title: The effects of catalase gene overexpression on life span and resistance to oxidative stress in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster.
abstract: Oxygen free radicals and hydroperoxides have been postulated to play a causal role in the aging process, implying that antioxidant enzymes may act as longevity determinants. Catalase (H2O2:H2O2 oxidoreductase; EC1.11.1.6) is the sole enzyme involved in the elimination of H2O2 in Drosophila melanogaster; glutathione peroxidase being absent. A genomic fragment containing the Drosophila catalase gene was used to construct transgenic Drosophila lines by means of P element-mediated transformation. Enhanced levels of catalase (up to 80%) did not prolong the life span of flies, nor did they provide improved protection against oxidative stress induced by hyperoxia or paraquat treatment. However, enhanced resistance to hydrogen peroxide was observed in the overexpressors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Orr
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Sohal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D002374:Catalase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D007700:Kinetics; D008017:Life Expectancy; D010100:Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010269:Paraquat / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione; D010269:Paraquat; D010100:Oxygen