Copper-transporting ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B: cousins, not twins

Copper plays an essential role in human physiology and is indispensable for normal growth and development. Enzymes that are involved in connective tissue formation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, iron transport, and others essential physiological processes require copper as a cofactor to mediate their reactions. The biosynthetic incorporation of copper into these enzymes takes places within the secretory pathway and is critically dependent on the activity of copper-transporting ATPases ATP7A or ATP7B. In addition, ATP7A and ATP7B regulate intracellular copper concentration by removing excess copper from the cell. These two transporters belong to the family of P₁-type ATPases, share significant sequence similarity, utilize the same general mechanism for their function, and show partial colocalization in some cells. However, the distinct biochemical characteristics and dissimilar trafficking properties of ATP7A and ATP7B in cells, in which they are co-expressed, indicate that specific functions of these two copper-transporting ATPases are not identical. Immuno-detection studies in cells and tissues have begun to suggest specific roles for ATP7A and ATP7B. These experiments also revealed technical challenges associated with quantitative detection of copper-transporting ATPases in tissues, as illustrated here by comparing the results of ATP7A and ATP7B immunodetection in mouse cerebellum. This work was supported by the National Institute of Health grants PO1 GM 067166–01 and DK R01 DK071865 to S.L.     

Human copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B (the Wilson's disease protein): biochemical properties and regulation

Wilson's disease protein (WNDP) is a product of a gene ATP7B that is mutated in patients with Wilson's disease, a severe genetic disorder with hepatic and neurological manifestations caused by accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. In a cell, WNDP transports copper across various cell membranes using energy of ATP-hydrolysis. Copper regulates WNDP at several levels, modulating its catalytic activity, posttranslational modification, and intracellular localization. This review summarizes recent studies on enzymatic function and copper-dependent regulation of WNDP. Specifically, we describe the molecular architecture and major biochemical properties of WNDP, discuss advantages of the recently developed functional expression of WNDP in insect cells, and summarize the results of the ligand-binding studies and molecular modeling experiments for the ATP-binding domain of WNDP. In addition, we speculate on how copper binding may regulate the activity and intracellular distribution of WNDP, and what role the human copper chaperone Atox1 may play in these processes.     

Trafficking of the copper-ATPases, ATP7A and ATP7B: role in copper homeostasis

Copper is essential for human health and copper imbalance is a key factor in the aetiology and pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. The copper-transporting P-type ATPases, ATP7A and ATP7B are key molecules required for the regulation and maintenance of mammalian copper homeostasis. Their absence or malfunction leads to the genetically inherited disorders, Menkes and Wilson diseases, respectively. These proteins have a dual role in cells, namely to provide copper to essential cuproenzymes and to mediate the excretion of excess intracellular copper. A unique feature of ATP7A and ATP7B that is integral to these functions is their ability to sense and respond to intracellular copper levels, the latter manifested through their copper-regulated trafficking from the transGolgi network to the appropriate cellular membrane domain (basolateral or apical, respectively) to eliminate excess copper from the cell. Research over the last decade has yielded significant insight into the enzymatic properties and cell biology of the copper-ATPases. With recent advances in elucidating their localization and trafficking in human and animal tissues in response to physiological stimuli, we are progressing rapidly towards an integrated understanding of their physiological significance at the level of the whole animal. This knowledge in turn is helping to clarify the biochemical and cellular basis not only for the phenotypes conferred by individual Menkes and Wilson disease patient mutations, but also for the clinical variability of phenotypes associated with each of these diseases. Importantly, this information is also providing a rational basis for the applicability and appropriateness of certain diagnostic markers and therapeutic regimes. This overview will provide an update on the current state of our understanding of the localization and trafficking properties of the copper-ATPases in cells and tissues, the molecular signals and posttranslational interactions that govern their trafficking activities, and the cellular basis for the clinical phenotypes associated with disease-causing mutations.     

