SOD-2 is a homotetrameric manganese enzyme (also known as MnSOD) that functions in the mitochondrion. ROS are implicated in a wide range of degenerative processes, including Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease and ischemic heart disease. Homozygous mutant mice, which lack SOD-2, exhibit dilated cardiomyopathy, accumulation of lipid in liver and skeletal muscle, metabolic acidosis, oxidative DNA damage and respiratory chain deficiencies in heart and skeletal muscle.
