The metal selectivity of a short peptide maquette imitating the high-affinity metal-binding site of E. coli HypB.

A seven-residue peptide based on the high-affinity metal-binding site of E. coli HypB maintains the nickel-binding activity of the full-length protein. The ability of the peptide to bind transition metals other than nickel was explored, and is discussed in the context of the function of HypB in hydrogenase biosynthesis.