Dual effects of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) specifically catalyzes the removal of superoxide radicals to protect cellular function against the generation of superoxide-dependent hydroxyl radicals ((.)OH). However, an unexpected observation reveals that denatured CuZnSOD (dCuZnSOD) itself induces (.)OH formation. This dCuZnSOD-dependent (.)OH generation was not inhibited by active CuZnSOD, suggesting that it is a superoxide-independent process. Sodium cyanide, histidine, and N,N'-diethyldithiocarbamate abolished (.)OH generation, implying that Cu may be responsible for dCuZnSOD-induced (.)OH formation. Catalase eliminated ()OH generation, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide may be involved in the mechanism of dCuZnSOD-mediated (.)OH production. Furthermore, nitric oxide ((.)NO) completely inhibited dCuZnSOD-induced (.)OH radical generation, indicating that (.)NO is an important (.)OH radical scavenger. Our results shed new light on the effect of dysfunctional CuZnSOD and suggest that structural disorder of the enzyme may be one of the endogenous pathways of toxic (.)OH formation in biological systems.     

Purification and characterization of an osteoclast membrane glycoprotein with homology to manganese superoxide dismutase.

The osteoclast is the specialized multinucleated cell primarily responsible for the degradation of the inorganic and organic components of bone matrix. Isolated avian osteoclasts have been used to immunize mice and generate an osteoclast-directed monoclonal antibody library (J. Cell Biology, 100:1592). A subset of these monoclonal antibodies recognizes antigens which are expressed on osteoclasts and which are absent or nearly so on multinucleated giant cells formed in vitro from monocyte or marrow mononuclear cells. One of these antibodies, designated 121F, has been used to identify and purify an osteoclast plasma membrane-associated glycoprotein. Western blot analysis on disulfide bond-reduced extracts from osteoclasts or multinucleated giant cells formed in vitro demonstrates that the 121F antibody recognizes a 150 kDa protein detectable only in osteoclasts. This high molecular weight protein has been purified by a combination of immunoaffinity and gel filtration chromatography procedures, in conjunction with electroelution of a single band from SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Silver staining of the purified antigen on SDS-polyacrylamide gels has revealed a single protein species larger than 200 kDa in its unreduced form and 150 kDa when disulfides are reduced. Isoelectric focusing of the purified antigen reveals a single species, having a neutral pl point of 6.95. Whereas endoglycosidase treatment and lectin affinity chromatographic analyses demonstrate that the antigen recognized by the 121F antibody possesses complex N-linked sugars, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid treatment indicates there are no additional O-linked carbohydrate components. Periodate oxidation and monosaccharide hapten inhibition studies provide no evidence for the antigenic epitope bound by the 121F antibody being carbohydrate in nature. Although the native antigen is blocked at its N-terminus, amino acid analysis of a hydroxylamine generated peptide disclosed a striking relationship between the osteoclast antigen recognized by the 121F monoclonal antibody and manganese and iron superoxide dismutase. Therefore, in addition to serving as a distinguishing cell type-specific marker for osteoclasts, this cell surface glycoprotein may function directly in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.     

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase fromAscaris suum (Nematoda): Purification and characterization

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase fromAscaris suum (Nematoda) was purified in a new, more efficient, and faster manner. The process included differential centrifugation, fractionation with ammonium sulfate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis, yielding a 340-fold purification (specific activity of 47 units/mg). Optimal storage conditions, optimal pH range, thermostability, molecular weight and ultravioltet-visible absorption spectrum of the enzyme are described, and a new enzymatic model for pharmacological screening is suggested.Abbreviations (SOD) Superoxide dismutase - (EDTA) Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - (SDS) Sodium dodecyl sulfate - (NBT) p-nitrotetrazolium blue - (UV) Ultraviolet     

Polymorphism in the manganese superoxide dismutase gene

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage occur in sepsis. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) provides the main defence against oxidative stress within mitochondria. Ala9Val is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MnSOD gene, predicted to affect intra-mitochondrial transport of the enzyme. We found a significant difference in the genotype frequency between healthy subjects (n = 100) and patients with sepsis (n = 40, p = 0.009). For assessment of functionality ten healthy subjects of each homozygous genotype (A/A or V/V) were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and incubated for 18 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by analysis of mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions. There was no difference between genotypes in MnSOD activity and cytochrome c concentration, and minor differences in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and mitochondrial membrane potential, which did not affect response to LPS. Despite predictions from structural enzyme studies that mitochondrial trafficking would be affected by the Ala9Val polymorphism of the MnSOD gene had little functional effect.     

