Several gene loci with a possible involvement in cellular tolerance to copper have been identified [1]. One such locus in eubacteria and archaebacteria, cutA, is thought to be involved in cellular tolerance to a wide variety of divalent cations other than copper. The cutA locus consists of two operons, of one and two genes. The CutA1 protein is a cytoplasmic protein, encoded by the single-gene operon and has been linked to divalent cation tolerance. It has no recognised structural motifs [2]. This family also contains putative proteins from eukaryotes (human and Drosophila).

1: Molecular genetics of a chromosomal locus involved in copper tolerance in Escherichia coli K-12. Fong ST, Camakaris J, Lee BT; Mol Microbiol 1995;15:1127-1137. PMID:7623666

2: A Salmonella typhimurium genetic locus which confers copper tolerance on copper-sensitive mutants of Escherichia coli. Gupta SD, Wu HC, Rick PD; J Bacteriol 1997;179:4977-4984. PMID:9260936