Open AccessA novel D rosophila SOD 2 mutant demonstrates a role for mitochondrial ROS in neurodevelopment and disease
Author(s) -
Celotto Alicia M.,
Liu Zhaohui,
VanDemark Andrew P.,
Palladino Michael J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.73
Subject(s) - reactive oxygen species , mitochondrion , microbiology and biotechnology , mitochondrial ros , superoxide dismutase , oxidative stress , biology , chemistry , biochemistry
Reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) play essential roles in cell signaling, survival, and homeostasis. Aberrant ROS lead to disease and contribute to the aging process. Numerous enzymes and vigilant antioxidant pathways are required to regulate ROS for normal cellular health. Mitochondria are a major source of ROS , and mechanisms to prevent elevated ROS during oxidative phosphorylation require super oxide dismutase ( SOD ) activity. SOD 2, also known as Mn SOD , is targeted to mitochondria and is instrumental in regulating ROS by conversion of superoxides to hydrogen peroxide, which is further broken down into H 2 O and oxygen. Here, we describe the identification of a novel mutation within the mitochondrial SOD 2 enzyme in D rosophila that results in adults with an extremely shortened life span, sensitivity to hyperoxia, and neuropathology. Additional studies demonstrate that this novel mutant, SOD 2 bewildered , exhibits abnormal brain morphology, suggesting a critical role for this protein in neurodevelopment. We investigated the basis of this neurodevelopmental defect and discovered an increase in aberrant axonal that could underlie the aberrant neurodevelopment and brain morphology defects. This novel allele, SOD 2 bewildered , provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of increased mitochondrial ROS on neural development, axonal targeting, and neural cell degeneration in vivo.