Polymorphism in the manganese superoxide dismutase gene

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage occur in sepsis. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) provides the main defence against oxidative stress within mitochondria. Ala9Val is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MnSOD gene, predicted to affect intra-mitochondrial transport of the enzyme. We found a significant difference in the genotype frequency between healthy subjects (n = 100) and patients with sepsis (n = 40, p = 0.009). For assessment of functionality ten healthy subjects of each homozygous genotype (A/A or V/V) were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and incubated for 18 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by analysis of mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions. There was no difference between genotypes in MnSOD activity and cytochrome c concentration, and minor differences in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and mitochondrial membrane potential, which did not affect response to LPS. Despite predictions from structural enzyme studies that mitochondrial trafficking would be affected by the Ala9Val polymorphism of the MnSOD gene had little functional effect.     

Demonstration and characterization of manganese superoxide dismutase of Providencia alcalifaciens

Superoxide dismutases convert superoxide anions to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. These enzymes constitute one of the major defense mechanisms of cells against oxidative stress and play a role in the pathogenesis of certain invasive bacteria. In this study, we reported for the first time here that Providencia alcalifaciens, a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae, produces a superoxide dismutase (SOD) as a major protein in culture supernatants. This protein was purified by a series of column chromatographic separations. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein was determined to be highly homologous to manganese superoxide dismutase of Escherichia coli or Salmonella reported. The gene (sodA) encoding for SOD of P. alcalifaciens was cloned and sequenced. The sodA-encoded protein has a molecular weight of about 23.5 kDa, and the DNA sequence of P. alcalifaciens sodA gene (627 bp) has about 83% identity to the E. coli SOD gene. We constructed a sodA deletion mutant and its complemented strain of P. alcalifaciens. In J774, a macrophage cell line, the sodA deletion mutant was more susceptible to killing by macrophages than the wildtype strain and its complemented strain. When we injected the mutant strain, its complemented strain and wildtype strain intraperitoneally into DDY strain mice, we found that the sodA deletion mutant proved significantly less virulent while the complemented strain recovered the virulence to the same level of wildtype strain of P. alcalifaciens. These results suggested that manganese superoxide dismutase plays an important role in intracellular survival of P. alcalifaciens.     

Expression of manganese superoxide dismutase is not altered in transgenic mice with elevated level of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase

In evaluating the relative expression of copper-zinc and manganese superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD and MnSOD) in vivo in states like Down syndrome in which one dismutase is present at increased levels, we measured activities of both enzymes, in tissues of control and transgenic mice constitutively expressing increased levels of CuZnSOD, during exposure to normal and elevated oxygen tensions. Using SOD gel electrophoresis assay, CuZnSOD and MnSOD activities of brain, lung, heart, kidney, and liver from mice exposed to either normal (21%) or elevated (>99% oxygen, 630 torr) oxygen tensions for 120 h were compared. Whereas CuZnSOD activity was elevated in tissues of transgenic relative to control mice under both normoxic or hyperoxic conditions, MnSOD activities in organs of transgenic mice were remarkably similar to those of controls under both conditions. To confirm the accuracy of this method in quantitating MnSOD relative to CuZnSOD expression, two other methods were utilized. In lung, which is the organ exposed to the highest oxygen tension during ambient hyperoxia, a sensitive, specific ELISA for MnSOD was used. Again, MnSOD protein was not different in transgenic relative to control mice during exposure to air or hyperoxia. In addition, lung MnSOD protein was not changed significantly by exposure to hyperoxia in either group. In kidney, a mitochondrion-rich organ, SOD assay, before and after inactivation of CuZnSOD with diethyldithiocarbamate, was used. MnSOD activity was not different in organs from air-exposed transgenic relative to control mice. The data indicated that expression of MnSOD in vivo was not affected by overexpression of the CuZnSOD and, therefore, the two enzymes are probably regulated independently.     

