Molecular mechanisms of copper homeostasis

Copper is an essential trace element which plays a pivotal role in cell phy siology as it constitutes a core part of important cuproenzymes. Novel comp onents of copper homeostasis in humans have been identified recently which have been characterised at the molecular level. These include copper-transp orting P-type ATPases, Menkes and Wilson proteins, and copper chaperones. T hese findings have paved the way towards better understanding of the role o f copper deficiency or copper toxicity in physiological and pathological co nditions. (C) 1999 Academic Press.