Lysyl oxidase copper-talon complex: a model.

The translated primary amino-acid sequences from human genomic and human, rat and mouse lysyl oxidase cDNAs were subjected to computer comparison. This revealed a highly-conserved primary structure and similar computer-predicted secondary structures. A prototypical lysyl oxidase structural model was reconciled with the known physical, chemical and biological properties. Analysis of the post-translationally-modified and proteolytically-processed mature enzyme model revealed a copper coordination complex that may be contained as part of the active site. This integral copper coordination complex resembles a talon. The proposed model should facilitate the elucidation of these and other structural and functional relationships within the lysyl oxidase molecule.