂O featured a square-pyramidal geometry around copper(II) atom. Both the Cu(clof)₂L compounds seem to consist of a binuclear unit of tetracarboxylate type bridging. An X-ray analysis of 6 revealed typical binuclear paddle-wheel type structure, consisting of two copper(II) atoms in square-pyramidal geometry bridged by four carboxylate anions in the xy-plane. All complexes under study were characterized by EPR and electronic spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effects have been tested on various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi.     

A novel ferromagnetic coupling one-dimensional complex {Cu(II)(NIT3Py)2[N(CN)2]2(H2O)2}

The novel ferromagnetic coupling one-dimensional complex {Cu(NIT3Py)₂[N(CN)₂]₂(H₂O)₂} (NIT3Py=2-(3^′-pyridyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) was synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The Cu(II) ion is in a distorted octahedral environment. The units of {Cu(NIT3Py)₂[N(CN)₂]₂(H₂O)₂} were connected as one-dimensional structure by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Magnetic measurements show that there are intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions and intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions within the chain.     

Copper(II) complexes with peptide fragments encompassing the sequence 122-130 of human doppel protein

Copper(II) complexes of the peptide fragment (Dpl122-130) encompassing the sequence 122-130 of human doppel protein were characterized by potentiometric, UV-Visible, CD and EPR spectroscopic methods. An analogous peptide, in which the aspartate residue was substituted by an asparagine amino acid, was synthesized in order to provide evidence on the possible role of carboxylate group in copper(II) coordination. It was found that the carboxylic group is directly involved in copper(II) coordination at acidic pH, forming the CuLH₂ species with Dpl122-130. This copper(II) complex displayed EPR parameters very similar to those of the analogous complex with the whole doppel protein. At pH higher than 7, the complexes showed magnetic parameters similar to those of the major species of protein formed in the pH range 7-8, with the metal coordination environment consisting of one imidazole and three amide nitrogen atoms. The comparison of Cu-Dpl122-130 binding constant values with those of the prion peptide fragments (PrP106-114), showed that doppel peptide had a higher metal binding affinity at acidic pH whereas the prion peptide fragment binds the metal tightly at physiological pH.     

Synthesis, magnetism and X-ray structures of [Cu(2-aminopyrimidine)2(μ-OH)(CF3SO3)]2(2-aminopyrimidine)2, a new hydroxo-bridged dinuclear Cu(II) compound generating extremely small antiferromagnetism

The synthesis, optical and magnetic properties and X-ray crystal structure of [Cu(2-aminopyrimidine)₂(OH)(CF₃SO₃)]₂(2-aminopyrimidine)₂, a new dinuclear hydroxo-bridged copper(II) compound with a CuOCu angle of 97.96° and a very small antiferromagnetic interaction for which the singlet-triplet exchange parameter J, is described. The magnetic exchange coupling is almost negligible and, depending on the actual sample, varies from −1.8 to −7.2 cm⁻¹.     

Cyano-bridged cluster-metal coordination compound: synthesis and crystal structure of [Cu(NH3)3][Cu(NH3)4][Cu(NH3)5][W4Te4(CN)12]·5H2O

Dark-brown single crystals of the title compound 1 were obtained in high yield by layering a CuCl₂ solution in 25% aqueous ammonia on a glycerol solution of K₆[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·5H₂O. The complex 1 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy. The X-ray structure of 1 reveals a polymeric chain cyano-bridged cluster-metal coordination compound. The [W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]⁶⁻ cluster anions are linked one to another by Cu²⁺ cations through coordination by nitrogen atoms of the CN groups.     

Ni K-edge XAS suggests that coordination of Ni(II) to the unstructured amyloidogenic region of the human prion protein produces a Ni(2) bis-mu-hydroxo dimer

Prion diseases are thought to be caused by the misfolding of the ubiquitous neuronal membrane prion protein (PrP) through an unknown mechanism that may involve Cu(II) coordination to the PrP. Previous work has utilized Ni(II) as a diamagnetic probe for Cu(II) coordination [C.E. Jones, M. Klewpatinond, S.R. Abdelraheim, D.R. Brown, J.H. Viles, J. Mol. Biol. 346 (2005) 1393-1407]. Herein we investigate Ni(II) coordination to the PrP fragment PrP(93-114) (AcN-GGTHSQWNKPSKPKTNMKHMAG) at pH=10.0 by Ni K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). We find that two equivalents of Ni(II) will coordinate to PrP(93-114) by UV/Vis titrations and mass spectrometry. Ni K-edge XAS data is consistent with Ni(II) ligated by five N/O based ligands (three N/O ligands at 2.01(2) Angstrom and two at 1.855(2) Angstrom). We were also able to locate a Ni-Ni vector at 3.1(1) Angstrom, which suggests the two Ni(II) centers are contained in a bis-mu-hydroxo dimer. We therefore suggest that Ni(II) may not be a suitable diamagnetic mimic for Cu(II) coordination within the PrP since differential coordination modes for the two metals exist.     

