Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Copper Homeostasis in Mammals

Copper (Cu) is a trace element necessary for the growth and development of all living organisms, third most abundant metal in body after iron zinc. essential maintaining life processes cells, because several copper-dependent enzymes play an important role key physiological like cellular respiration, oxygen radical scavenging, transport neurotransmitter synthesis. Maintaining copper homeostasis implies constancy levels cells fluids throughout body, order to support other factors that underlie normal processes. Therefore, organisms have developed complex mechanisms their level, excess level can be toxic cells. In cell, controlled by network copper-binding proteins transporters. Furthermore, uptake mediated membrane transporter CTR1 CTR2 proteins. cytoplasm, it bound unique group metallochaperones (ATOX1, CCS COX17) transported different cell compartments, where linked recipient The Cu-transporting ATPases (ATP7A ATP7B) are responsible transferring into Golgi apparatus, added active sites enzymes, also directed onto path removal prevent occurrence toxicity.