Role of Ceruloplasmin in Copper Transport

Abstract

Copper in a biological setting is primarily an essential metal cofactor for numerous biocatalysts. Transport systems that specifically handle copper are known to exist but have not been fully characterized. We are left, therefore, with an incomplete understanding as to how copper becomes incorporated into cells and into the cellular enzymes. In this paper we discuss the evidence that ceruloplasmin, the major copper-binding globulin, is a transporter of copper to extrahepatic tissues. Much of the evidence rests with the discovery of receptors for ceruloplasmin in cell membranes of numerous tissues and the impact this may have on a transport mechanism.