Properties of the major Zn(2+)-binding site of human alpha-fetoprotein, a potential foetal plasma zinc carrier

The foetal plasma protein α-fetoprotein (AFP) harbours a high-affinity zinc binding site that is likely involved in transport and delivery of essential zinc during foetal development. Based on a recent electron microscopy structure of AFP and aided by biophysical studies on an AFP-derived peptide, we present a refined 5-coordinate model for this site.