title: Physiologic function of the Wilson disease gene product, ATP7B.
abstract: The genes responsible for Wilson disease and Menkes syndrome have been cloned and identified as copper ATPases. These enzymes form part of a large family of transporters, the P-type ATPases. Although copper ATPases share strong structural similarities with these other pumps, comparatively little is known about their physiologic function. In this review, we examine data relating to the Wilson disease protein, ATP7B, in the liver. We present evidence suggesting that ATP7B is located intracellularly, together with data suggesting that, at least in part, ATP7B may also be found on the canalicular membrane. We also examine the form of copper that the transporter recognizes. We then review data on the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat, a model for Wilson disease, and discuss what effect the Wilson disease mutation has on copper transport. Finally, we conclude that, although we have made major advances in our understanding of copper metabolism in the liver, there are still many questions awaiting answers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bingham
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Summer
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Middleton
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: McArdle
mesh_terms: D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D000073840:Copper-Transporting ATPases; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D007706:Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D003300:Copper; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases; C000612464:ATP7B protein, human; D000073840:Copper-Transporting ATPases