How the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme MnSOD protects cells from oxidative damage
Deciphering the Enzymatic Mechanism of Superoxide Dismutase
This work looks at how the mitochondrial enzyme MnSOD moves protons and electrons to neutralize harmful oxygen molecules that can contribute to cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325379 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are making ultra-detailed 3-D maps of the human MnSOD enzyme to see exactly where every atom and proton sits. They use neutron crystallography to capture proton positions and compare the enzyme in different chemical states to trace proton and electron pathways. By revealing how MnSOD converts superoxide into less harmful molecules, the team hopes to explain how changes in this enzyme lead to oxidative damage linked to cancers and cardiovascular disease. The main lab is at the University of Nebraska Medical Center with specialized measurements at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by conditions tied to oxidative stress—for example certain cancers or cardiovascular diseases—would be the most relevant group to follow this work or participate in future related sample-donation or translational studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment should not expect direct benefit because this is fundamental laboratory research rather than a clinical therapy trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug targets or strategies to boost cellular antioxidant defenses and reduce damage in cancer and heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: Neutron crystallography has been used successfully to locate protons in other enzymes, but applying it at this level of detail to human MnSOD is novel and could reveal insights not seen with X-ray methods.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borgstahl, Gloria — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Borgstahl, Gloria
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.