Binding Ability of Copper (II) and Nickel (II) to Alpha- Fetoprotein (AFP)

Original article

English

Wasan A.M. AlTai, Ibrahim M.Ateitalla, Sami A.M.AI Mudhaffar, Raad K.Muslih

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Garyounis University, Benghazi, Libya

Garyounis Medical Journal Vol. 22, No.2. 2005:17-23

Abstract

Background: it is thought that Alpha-Fetoprotein is involved in transport of copper (II) and nickel (II). Objectives: To study the binding ability of copper (II) and nickel (II) to Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP). Materials & Methods: Copper (II) and nickel (II) binding ability to human AFP were evaluated by gel filtration method. Results: The results showed that AFP tend to bind copper (II) ion at pH 5 . while that of nickel (II) ion at pH 7. Conclusions: pH 5 and 7 are the most suitable pH for binding copper (II) and nickel UI) to AFP respectively,. whereas at other pH values AFP showed poor binding tendency to these elements. Howeer. further investigations are needed to through the light on the nature of such selective binding of cupper (II) and nickel (II) to AFP and its possible physiological role if any.

Keywords: Fetoprotein (AFP), Copper (II). and Nickel (II).

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