Progestin stimulation of manganese superoxide dismutase and invasive properties in T47D human breast cancer cells

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) occurs in two intracellular forms in mammals, copper–zinc SOD (CuZnSOD), found in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus, and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), in mitochondria. Changes in MnSOD expression (as compared to normal cells) have been reported in several forms of cancer, and these changes have been associated with regulation of cell proliferation, cell death, and metastasis. We have found that progestins stimulate MnSOD in T47D human breast cancer cells in a time and physiological concentration-dependent manner, exhibiting specificity for progestins and inhibition by the antiprogestin RU486. Progestin stimulation occurs at the level of mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity. Cycloheximide inhibits stimulation at the mRNA level, suggesting that progestin induction of MnSOD mRNA depends on synthesis of protein. Experiments with the MEK inhibitor UO126 suggest involvement of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway. Finally, MnSOD-directed siRNA lowers progestin-stimulated MnSOD and inhibits progestin stimulation of migration and invasion, suggesting that up-regulation of MnSOD may be involved in the mechanism of progestin stimulation of invasive properties. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of progestin stimulation of MnSOD in human breast cancer cells.     

Purification and characterization of Fe-containing superoxide dismutase from Methanobrevibacter arboriphilus strain AZ

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was purified from cells of the strict anaerobic methanogenic archaeon Methanobrevibacter arboriphilus strain AZ. The four-step purification procedure resulted in enzyme with specific activity of 3970 units/mg and yield of 22%. It was shown that the SOD is a Fe-containing homotetramer composed of subunits of 21.2 kD each. Sodium azide (13.5 mM), unlike KCN, inhibits the activity of the SOD. Hydrogen peroxide (0.5 mM) inactivates the enzyme, which is consistent with the properties of the known Fe-containing SODs from methanogenic Archaea.     

Purification and characterization of iron superoxide dismutase and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase from Acanthamoeba castellanii

Two superoxide dismutases (SOD I and SOD II) were purified from Acanthamoeba castellanii and characterized for several biochemical properties. Analysis of the primary structure and inhibition studies revealed that SOD I is iron SOD (Fe-SOD), with a molecular mass of 50 kDa, and SOD II is copper-zinc SOD (Cu,Zn-SOD), with a molecular mass of 38 kDa. Both enzymes have a homodimeric structure consisting of 2 identical subunits, each with a molecular mass of 26 and 19 kDa for SOD I and SOD II, respectively. The isoelectric points of SOD I and SOD II were 6.4 and 3.5, respectively, and there were no isoenzyme forms detected. Both enzymes show a broad optimal pH of 7.0-11.0. Because no differences were observed in the apparent molecular weight of SOD I after addition of the reducing agent 2-mercaptoethanol, the subunits do not appear to be linked covalently by disulfide bonds. However, the subunits of SOD II were covalently linked by intra- and interdisulfide bonds. Western blot analyses showed that the 2 enzymes have different antigenicity. Both enzymes occur as cytoplasmic and detergent-extractable fractions. These enzymes may be potential virulence factors of A. castellanii by acting both as antioxidants and antiinflammatory agents. These enzymes may be attractive targets for chemotherapy and immunodiagnosis of acanthamoebiasis.     

RNA interference mediated knockdown of apolipophorin-III leads to knockdown of manganese superoxide dismutase in Hyphantria cunea

Apolipophorin-III (apoLp-III), a hemolymph protein that facilitates lipid transport in aqueous media in insects was recently shown to play a role in insect immune activation. Here, we report another novel possible function of apoLp-III in insects. To identify genes affected by apoLp-III expression in larvae, we decreased endogenous apoLp-III mRNA in Hyphantria cunea (Hc) through RNA interference; subsequently, we observed lower levels of antioxidant enzymes, including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione S-transferase, and immune proteins. Knockdown of Hc apoLp-III led to decreased MnSOD expression in fat body tissues and elevated superoxide anion levels in Hc fat body cells, suggesting that Hc apoLp-III is involved in the action and/or expression of antioxidant enzymes, especially MnSOD.     

