Authors: Orr, W C; Sohal, R S
Abstract: Reactive oxygen species have been postulated to be a causal factor in the aging process due to their ability to inflict molecular damage. The role of the enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD; superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase; EC 1.15.1.1), which scavenges superoxide anion radicals, as a longevity determinant was examined in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster. A genomic fragment containing the Drosophila Cu-Zn SOD gene was introduced into the germ cells via a P element containing Casper vector. In different transgenic lines, overexpression of SOD by 32-42% above normal had either a minor and/or an insignificant effect on life span of the flies and their ability to withstand experimental oxidative stress, induced by paraquat intake and exposure to hyperoxia (100% oxygen). Transgenics showing a small increase in mean life span also exhibited a corresponding improvement in their resistance to hyperoxia but not paraquat. The maximum life span of populations was not affected.
Keywords: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Catalase/metabolism; Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI; Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/*physiology; *Gene Expression; Glutathione/metabolism; Longevity/physiology; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen/pharmacology; Paraquat/pharmacology; RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Restriction Mapping; Superoxide Dismutase/*genetics/*physiology; Transfection|
Journal: Arch Biochem Biophys Volume: 301 Issue: 1 Pages: 34-40 Date: Feb. 15, 1993 PMID: 8442664 |
Orr, W C, Sohal, R S (1993) Effects of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase overexpression of life span and resistance to oxidative stress in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster. Arch Biochem Biophys 301: 34-40.
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