The synthesis of superoxide dismutase [SOD: EC 1.15.1.1] in response t
o various cultural conditions was examined in Candida albicans, an opp
ortunistic yeast which causes candidiasis in immunosuppressed patients
. SOD plays an important role in protecting cells from the oxidative d
amage of superoxide radicals. Maximum SOD activity was found after 72
hrs of yeast growth. The optimum pH and temperature for the SOD activi
ty were 7 and 40 degrees C, respectively. The major SOD activity was f
ound in the cytosol fraction and the level of extracellular SOD was ve
ry low. The enzyme was stimulated to varying degrees by cholic acid, p
rocaine and tocopherol. On the basis of inhibitor studies and other en
zyme properties, the isolated enzyme from C. albicans is identified as
copper and zinc superoxide dismutase.