Effect of exercise on bone and articular cartilage in heterozygous manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) deficient mice

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in both bone and cartilage physiology and play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The present study investigated the effect of running exercise on bone and cartilage in heterozygous manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2)-deficient mice. It was hypothesized that exercise might induce an increased production of ROS in these tissues. Heterozygous SOD2-deficient mice should exhibit an impaired capability to compensate, resulting in an increased oxidative stress in cartilage and bone. Thirteen female wild type and 20 SOD2^+/? mice (aged 16 weeks) were randomly assigned to a non-active wild type (SOD2^+/+Con, n = 7), a trained wild type (SOD2^+/+Run, n = 6), a non-active SOD2^+/? (SOD2^+/?Con, n = 9) and a trained SOD2^+/? (SOD2^+/?Run, n = 11) group. Training groups underwent running exercise on a treadmill for 8 weeks. In SOD2^+/? mice elevated levels of 15-F_2t-isoprostane and nitrotyrosine were detected in bone and articular cartilage compared to wild type littermates. In osteocytes the elevated levels of these molecules were found to be reduced after exercise while in chondrocytes they were increased by aerobic running exercise. The observed changes in oxidative and nitrosative stress did neither affect morphological, structural nor mechanical properties of both tissues. These results demonstrate that exercise might protect bone against oxidative stress in heterozygous SOD2-deficient mice.     

The inhibitory effect of vanadium oxoanions on the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase

The inhibitory effect of vanadate species on the enzymatic activity of bovine copper-zinc superoxide dismutase has been investigated at different pH values and vanadium concentrations. A definite inhibitory effect, clearly related to the main negative charge of each of the vanadate solutions, has been found. The results suggest that the origin of the inhibitory effect may be similar to that found for the phosphate ion, i.e., a diminution of the effectiveness of the substrate electronic guidance mechanism by partial neutralization of the charges close to the active site. Under physiological conditions, the inhibitory effect of vanadate is somewhat smaller than the phosphate.     

Inhibition of cell growth by overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in human pancreatic carcinoma

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) levels have been found to be low in human pancreatic cancer [Pancreas26, (2003), 23] and human pancreatic cancer cell lines [Cancer Res.63, (2003), 1297] when compared to normal human pancreas. We hypothesized that stable overexpression of pancreatic cancer cells with MnSOD cDNA would alter the malignant phenotype. MIA PaCa-2 cells were stably transfected with a pcDNA3 plasmid containing sense human MnSOD cDNA or containing no MnSOD insert by using the lipofectAMINE method. G418-resistant colonies were isolated, grown and maintained. Overexpression of MnSOD was confirmed in two selected clones with a 2-4-fold increase in MnSOD immunoreactive protein. Compared with the parental and neo control cells, the MnSOD-overexpressing clones had decreased growth rates, growth in soft agar and plating efficiency in vitro, while in vivo, the MnSOD-overexpressing clones had slower growth in nude mice. These results suggest that MnSOD may be a tumor suppressor gene in human pancreatic cancer.     

A thermostable manganese-containing superoxide dismutase from the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus

A thermostable superoxide dismutase (SOD) from a Thermomyces lanuginosus strain (P134) was purified to homogeneity by fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, Phenyl-Sepharose hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and gel filtration on Sephacryl S-100. The molecular mass of a single band of the enzyme was estimated to be 22.4 kDa, using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using gel filtration on Sephacryl S-100, the molecular mass was estimated to be 89.1 kDa, indicating that this enzyme was composed of four identical subunits of 22.4 kDa each. The SOD was found to be inhibited by NaN₃, but not by KCN or H₂O₂, suggesting that the SOD in T. lanuginosus was of the manganese superoxide dismutase type. The SOD exhibited maximal activity at pH 7.5. The optimum temperature for the activity was 55°C. It was thermostable at 50 and 60°C and retained 55% activity after 60 min at 70°C. The half-life of the SOD at 80°C was approximately 28 min and even retained 20% activity after 20 min at 90°C.     

