Copper homeostasis and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, prion, and Parkinson's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)

This review covers copper homeostasis and its eventual link with copper involvement in different neurological disorders. Copper plays a dual role in producing reactive oxygen species: damaging the cells and eliciting antioxidant activity. Abnormal binding of metal ions to proteins or losing control over the copper homeostasis can result in disorders including neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to creating oxidative stress, copper, together with other metal ions influences protein aggregation processes that are critical in most of the neurodegenerative diseases.