A First-In-Class Broad Spectrum Inhibitor of Copper Exporting P1B-type ATPases

Copper (Cu) transporting ATPases represent a highly conserved subclass of P-type ATPases with critical roles in Cu export and metalloenzyme synthesis. Despite their important biological roles and association with a wide range of human diseases, no high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors have been described. Here, we identify MKV3 as a first-in-class inhibitor of Cu-transporting P-type ATPases that targets a conserved Cu+ entry site to the translocation pathway. In silico docking against the Xenopus ATP7B structure revealed a highly conserved pocket suitable for pharmacological inhibition. MKV3 bound human ATP7A and ATP7B with nanomolar affinity, competed with N-terminal metal-binding domains for access to the Cu+ entry site, and selectively inhibited Escherichia coli CopA ATPase activity and Cu+ transport. Mechanistically, MKV3 blocked chaperone-mediated Cu+ delivery to the intramembranous CPC site of CopA that is essential for its transport function. We further identified a single charged P-domain residue that governed MKV3 affinity and potency across species. Functionally, MKV3 phenocopied the genetic loss of Cu+-ATPases in bacteria, fungi, plants, zebrafish, and mammals, impairing copper-dependent enzymes, transporter trafficking, and copper tolerance. These findings establish a conserved, druggable vulnerability in Cu+-ATPases and introduce MKV3 as a broadly active chemical tool to modulate copper homeostasis across biological kingdoms. Significance StatementCopper-transporting P1B-type ATPases are essential for copper homeostasis in all domains of life, yet have lacked pharmacological inhibitors. This work identifies MKV3 as the first small-molecule inhibitor of Cu+-ATPases in bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, and defines a conserved, druggable Cu+ entry pocket that governs metal delivery to the transmembrane pathway. MKV3s ability to potentiate copper-mediated killing in multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens highlights its potential as an antimicrobial adjuvant, while its attenuation of mammalian ATP7A/B function offers promise in oncology and copper-related diseases. Collectively, these findings establish a new tool for targeting of Cu+-ATPases with wide-ranging applications across biological systems.