COPPER BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY

In this review, our basic and most recent understanding of copper bioc hemistry and molecular biology for mammals (including humans) is descr ibed. Information is provided on the nutritional biochemistry of coppe r, including food sources, intestinal absorption, transport, tissue di stribution, and excretion, along with descriptions of copper binding p roteins and other factors involved and their roles in these processes. The metabolism of copper and its importance for the functions of a ro ster of vital enzymes is detailed. Its potential toxicology is also ad dressed. Alterations in copper metabolism associated with genetic and nongenetic diseases are summarized, including potential connections to inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis, and anemia, and the effects of genetic copper deficiency (Menkes syndrome) and copper overload (Wils on disease). Understanding these diseases suggests new ways of viewing the normal functions of copper and provides new insights into the det ails of copper transport and distribution in mammals.