Functional characterization of new mutations in Wilson disease gene (ATP7B) using the yeast model

The Wilson disease gene, a copper transporting ATPase (Atp7b), is responsible for the sequestration of Cu into secretory vesicles, and this function is exhibited by the orthologous Ccc2p in the yeast. In this study, we aimed to characterize clinically relevant new mutations of human ATP7B (p.T788I, p.V1036I and p.R1038G-fsX83) in yeast lacking the CCC2 gene. Expression of human wild type ATP7B gene in ccc2Δ mutant yeast restored the growth deficiency and copper transport activity; however, expression of the mutant forms did not restore the copper transport functions and only partially supported the cell growth. Our data support that p.T788I, p.V1036I and p.R1038G-fsX83 mutations cause functional deficiency in ATP7B functions and suggest that these residues are important for normal ATP7B function.     

Difference in stability of the N-domain underlies distinct intracellular properties of the E1064A and H1069Q mutants of copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B

Wilson disease (WD) is a disorder of copper metabolism caused by mutations in the Cu-transporting ATPase ATP7B. WD is characterized by significant phenotypic variability, the molecular basis of which is poorly understood. The E1064A mutation in the N-domain of ATP7B was previously shown to disrupt ATP binding. We have now determined, by NMR, the structure of the N-domain containing this mutation and compared properties of E1064A and H1069Q, another mutant with impaired ATP binding. The E1064A mutation does not change the overall fold of the N-domain. However, the position of the α1,α2-helical hairpin (α-HH) that houses Glu(1064) and His(1069) is altered. The α-HH movement produces a more open structure compared with the wild-type ATP-bound form and misaligns ATP coordinating residues, thus explaining complete loss of ATP binding. In the cell, neither the stability nor targeting of ATP7B-E1064A to the trans-Golgi network differs significantly from the wild type. This is in a contrast to the H1069Q mutation within the same α-HH, which greatly destabilizes protein both in vitro and in cells. The difference between two mutants can be linked to a lower stability of the α-HH in the H1069Q variant at the physiological temperature. We conclude that the structural stability of the N-domain rather than the loss of ATP binding plays a defining role in the ability of ATP7B to reach the trans-Golgi network, thus contributing to phenotypic variability in WD.     

Copper-dependent interaction of glutaredoxin with the N termini of the copper-ATPases (ATP7A and ATP7B) defective in Menkes and Wilson diseases

The P-type ATPases affected in Menkes and Wilson diseases, ATP7A and ATP7B, respectively, are key copper transporters that regulate copper homeostasis. The N termini of these proteins are critical in regulating their function and activity, and contain six copper-binding motifs MxCxxC. In this study, we describe the identification of glutaredoxin (GRX1) as an interacting partner of both ATP7A and ATP7B, confirmed by yeast two-hybrid technology and by co-immunoprecipitation from mammalian cells. The interaction required the presence of copper and intact metal-binding motifs. In addition, the interaction was related to the number of metal-binding domains available. GRX1 catalyses the reduction of disulphide bridges and reverses the glutathionylation of proteins to regulate and/or protect protein activity. We propose that GRX1 is essential for ATPase function and catalyses either the reduction of intramolecular disulphide bonds or the deglutathionylation of the cysteine residues within the CxxC motifs to facilitate copper-binding for subsequent transport.     

Molecular Events Initiating Exit of a Copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B from the Trans-Golgi Network

The copper-transporting ATPase ATP7B has a dual intracellular localization: the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and cytosolic vesicles. Changes in copper levels, kinase-mediated phosphorylation, and mutations associated with Wilson disease alter the steady-state distribution of ATP7B between these compartments. To identify a primary molecular event that triggers ATP7B exit from the TGN, we characterized the folding, activity, and trafficking of the ATP7B variants with mutations within the regulatory N-terminal domain (N-ATP7B). We found that structural changes disrupting the inter-domain contacts facilitate ATP7B exit from the TGN. Mutating Ser-340/341 in the N-ATP7B individually or together to Ala, Gly, Thr, or Asp produced active protein and shifted the steady-state localization of ATP7B to vesicles, independently of copper levels. The Ser340/341G mutant had a lower kinase-mediated phosphorylation under basal conditions and no copper-dependent phosphorylation. Thus, negative charges introduced by copper-dependent phosphorylation are not obligatory for ATP7B trafficking from the TGN. The Ser340/341A mutation did not alter the overall fold of N-ATP7B, but significantly decreased interactions with the nucleotide-binding domain, mimicking consequences of copper binding to N-ATP7B. We propose that structural changes that specifically alter the inter-domain contacts initiate exit of ATP7B from the TGN, whereas increased phosphorylation may be needed to maintain an open interface between the domains.     

A mutation in the ATP7B copper transporter causes reduced dopamine beta-hydroxylase and norepinephrine in mouse adrenal

The copper-transporting ATPases Atp7A and Atp7B play a major role in controlling intracellular copper levels. In addition, they are believed to deliver copper to the copper-requiring proteins destined for the secretory vesicles. One cuproprotein, dopamine -hydroxylase (DBH) functions in the biosynthesis of norepinephrine and epinephrine, neurohormones in endocrine and nervous tissue. To evaluate the consequences of loss of Atp7B on the function of DBH, the level of proteins in adrenal gland were compared between normal mice and mice containing a null mutation in the ATP7B gene. The levels of DBH, as well as another vesicular protein, chromogranin A, are reduced in the ATP7B–/– mice. In addition to the lower level of enzyme, the products of DBH catalytic activity, norepinephrine and epinephrine, are also decreased. Although these changes are a consequence of ATP7B gene function, Atp7B mRNA is not normally expressed in the adrenal gland. Instead, Atp7A mRNA is present. The levels of copper and DBH RNA within adrenals of the ATP7B–/– mice are not different from the wild type. The results of these experiments suggest that copper-requiring enzymes are affected by a loss of ATP7B even in tissue not normally expressing this protein. Therefore the multisystemic effects observed in Wilson disease, the human disorder characterized by mutation in ATP7B, may be a secondary consequence of the major accumulation of copper in liver.     

Clusterin (apolipoprotein J), a molecular chaperone that facilitates degradation of the copper-ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B

The copper-transporting P(1B)-type ATPases (Cu-ATPases) ATP7A and ATP7B are key regulators of physiological copper levels. They function to maintain intracellular copper homeostasis by delivering copper to secretory compartments and by trafficking toward the cell periphery to export excess copper. Mutations in the genes encoding ATP7A and ATP7B lead to copper deficiency and toxicity disorders, Menkes and Wilson diseases, respectively. This report describes the interaction between the Cu-ATPases and clusterin and demonstrates a chaperone-like role for clusterin in facilitating their degradation. Clusterin interacted with both ATP7A and ATP7B in mammalian cells. This interaction increased under conditions of oxidative stress and with mutations in ATP7B that led to its misfolding and mislocalization. A Wilson disease patient mutation (G85V) led to enhanced ATP7B turnover, which was further exacerbated when cells overexpressed clusterin. We demonstrated that clusterin-facilitated degradation of mutant ATP7B is likely to involve the lysosomal pathway. The knockdown and overexpression of clusterin increased and decreased, respectively, the Cu-ATPase-mediated copper export capacity of cells. These results highlight a new role for intracellular clusterin in mediating Cu-ATPase quality control and hence in the normal maintenance of copper homeostasis, and in promoting cell survival in the context of disease. Based on our findings, it is possible that variations in clusterin expression and function could contribute to the variable clinical expression of Menkes and Wilson diseases.     

Structures of the human Wilson disease copper transporter ATP7B

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Copper-independent lysosomal localisation of the Wilson disease protein ATP7B

In hepatocytes, the Wilson disease protein ATP7B resides on the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and traffics to peripheral lysosomes to export excess intracellular copper through lysosomal exocytosis. We found that in basal copper or even upon copper chelation, a significant amount of ATP7B persists in the endolysosomal compartment of hepatocytes but not in non-hepatic cells. These ATP7B-harbouring lysosomes lie in close proximity of ~10 nm to the TGN. ATP7B constitutively distributes itself between the sub-domain of the TGN with a lower pH and the TGN-proximal lysosomal compartments. The presence of ATP7B on TGN-lysosome colocalising sites upon Golgi disruption suggested a possible exchange of ATP7B directly between the TGN and its proximal lysosomes. Manipulating lysosomal positioning significantly alters the localisation of ATP7B in the cell. Contrary to previous understanding, we found that upon copper chelation in a copper-replete hepatocyte, ATP7B is not retrieved back to TGN from peripheral lysosomes; rather, ATP7B recycles to these TGN-proximal lysosomes to initiate the next cycle of copper transport. We report a hitherto unknown copper-independent lysosomal localisation of ATP7B and the importance of TGN-proximal lysosomes but not TGN as the terminal acceptor organelle of ATP7B in its retrograde pathway.     

Mutational analysis of the Menkes copper P-type ATPase (ATP7A)

The Menkes protein (ATP7A; MNK) is a ubiquitous human copper-translocating P-type ATPase and it has a key role in regulating copper homeostasis. Previously we characterised fundamental steps in the catalytic cycle of the Menkes protein. In this study we analysed the role of several conserved regions of the Menkes protein, particularly within the putative cytosolic ATP-binding domain. The results of catalytic studies have indicated an important role of 1086His in catalysis. Our findings provide a biochemical explanation for the most common Wilson disease-causing mutation (H1069Q in the homologous Wilson copper-translocating P-type ATPase). Furthermore, we have identified a unique role of 1230Asp, within the DxxK motif, in coupling ATP binding and acylphosphorylation with copper translocation. Finally, we found that the Menkes protein mutants with significantly reduced catalytic activity can still undergo copper-regulated exocytosis, suggesting that only the complete loss of catalytic activity prevents copper-regulated trafficking of the Menkes protein.     

Wilson disease: Current status and the future

The focus of this minireview is on the current status and new advances in diagnosis and treatment of Wilson disease, an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. Molecular diagnostics have improved and complements current biochemical and clinical methods for screening for Wilson disease. Screening for Wilson disease in newborns is feasible and has been tested in limited populations, but is not yet widely performed. Identification of patients with Wilson disease as the cause of acute liver failure is possible using standard biochemical tests. Treatments for Wilson disease include chelating agents and zinc salts and liver transplantation. Future therapies may include hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy, both of which have been tested and shown to work in animal models of Wilson disease. Future human studies await advances in these areas.     

Structural and functional insights of Wilson disease copper-transporting ATPase

Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism. The gene for this disorder has been cloned and identified to encode a copper-transporting ATPase (ATP7B), a member of a large family of cation transporters, the P-type ATPases. In addition to the core elements common to all P-type ATPases, the Wilson copper-transporting ATPase has a large cytoplasmic N-terminus comprised six heavy metal associated (HMA) domains, each of which contains the copper-binding sequence motif GMT/HCXXC. Extensive studies addressing the functional, regulatory, and structural aspects of heavy metal transport by heavy metal transporters in general, have offered great insights into copper transport by Wilson copper-transporting ATPase. The findings from these studies have been used together with homology modeling of the Wilson disease copper-transporting ATPases based on the X-ray structure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium-ATPase, to present a hypothetical model of the mechanism of copper transport by copper-transporting ATPases.     

Role of Glutaredoxin1 and Glutathione in Regulating the Activity of the Copper-transporting P-type ATPases,ATP7A and ATP7B

The copper-transporting P-type ATPases (Cu-ATPases), ATP7A and ATP7B, are essential for the regulation of intracellular copper homeostasis. In this report we describe new roles for glutathione (GSH) and glutaredoxin1 (GRX1) in Cu homeostasis through their regulation of Cu-ATPase activity. GRX1 is a thiol oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reversible reduction of GSH-mixed disulfides to their respective sulfhydryls (deglutathionylation). Here, we demonstrated that glutathionylation of the Cu-ATPases and their interaction with GRX1 were affected by alterations in Cu levels. The data support our hypothesis that the Cu-ATPases serve as substrates for Cu-dependent GRX1-mediated deglutathionylation. This in turn liberates the Cu-ATPase cysteinyl thiol groups for Cu binding and transport. GSH depletion experiments led to reversible inhibition of the Cu-ATPases that correlated with effects on intracellular Cu levels and GRX1 activity. Finally, knockdown of GRX1 expression resulted in an increase in intracellular Cu accumulation. Together, these data directly implicate GSH and GRX1 with important new roles in redox regulation of the Cu-ATPases, through modulation of Cu binding by the Cu-ATPase cysteine motifs.     

Biochemical basis of regulation of human copper-transporting ATPases

Copper is essential for cell metabolism as a cofactor of key metabolic enzymes. The biosynthetic incorporation of copper into secreted and plasma membrane-bound proteins requires activity of the copper-transporting ATPases (Cu-ATPases) ATP7A and ATP7B. The Cu-ATPases also export excess copper from the cell and thus critically contribute to the homeostatic control of copper. The trafficking of Cu-ATPases from the trans-Golgi network to endocytic vesicles in response to various signals allows for the balance between the biosynthetic and copper exporting functions of these transporters. Although significant progress has been made towards understanding the biochemical characteristics of human Cu-ATPase, the mechanisms that control their function and intracellular localization remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize current information on structural features and functional properties of ATP7A and ATP7B. We also describe sequence motifs unique for each Cu-ATPase and speculate about their role in regulating ATP7A and ATP7B activity and trafficking.     

Overexpressed ATP7B protects mesenchymal stem cells from toxic copper

Wilson’s disease (WD) is characterized by accumulation of high levels of copper in liver due to malfunction of copper transporter ATP7B which is central for copper homeostasis. Here we report for the first time that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from bone marrow express detectable levels of ATP7B. The role of ATP7B overexpression for MSC survival and selection in high copper was investigated. Hepatoma cell line HepG2 that has a high intrinsic expression of ATP7B served as a control. Using retroviral vector a significant higher expression level of ATP7B could be achieved in MSCs. Whereas copper treatment resulted in cell death in untransduced MSCs, viability assays demonstrated a unique copper resistance of ATP7B overexpressing MSCs that outcompeted HepG2. In long-term cell culture stable transgene expression for up to 9 weeks was shown for ATP7B overexpressing MSCs which rapidly overgrew untransduced cells. Our findings suggest that ATP7B overexpression provides an important selection advantage to MSCs in high copper microenvironments, and may represent novel cell transplants for therapy of WD.     

ATP7B和PCNA在大鼠、小鼠空肠及肾的表达

随机选取6只SD大鼠(Rattus norvegicus)和7只昆明小鼠(Mus musculus),用免疫组织化学单标和双标法检测其空肠及肾ATP7B与PCNA的表达,并分析表达的相关性。结果发现,对于大鼠及小鼠,ATP7B主要表达于小肠腺与空肠上皮的纹状缘、近腔面和近基底部,肾小管与集合管;PCNA在空肠腺及小肠绒毛中轴的结缔组织中表达,在肾小管、集合管及肾小球的少数细胞表达;ATP7B与PCNA虽在空肠上皮、肠腺、肾小管和集合管有共表达现象,但二者在大鼠与小鼠空肠及肾的免疫反应阳性物积分光密度间均无显著相关性(P0.05)。提示ATP7B与PCNA在正常大鼠与小鼠空肠及肾的表达相似,ATP7B的表达与组织增殖活跃程度间的相关性不明显。     

Molecular Pathogenesis of Wilson Disease Among Indians: A Perspective on Mutation Spectrum in ATP7B gene, Prevalent Defects, Clinical Heterogeneity and Implication Towards Diagnosis

Aims We aim to identify the molecular defects in the ATP7B, the causal gene for Wilson disease (WD), in eastern Indian patients and attempt to assess the overall mutation spectrum in India for detection of mutant allele for diagnostic purposes. Methods Patients from 109 unrelated families and their first-degree relatives comprising 400 individuals were enrolled in this study as part of an ongoing project. Genomic DNA was prepared from the peripheral blood of Indian WD patients. PCR was done to amplify the exons and flanking regions of the WD gene followed by sequencing, to identify the nucleotide variants. Results In addition to previous reports, we recently identified eight mutations including three novel (c.3412 + 1G > A, c.1771 G > A, c.3091 A > G) variants, and identified patients with variable phenotype despite similar mutation background suggesting potential role of modifier locus. Conclusions So far we have identified 17 mutations in eastern India including five common mutations that account for 44% of patients. Comparative study on WD mutations between different regions of India suggests high genetic heterogeneity and the absence of a single or a limited number of common founder mutations. Genotype–phenotype correlation revealed that no particular phenotype could be assigned to a particular mutation and even same set of mutations in different patients showed different phenotypes.