Prevention of oxidative DNA degradation by copper-binding peptides.

Free divalent ions of copper (Cu) are capable of generating radical species such as hydroxyl radicals in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or ascorbic acid through Harbor-Weiss-like reactions under physiological conditions. It has been reported that radical-mediated damage to DNA molecules in animal cells leads to programmed cell death. Hence it is important to seek for methods to prevent Cu-mediated DNA damage. In this study we identified on effect of Cu binding of short peptides (chiefly Gly-Gly-His tripeptide) in the prevention of DNA degradation caused by Cu-mediated reactions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and of ascorbic acid.