Copper binding to chicken and human prion protein amylodogenic regions: Differences and similarities revealed by Ni as a diamagnetic probe

Both human (h) and chicken (Ch) prion proteins (PrP) bind copper ions within the so called “tandem repeat” N-terminal region. Outside this region, hPrP possesses two additional copper binding sites, localized at His-96 and His-111 in the so called “amylodogenic” or neurotoxic region (residues 91-126). Also ChPrP possesses a similar region (ChPrP_105−140) containing two His (His-110 and His-124) and an identical hydrophobic tail of 15 amino acids rich in Ala and Gly. The copper binding abilities within such region of ChPrP were investigated by NMR, CD and potentiometry using Ni²⁺ as diamagnetic probe. The formation of diamagnetic metal complexes allowed to monitor the chemical shift and signal intensity variations and to determine the structural and kinetic features of the His-110 and His-124 metal binding sites. Finally a comparison between the hPrP and ChPrP metal binding abilities was performed. We found that the two prion proteins exhibited different copper and nickel preferences with the favoured metal binding sites localized at opposite His: His-110 for ChPrP, and His-111 for hPrP.     

Synthesis and characterization of SrCu2(O2CR)3(bdmap)3 and Bi2(O2CCH3)4(bdmap)2(H2O) (R = CH3, CF3; bdmap = 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-propanolato)

New mixed metal complexes SrCu₂(O₂CR)₃(bdmap)₃ (R = CF₃ (1a), CH₃ (1b)) and a new dinuclear bismuth complex Bi₂(O₂CCH₃)₄(bdmap)₂(H₂O) (2) have been synthesized. Their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Thermal decomposition behaviors of these complexes have been examined by TGA and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. While compound 1a decomposes to SrF₂ and CuO at about 380°C, compound 1b decomposes to the corresponding oxides above 800°C. Compound 2 decomposes cleanly to Bi₂O₃ at 330°C. The magnetism of 1a was examined by the measurement of susceptibility from 5–300 K. Theoretical fitting for the susceptibility data revealed that 1a is an antiferromagnetically coupled system with g = 2.012(7), −2J = 34.0(8) cm⁻¹. Crystal data for 1a: C₂₇H₅₁N₆O₉F₉Cu₂Sr/THF, monoclinic space group P2₁/m, A = 10.708(6), B = 15.20(1), C = 15.404(7) Å, β = 107.94(4)°, V = 2386(2) ų, Z = 2; for 1b: C₂₇H₆₀N₆O₉Cu₂Sr/THF, orthorhombic space group Pbcn, A = 19.164(9), B = 26.829(8), C = 17.240(9) Å, V = 8864(5) ų, Z = 8; for 2: C₂₂H₄₈O₁₁N₄Bi₂, monoclinic space group P2₁/c, A = 17.614(9), B = 10.741(3), C = 18.910(7) Å, β = 109.99(3)°, V = 3362(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Trinuclear Cu(pn)2Ag2(CN)4: preparation, crystal structure and properties (pn=1,2-diaminopropane)

The new compound Cu(pn)₂Ag₂(CN)₄ (CPAC; pn=1,2-diaminopropane) was isolated from a reaction mixture containing CuSO₄, pn and K[Ag(CN)₂] and was characterized by chemical analysis, IR and UV-VIS spectroscopy, and magnetic studies. The crystal structure of CPAC is built up of trinuclear NC-Ag-CN-Cu(pn)₂-NC-Ag-CN molecules which are linked by hydrogen bonds and argentophilic interactions (Ag?Ag=3.26141(16) Å). The Cu(II) atom is coordinated in the equatorial plane by two chelate bonded pn ligands (mean Cu-N is 2.010(1) Å, while the axial positions are occupied by linear cyanoargentate anions acting as terminal ligands (Cu-N is 2.570(2) Å (2x)). The magnetic properties are well described by the Curie law down to 2 K.     

Transition metal complexes of 2-amino-3,5-dihalopyridines: Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of Cu(3,5-diCAP)2X2 and Cu(3,5-diBAP)2X2

A family of bis(2-amino-3,5-dihalopyridine)dihalocopper(II) compounds has been synthesized, including (3,5-diCAP)₂CuCl₂ (1), (3,5-diCAP)₂CuBr₂ (2), (3,5-diBAP)₂CuCl₂ (3), and (3,5-diBAP)₂CuBr₂ (4) [3,5-diCAP = 2-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine; 3,5-diBAP = 2-amino-3,5-dibromopyridine]. These complexes have been analyzed through single crystal X-ray diffraction and temperature dependant magnetic susceptibility. The compounds are all isostructural, forming bi-bridged chains with long Cu-X?Cu bridges in the crystal lattice. The two copper chloride compounds (1 and 3) exhibit weak antiferromagnetic interactions along these chains.     

Functionalised dithiocarbamate complexes: Synthesis and molecular structures of bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate complexes [M{S2CN(CH2CH2OMe)2}2] (M = Ni, Cu, Zn) and [Cu{S2CN(CH2CH2OMe)2}2][ClO4]

The bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate complexes [M{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂] (M = Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd) are readily prepared and the three lighter complexes have been crystallographically characterised. Disproportionation of [Cu{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂] upon addition of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O affords the copper(III) complex [Cu{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂][ClO₄] which has also been crystallographically characterised. Unlike other copper(III) dithiocarbamate salts, there are no intermolecular cation-cation or cation-anion interactions.     

