Hierarchical binding of copper II to N-truncated Aβ 4-16 peptide.

N-Truncated A beta(4-42)displays a high binding affinity with Cu-II. A mechanistic scheme of the interactions between A beta(4-42)and Cu(II)has been proposed using a fluorescence approach. The timescales of different conversion steps were determined. This kinetic mechanism indicates the potential synaptic functions of A beta(4-42)during neurotransmission.