Purification and characterization of thylakoid-bound Mn-superoxide dismutase in spinach chloroplasts

Thylakoid-bound superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) was solubilized by Triton X-100 from spinach and purified to a homogeneous state. The molecular weight of thylakoid-bound SOD was 52000; the enzyme was composed of two equal subunits. Its activity was not sensitive to cyanide and hydrogen peroxide, and the isolated SOD contained Mn, but neither Fe nor Cu. Thus, the thylakoid-bound SOD is a Mn-containing enzyme. The subunit molecular weight of thylakoid Mn-SOD is the highest among Mn-SODs isolated so far, a fact which might reflect its binding to the membranes.     

Immunoquantitation of rat erythrocyte superoxide dismutase: Its use in copper deficiency

Two immunoassays have been developed for the determination of rat erythrocyte dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was very sensitive down to 4 ng/ml with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 18% while the single radial immunodiffusion assay (SRID) permitted an adequate detection level (5 μg/ml) with far better accuracy (CV = 4.2%). The latter was thus selected for the determination of Cu,Zn-SOD in the red blood cells of normal and copper-depleted rats. The average value of Cu,Zn-SOD in normal adult rat erythrocytes was 1142 ± 120 ng/mg hemoglobin. When compared to activity measurements, good correlation was obtained between enzyme content and enzyme activity (r = 0.803, P < .001). In an experimental copper deficiency followed by supplementation, good correlation was observed in the course of depletion (r = 0.848, P < .001) and repletion (r = 0.896, P < .001). During depletion, the loss of enzyme activity was mainly related to a loss of enzyme. However, enzymatically inactive protein was formed which would be activated when copper was added. These results indicate the importance of a combined use of Cu,Zn-SOD immunoquantitation and activity measurements to enable a better understanding of changes occuring with respect to enzyme activity.     

Purification and immunological characterization of superoxide dismutase of the onion maggot,Delia antiqua

Cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the onion maggot, Delia antiqua, was purified to apparent homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and gel filtration chromatographies. Native molecular mass was estimated as 32,000 daltons. SDS-PAGE revealed only one subunit of 16,000 daltons, indicating that SOD is a homodimer. Isoelectric focusing revealed 3 charge isomers of pls 5.3, 5.5, and 5.7. The specific activity of purified SOD was 4,250 U/mg protein. A monoclonal antibody (MAb, aSOD2B7) raised against Delia SOD recognized only SOD of the same genus, but another MAb (aSOD1H11) recognized SOD of Drosophila melanogaster as well. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Generation and characterization of a novel kidney-specific manganese superoxide dismutase knockout mouse

Inactivation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a mitochondrial antioxidant, has been associated with renal disorders and often results in detrimental downstream events that are mechanistically not clear. Development of an animal model that exhibits kidney-specific deficiency of MnSOD would be extremely beneficial in exploring the downstream events that occur following MnSOD inactivation. Using Cre-Lox recombination technology, kidney-specific MnSOD deficient mice (both 100% and 50%) were generated that exhibited low expression of MnSOD in discrete renal cell types and reduced enzymatic activity within the kidney. These kidney-specific 100% KO mice possessed a normal life-span, although it was interesting that the mice were smaller. Consistent with the important role in scavenging superoxide radicals, the kidney-specific KO mice showed a significant increase in oxidative stress (tyrosine nitration) in a gene-dose dependent manner. In addition, loss of MnSOD resulted in mild renal damage (tubular dilation and cell swelling). Hence, this novel mouse model will aid in determining the specific role (local and/or systemic) governed by MnSOD within certain kidney cells. Moreover, these mice will serve as a powerful tool to explore molecular mechanisms that occur downstream of MnSOD inactivation in renal disorders or possibly in other pathologies that rely on normal renal function.