Synthesis and study of Pt(II)-aromatic amines complexes of the types cis- and trans-Pt(amine)2(NO3)2 and cis-Pt(amine)2(R(COO)2)

Complexes of the types cis- and trans-Pt(amine)₂(NO₃)₂ with amines containing a phenyl group were synthesized and studied mainly by IR and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The cis complexes could be synthesized pure only with the amines of the type Ph-R-NH₂ (R = alkyl), while pure trans compounds were synthesized with all the studied amines. In ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy, the dinitrato complexes of the amines Ph-R-NH₂ were observed around −1700 ppm for the cis isomers and at about −1580 for the trans complexes. For the other amines, where a phenyl ring is directly attached to the amino group, the signals were observed at lower fields, −1528 ppm for cis-Pt(PhNH₂)(NO₃)₂ and around −1450 ppm for all the trans isomers. There is a linear relationship between the δ(Pt) of the Pt(amine)₂(NO₃)₂ complexes and the pK_a of the protonated amines. The coupling constants ²J(¹⁹⁵Pt-¹HN) are larger in the cis compounds (ave. 76 Hz) than in the trans isomers (ave. 63 Hz). The complexes cis-Pt(amine)₂(R(COO)₂) with bidentate dicarboxylato ligands were also synthesized and characterized mainly by IR spectroscopy. The compounds apparently decompose in DMF and are too insoluble in other solvents for solution studies.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of tetranuclear copper(I) and silver(I) complexes bridged by 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (atdz): [Cu4(atdz)6](ClO4)4·2CH3OH and [Ag4(atdz)6](ClO4)4

Two novel tetracopper(I) and tetrasilver(I) complexes [Cu₄(atdz)₆](ClO₄)₄·2CH₃OH (1) and [Ag₄(atdz)₆](ClO₄)₄ (2), have been prepared using 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (atdz), and their crystal structures and properties have been determined. On each tetranuclear complex, two Cu or Ag atoms (M) are bridged by two atdz ligands to form a six-membered N₂M₂N₂ framework. The two N₂M₂N₂ frameworks are in parallel linked by another atdz ligand to provide the tetranuclear structure with a rectangular M₄ core. The four Cu or Ag atoms possess a trigonal-square geometry. The two adjacent MM separations are (3.096(1) and 3.412(1) Å) and (3.316(2) and 3.658(2) Å) for 1 and 2, respectively. On both tetranuclear complexes there are two species of hydrogen bonds between the ClO₄ ⁻ anions and the NH₂ group of atdz ligands. It is proposed that the hydrogen bonds are related to the stabilization of the tetranuclear structure during the crystallization process.     

Synthesis of copper-zinc bimetallic imidazolate framework compounds and the structure of Cu(I)-containing Cu2Zn(N2C3H3)4

Copper(II)-zinc(II) bimetallic imidazolate metal-organic framework compounds of composition Cu_aZn_bIm_2(a + b) (Im = C₃H₃N₂), including Cu₂ZnIm₆ (1), were prepared in high yields from the metal oxides under mild aqueous conditions using a novel acid catalysis method. Mild acidic hydrothermal treatment of paramagnetic 1 (≥120 °C) gave diamagnetic Cu(I)-containing Cu₂ZnIm₄ (2) in high yield. The formation mechanism of 2 involves electron transfer from Im⁻ to Cu(II), with concomitant formation of the unusual cyclotriimidazole, C₉H₆N₆. Air-stable 2, characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, crystallized in the tetragonal space group , with a = b = 10.9623(3), c = 6.3231(4) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, V = 759.86(6) Å³, and Z = 1.     

Convenient preparation of [CuX(PCy3)2](X = Br, I, SCN, N3) complexes. X-ray crystal structure of [Cu(N3)(PCy3)2] (Cy = cyclo-C6H11)

The labile cations [Cu(F-BF₃)(PCy₃)₂] and [Cu(OTf)(PCy₃)₂] are versatile precursors for the formation of [Cu(X)(PCy₃)₂] (X = Br, I, SCN, N₃) complexes by metathesis with NaX. The azide [Cu(N₃)(PCy₃)₂] is triclinic, space group , a = 9.755(4), B = 22.78(1), C = 9.284(6) Å, = 96.76(3), β = 115.36(3), γ = 94.20(5)°, Z = 2.     

A novel type of copper(I)/(II) mixed-valence compound: [Cu(dmp)2][Cu(hfac)3] with dmp=2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate

The mixed-valence compound [Cu^I(dmp)₂][Cu^II(hfac)₃] with dmp=2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and hfac⁻=hexafluoroacetylacetonate has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The MV interaction has been examined by emission spectroscopy. The phosphorescence of [Cu^I(dmp)₂]⁺ is completely quenched. It is suggested that this quenching takes place by excited state electron transfer from Cu(I) to Cu(II).