<i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>'s Copper-FomA Proteins: Driving Cancer Forward.

ABSTRACT: FomA is a major outer membrane protein of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, where increased levels of Cu ions together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) were noted. In this comparative study, the connection between Fn surrounded by copper ions and the ROS overgeneration leading to the development of CRC is examined. Our study focused on a model peptide Ac-KGHGNGEEGTPTVHNEYH-NH₂ (6L) derived from the FomA reflecting a fragment of the protein loop no. 4, exposed to the external environment, which facilitates the binding of Cu ions. The coordination studies (potentiometric titration, UV-Vis, CD, EPR) showed that the 6L bound Cu(II) and formed mono-, di-, and trinuclear complexes depending on the solution pH.

SUBMITTER: Lesiow MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12338124 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature