Superoxide dismutase and catalase system (SOD/CAT)

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) systems represent the primary enzymatic defense network against reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aerobic organisms [Ighodaro & Akinloye, 2018]. SOD enzymes (including SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3) catalyze the dismutation of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, while catalase subsequently decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen [UniProt P00441, P04040]. This coordinated activity is essential for protecting cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. Mutations in SOD1 are famously associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), underscoring the system's critical role in neuroprotection [Rosen et al., 1993]. Therapeutic strategies focus on using SOD mimetics (e.g., avasopasem manganese) or synthetic SOD/catalase dual-function compounds (e.g., EUK-134) to mitigate oxidative stress in conditions like ischemia-reperfusion injury, radiation-induced tissue damage, and chronic inflammation [Day, 2009; Galera Therapeutics]. However, because ROS also function as vital signaling molecules, pharmacological modulation of these systems must be carefully balanced to avoid disrupting normal physiological processes.

Other names

SOD-CAT systemAntioxidant enzyme systemSuperoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase and hydrogen-peroxide:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase

Catalytic scavenging of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide to prevent oxidative damage and restore redox balance.