Golgi Metal Ion Homeostasis in Human Health and Diseases

Abstract

The Golgi apparatus is a membrane organelle located in the center of the protein processing and trafficking pathway. It consists of sub-compartments with distinct biochemical compositions and functions. Main functions of the Golgi, including membrane trafficking, protein glycosylation, and sorting, require a well-maintained stable microenvironment in the sub-compartments of the Golgi, along with metal ion homeostasis. Metal ions, such as Ca2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+, are important cofactors of many Golgi resident glycosylation enzymes. The homeostasis of metal ions in the secretory pathway, which is required for proper function and stress response of the Golgi, is tightly regulated and maintained by transporters. Mutations in the transporters cause human diseases. Here we provide a review specifically focusing on the transporters that maintain Golgi metal ion homeostasis under physiological conditions and their alterations in diseases.