title: Effects of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase overexpression of life span and resistance to oxidative stress in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster.
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.
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 / Q000378:metabolism; D015246:Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D008136:Longevity / Q000502:physiology; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology; D010269:Paraquat / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D015246:Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI; C052380:endodeoxyribonuclease NcoI; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; D005978:Glutathione; D010269:Paraquat; D010100:Oxygen