Prion proteins and copper ions. Biological and chemical controversies

Abstract

The Prion protein (PrP^c) involvement in some neurodegenerative diseases is well assessed although its “normal” biological role is not completely understood. It is known that PrP^C can bind Cu(II) ions with high specificity but the order of magnitude of the corresponding affinity constant(s) is still highly debated. This perspective is an attempt to collect the current knowledge on these topics and to build up a bridge between the biological and the chemical points of view.