Thermo-Stable Nature of Aromatic Monoamine-Dependent Superoxide-Generating Activity of Human Prion-Derived Cu-Binding Peptides

Abstract

Human prion protein has four distinct Cu-binding motifs that catalyze the generation of superoxide coupled to oxidation of phenols and amines. Here, the thermostability of the superoxide-generating prion-derived peptides was tested. Among the peptides tested, two maintained high catalytic activity even after heating and repeated freezing/thawing cycles. The biological roles for these thermostable catalysts are discussed.