Superoxide dismutase induces differentiation in microplasmodia of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum.
Evidence is presented that supports a role for the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the differentiation of the slime mold, Physarum polycephalum. SOD activity increases 46-fold during differentiation. A strain of Physarum that does not differentiate exhibits no change in SOD activity. Addition of SOD, via liposomes, to the nondifferentiating strain induces differentiation; this effect is enhanced by an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis. Other antioxidants selected for study failed to induce differentiation. Conversely, oxidative treatments including introduction of D-amino acid oxidase, via liposomes, induced differentiation. Cellular oxidation is the probable cause of the SOD effect.
Allen
R G
RG
Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021.
Balin
A K
AK
Reimer
R J
RJ
Sohal
R S
RS
Nations
C
C
D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D007700:Kinetics; D010804:Physarum / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase