Cu(II)–histones interaction related to toxicity-carcinogenesis

In this review, we summarize the research work performed in the last years to elucidate the Cu(II) induced toxicity-carcinogenesis mechanisms based on studies of Cu(II) interactions with histone model peptides the most abundant protein part of cell nucleus. Oligopeptide models of histones, synthesized and used in most cases, helped us to determine stoichiometry, binding sites, conformations adopted and DNA damage caused by the metal. They are...