The copper-linked Escherichia coli AZY operon: Structure, metal binding, and a possible physiological role in copper delivery.

ABSTRACT: The Escherichia coli yobA-yebZ-yebY (AZY) operon encodes the proteins YobA, YebZ, and YebY. YobA and YebZ are homologs of the CopC periplasmic copper-binding protein and the CopD putative copper importer, respectively, whereas YebY belongs to the uncharacterized Domain of Unknown Function 2511 family. Despite numerous studies of E. coli copper homeostasis and the existence of the AZY operon in a range of bacteria, the operon's proteins and their functional roles have not been explored. In this study, we present the first biochemical and functional studies of the AZY proteins. Biochemical characterization and structural modeling indicate that YobA binds a single Cu²⁺ ion with high affinity. Bioinformatics analysis shows that YebY is widespread and encoded either in AZY operons or

SUBMITTER: Hadley RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8689200 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature