Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of systemic copper metabolism process.

Copper absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine, a process mediated by SLC31A1. Copper is then transported and exported to the bloodstream through the action of ATP7A, combined with soluble chaperones, and transported through the portal system to the liver, where it is stored and further transported. Excess copper is excreted by the liver into the bile. Figure created with BioRender. SLC31A1 solute carrier family 31 member 1, ATP7A and ATP7B ATPase copper transporters 7 A and 7B, STEAP six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate, HSA human serum albumin, CP ceruloplasmin, MT metallothionein, HIS histidine, MG macroglobulin.