The right to choose: multiple pathways for activating copper,zinc superoxide dismutase.

ABSTRACT: Since the discovery of SOD1 in 1969, there have been numerous achievements made in our understanding of the enzyme's biochemical reactivity and its role in oxidative stress protection and as a genetic determinant in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many recent advances have also been made in understanding the "activation" of SOD1, i.e. the process by which an inert polypeptide is converted to a mature active enzyme through post-translational modifications. To date, two such activation pathways have been identified: one requiring the CCS copper chaperone and one that works independently of CCS to insert copper and activate SOD1 through oxidation of an intramolecular disulfide. Depending on an organism's lifestyle and complexity, different eukaryotes have evolved to favor one pathway over the

SUBMITTER: Leitch JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2757171 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature