Rate and regulation of copper transport by human copper transporter 1 (hCTR1)

Abstract

Background: Copper enters human cells through pores formed by trimeric hCTR1 transporters that require intramembrane methionines near the extracellular side. Results: The copper transport rate is increased by mutations on the intracellular side of hCTR1. Conclusion: hCTR1 elements on the intracellular side affect the copper transport rate and response to high copper. Significance: The mutations provide unexpected insight into the hCTR1 transport mechanism. © 2013 by The American Society.