70 by: Ransi Abeysinghe Herath Mudiyanselage
Student – Ransi Adithya Herath
Name of Enzyme & E.C. number – Superoxide dismutase – 1.15.1.1
Where is enzyme found? Superoxide dismutase is found in nearly all living cells, including the cytosol, mitochondria, and extracellular spaces of eukaryotic cells, as well as in bacteria and archaea. There are three main types: SOD1 is found in the cytoplasm, SOD2 is in the mitochondria SOD3 is found outside the cells, in the extracellular space.
What does the enzyme do? SODs help protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive molecules that can harm cells. One of the most harmful ROS is the superoxide anion (O₂•−). When there are too many ROS in the body, they create oxidative stress, which can damage important cell structures like DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. SODs act as a defense system by converting these harmful superoxide molecules into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a less harmful byproduct. Although hydrogen peroxide itself can be dangerous, it is quickly broken down by other enzymes, reducing its impact. By doing this, SODs prevent oxidative stress and protect the body from conditions like heart disease, including hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Any other interesting facts or important information on your enzyme – They play a key role in preventing aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. SOD mutations are linked to ALS, and researchers are exploring SOD mimetics as potential therapies for conditions driven by oxidative stress. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is not only vital for protecting cells from oxidative stress, but it also has intriguing roles beyond human health. In plants, SOD helps them survive harsh environmental conditions like drought and extreme temperatures. Interestingly, studies link higher SOD activity to increased longevity in organisms like fruit flies and roundworms. SOD is also crucial in reproductive health, protecting sperm and eggs from damage.
References
- Fukai, T.; Ushio-Fukai, M. Superoxide Dismutases: Role in Redox Signaling, Vascular Function, and Diseases. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling2011, 15 (6), 1583–1606. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2011.3999.
- Zheng, M.; Liu, Y.; Zhang, G.; Yang, Z.; Xu, W.; Chen, Q. The Applications and Mechanisms of Superoxide Dismutase in Medicine, Food, and Cosmetics. Antioxidants 2023, 12 (9), 1675. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12091675.
- Eleutherio, E. C. A.; Silva Magalhães, R. S.; de Araújo Brasil, A.; Monteiro Neto, J. R.; de Holanda Paranhos, L. SOD1, More than Just an Antioxidant. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 2021, 697, 108701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2020.108701.
- The Antioxidant Enzyme that Fights Free Radicals. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/superoxide-dismutase/.
- Younus, H. Therapeutic Potentials of Superoxide Dismutase. International Journal of Health Sciences 2018, 12 (3), 88.
- Miller, A.-F. Superoxide Dismutases: Ancient Enzymes and New Insights. FEBS Letters 2011, 586 (5), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2011.10.048.
