ceruloplasminhephaestin
Ceruloplasmin is a blue copper-containing glycoprotein primarily produced by the liver. It is the major copper-carrying protein in the bloodstream, binding the majority of circulating copper. The protein is encoded by the CP gene on chromosome 3 and is secreted into plasma as holo-ceruloplasmin, containing about six copper atoms per molecule; a portion exists as apoceruloplasmin, lacking copper.
Ceruloplasmin has ferroxidase activity, catalyzing the oxidation of ferrous (Fe2+) to ferric (Fe3+) iron. This oxidation
Clinically, ceruloplasmin levels in plasma are used as biomarkers in certain disorders. It is an acute-phase
In summary, ceruloplasmin links copper metabolism with iron homeostasis and has clinical relevance as a diagnostic