Human Ceruloplasmin
PDB ID: 4ENZ
Karissa Renyer
Ceruloplasmin is the main copper-carrying protein in the blood. However, it also is a ‘moonlighting’ protein, performing various other functions outside of its typical role with copper. For example, it also acts as a ferroxidase, catalyzing the oxidation of iron (II) to iron (III). This pendant is made of copper to highlight ceruloplasmin’s role with copper ions. Additionally, this protein is naturally blue, so a blue-green patina was used to alter the color of the piece to reflect this characteristic. The raised pieces of copper (free of the patina finish) represent the six approximate locations that copper binds to the protein.
