title: Molecular mediators governing iron-copper interactions.
abstract: Given their similar physiochemical properties, it is a logical postulate that iron and copper metabolism are intertwined. Indeed, iron-copper interactions were first documented over a century ago, but the homeostatic effects of one on the other has not been elucidated at a molecular level to date. Recent experimental work has, however, begun to provide mechanistic insight into how copper influences iron metabolism. During iron deficiency, elevated copper levels are observed in the intestinal mucosa, liver, and blood. Copper accumulation and/or redistribution within enterocytes may influence iron transport, and high hepatic copper may enhance biosynthesis of a circulating ferroxidase, which potentiates iron release from stores. Moreover, emerging evidence has documented direct effects of copper on the expression and activity of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin. This review summarizes current experimental work in this field, with a focus on molecular aspects of iron-copper interplay and how these interactions relate to various disease states.
authors.affiliation: Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; email: jfcollins@ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Sukru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gulec
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D003300:Copper / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D041905:Erythroid Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D019266:Iron, Dietary; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D003300:Copper
keywords: ceruloplasmin, hephaestin; copper-transporting ATPase1; divalent metal-ion transporter 1; ferroportin 1; intestine; liver