Comparative Studies on a Superoxide Dismutase Exhibiting Enzymatic Activity with Iron and Manganese as Active Cofactor

Abstract

The SOD of Propionibacterium freudenreichii, ssp. shermanii belongs to a new group of SOD'S capable of retaining activity with either Fe or Mn as active metal cofactor.

Both enzymes exhibit identical secondary structure and immunological determinants. Hydrogen peroxide irreversibly inhibits both enzymes. The protein moiety of the Fe-and Mn-SOD could be digested with trypsin to a single active fragment.

Key Words:

• Superoxide dismutase
• Iron
• manganese.