Interference of pH buffer with Pb2+-peripheral domain interactions: obstacle or opportunity?

Abstract

Pb²⁺ is a xenobiotic metal ion that competes for Ca²⁺-binding sites in proteins. Using the peripheral Ca²⁺-sensing domains of Syt1, we show that the chelating pH buffer Bis–Tris enables identification and functional characterization of high-affinity Pb²⁺ sites that are likely to be targeted by bioavailable Pb²⁺.