Copper homeostasis (WP3962)

Adapted from figure 7 from Chun et al (see Bibliography). Cu homeostasis in worms is maintained by distinctly localized intestinal CUA-1 isoforms. A model of Cu homeostasis in C. elegans is shown. Dietary Cu ions are transported from the lumen of the intestine to the enterocytes by an unidentified Cu importer, and CUC-1 delivers Cu to CUA-1. Under basal Cu or Cu-deficient conditions, CUA-1.1 isoform localizes to the basolateral membrane and Golgi to either export Cu ions to peripheral tissues, or to direct Cu into the secretory pathway. CUA-1.2 consistently localizes to the basolateral membrane of enterocytes regardless of Cu conditions. CUA-1.1 is redistributed to the gut-granule membranes in response to elevated Cu levels in order to promote Cu detoxification in C. elegans."

Participants