Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reaction between superoxide anions and hydrogen to yield molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme protects the cell against dangerous levels of superoxide. It belongs to the Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase family. It binds copper and zinc ions. The encoded isozyme is a soluble cytoplasmic protein, acting as a homodimer to convert naturally-occurring but harmful superoxide radicals to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The other isozyme is a mitochondrial protein. Mutations in this gene have been implicated as causes of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rare transcript variants have been reported for this gene. SOD1 destroys radicals which are normally produced within the cells and which are toxic to biological systems. Defects in SOD1 are the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 1 (ALS1). ALS1 is a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons and resulting in fatal paralysis. Sensory abnormalities are absent. Death usually occurs within 2 to 5 years. The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely to be multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The disease is inherited in 5-10% of cases leading to familial forms.
