Characterization of a particulate pathway for copper in K562 cells

More than half of the 67Cu recovered from K562 cells following a brief incubation with 67Cu-ceruloplasmin was recovered in particulate fractions of the cell. The fractions in Percoll had densities that ranged between 1.040 and 1.060 g/dl. In as early as 5 min, two fractions, densities of 1.051 and 1.056, respectively, were discernible. Components in the 1.051 fraction tested positive for clathrin and catalase. Those in the 1.056 fraction sedimented near the marker for lysosomes. The 67Cu in both fractions was stable to treatment by EDTA, nitrilotriacetate, alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl, heparinase, and ascorbate, but dissociated when treated with pronase, trypsin, or sodium dodecylsulfate. Continuous incubation with 67Cu-ceruloplasmin intensified the 67Cu activity in the 1.051 and 1.056 fractions. Cells incubated with 125I-transferrin displayed the label primarily in the 1.051 fraction. Continuous incubation intensified the label but unlike 67Cu, it did not shift to lighter or heavier fractions. Electron micrographs of the 1.051 fraction showed fields dominated by membranous structures some of which were enclosed. Micrographs of whole cells showed numerous invaginations resembling coated pits with sealed structures along and beneath the membrane surface suggesting the membrane was engaged in a rather extensive endocytosis. These data provide evidence that a large fraction of Cu from ceruloplasmin enters the K562 cell bound to membranous-like vesicles, part of which are sealed and coated with clathrin. This particulate pathway accounts for most of the copper entering the cell.