Multicopper oxidase (MCO)

Multicopper oxidases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of a variety of substrates (such as iron, amines, phenols), using multiple copper ions as redox centers and reducing molecular oxygen to water in the process. Key members in humans include ceruloplasmin (the main ferroxidase in blood plasma), hephaestin (mainly in intestinal iron export), and zyklopen (important in placental iron transfer). These enzymes have critical roles in iron metabolism (oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+ for transferrin binding and transport), copper homeostasis, and defense against oxidative stress. Deficiency or dysfunction in these enzymes can lead to substantial metabolic and neurodegeneration disorders, including iron overload, anemia, and tissue integrity defects. Their molecular structure is characterized by specialized copper sites (type 1/2/3) and a beta-sandwich fold. Therapeutic targeting is focused mainly on modulating copper and iron levels rather than directly inhibiting these enzymes, owing to their fundamental biological importance and systemic effects.

Other names

Copper-dependent oxidaseBlue copper oxidaseFerroxidaseLaccase

Drugs targeting copper/iron metabolism act mainly by modulating substrate (iron, copper) levels, chelation, or transport rather than direct enzyme inhibition