THE ROLE OF THE ACTIVE-SITE AMINO-ACID-RESIDUES ON THE CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF CU2ZN2SOD

Copper, zinc superoxide dismutase, the enzyme that catalyzes the dismu tation of the superoxide ion, is a key enzyme for neurodegenerative pr ocesses caused by the formation into tissues of this reactive free rad ical. Although the structure of enzyme is known, the catalytic mechani sm has not yet fully elucidated. The copper ion represents the center, which exchanges electrons with the superoxide ion, but other residues present in the active site seem to play a relevant role. The most rec ent advancements in clarifying the structure-function relationship in this enzyme are discussed.