CHAPTER 17: Application of Ni²⁺-Binding Proteins

Proteins that bind nickel play important roles in various biological processes. They are either metalloenzymes, whose activity depends on Ni²⁺, or processing proteins, responsible for Ni²⁺ sensing, uptake, and storage, because free transition metals are harmful to the cell. However, nickel-binding proteins, or their fragments, are also considered biomolecules, which may be applied in science, medicine, or biotechnology. In fact, the histidine polypeptide (His-tag) is an example of one of the most successful applications of the nickel-binding motif in molecular biology. There are many other ways to exploit nickel-binding proteins as biosensors, drug targets, or in remediation technology.