Azurin

Function

Azurin (AZ) is a blue copper protein. AZ mediates electron transfer and contains type I copper center.

Relevance

AZ was found to be a novel anticancer agent. Following the entry of the P. aeruginosa bacteria into human melanoma and breast cancer cells, the AZ complexes with the tumor suppressor p53. The complex stabilizes p53 and activates the apoptosis of the cancer cells.

Structural highlights

AZ active Cu binding site is shown here.