Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) (MnSOD)

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), also known as SOD2, is a vital mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen (UniProt P04179). It serves as the primary antioxidant defense within the mitochondria, protecting the organelle from oxidative damage and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis (PubMed: 20403531). In various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions, MnSOD levels are often altered, contributing to oxidative stress or tumor progression. Therapeutic intervention involves the use of MnSOD mimetics, which are synthetic manganese complexes designed to replicate the enzyme's activity. These drugs, such as Avasopasem manganese, are used to protect normal tissues from radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) or to selectively induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells through redox cycling (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03689712). By modulating the levels of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, these agents provide a targeted approach to managing oxidative stress-related pathologies.

Other names

Superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrialSOD2IPO-BMn-SODManganese-dependent superoxide dismutase

Superoxide dismutase mimetic activity and redox cycling to modulate reactive oxygen species levels.