Copper: effects of deficiency and overload.
Copper is an essential trace metal that is required for the catalysis of several important cellular enzymes. However, since an excess of copper can also harm cells due to its potential to catalyze the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species, transport of copper and the cellular copper content are tightly regulated. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge on the importance of copper for cellular processes and on the mechanisms involved in cellular copper uptake, storage and export. In addition, we will give an overview on disturbances of copper homeostasis that are characterized by copper overload or copper deficiency or have been connected with neurodegenerative disorders.
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Ivo
I
Scheiber
Ralf
R
Dringen
Julian F B
JF
Mercer
D000818:Animals; D003300:Copper / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism; D017136:Ion Transport; D008297:Male; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D003300:Copper