Abstract
Superoxide dismutase is widespread in the human body, including skin and its appendages. Here, we focus on human skin copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, the enzyme that protects skin and its appendages against reactive oxygen species. Human skin copper/zinc superoxide dismutase resides in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, where up to 90% of cellular reactive oxygen species is produced. Factors other than cell type, such as gender, age and diseased state influence its location in skin tissues. We review current knowledge of skin copper/zinc superoxide dismutase including recent studies in an attempt to contribute to solving the question of its remaining unexplained functions. The research described here may be applicable to pathologies associated with oxidative stress. However, recent studies on copper/zinc superoxide dismutase in yeast reveal that its predominant function may be in signaling pathways rather than in scavenging superoxide ions. If confirmed in the skin, novel approaches might be developed to unravel the enzyme's remaining mysteries.
Highlights
Skin envelops the entire surface of human body and is daily exposed to environmental insults such as pathogens, injuries and ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Oxygen radicals and other reactive species cause modifications in the amino acids of proteins, which frequently result in functional or structural changes of enzymatic proteins [6]. They are able to induce covalent bonds with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a keratinocyte cytoplasmic protein that is normally linked to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which, according to Dinkova-Kostova et al [7], dissociates from Keap1 and transmigrates to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor and induces the production of antioxidant enzymes including copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) (Cu/Zn SOD) (Figure 1)
Using cultured human keratinocytes, different roles were established for Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD
Summary
Superoxide dismutase is widespread in the human body, including skin and its appendages. We focus on human skin copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, the enzyme that protects skin and its appendages against reactive oxygen species. Human skin copper/zinc superoxide dismutase resides in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, where up to 90% of cellular reactive oxygen species is produced. Factors other than cell type, such as gender, age and diseased state influence its location in skin tissues. We review current knowledge of skin copper/zinc superoxide dismutase including recent studies in an attempt to contribute to solving the question of its remaining unexplained functions. Recent studies on copper/zinc superoxide dismutase in yeast reveal that its predominant function may be in signaling pathways rather than in scavenging superoxide ions. If confirmed in the skin, novel approaches might be developed to unravel the enzyme’s remaining mysteries
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