Characterization of a novel extracellular CuZn superoxide dismutase from Rimicaris exoculata living around deep-sea hydrothermal vent.

Abstract Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) is a member of metalloenzyme that plays a key role in protecting organisms from oxidative damage. A novel extracellular Cu Zn superoxide dismutase RESOD was identified from Rimicaris exoculata, a dominant species that lives in close proximity to the deep-sea hydrothermal vents. It encoded a protein consisting of 227 amino acids with a signal peptide of 22 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that it had the characteristics of Cu Zn superoxide dismutase, and had low homology with the known SODs. Then the recombinant RESOD was expressed successfully, and high-purity RESOD was obtained. The recombinant RESOD exhibited maximal activity and stability with a temperature range of 0 °C to 10 °C. And the optimal pH for the activity and stability was about 10. However, RESOD was sensitive to some metal ions, particularly calcium. Furthermore, the biological function of RESOD was investigated in HeLa cells. It was found that RESOD could reduce the level of oxidation, and decrease the apoptosis resulted from excessive oxidant challenge. In conclusion, a novel alkali-tolerant cold-active extracellular Cu Zn SOD was characterized. The characteristics make RESOD a good candidate in a wide range of applications.