Overexpression of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase in Drosophila does not affect life-span.

Aging and disease processes may be due to deleterious and irreversible changes produced by free radical reactions. The enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD; superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) performs a protective function by scavenging superoxide radicals. The Cu-Zn SOD gene (Sod) cloned from Drosophila melanogaster was introduced via P element-mediated transformation into the germ line. Homozygous lines carrying additional copies of the Sod gene were recovered and characterized. Increases in Sod transcripts and enzyme activity were observed in the transformed lines, indicating that all of the sequence information required for gene expression is contained on the inserted gene fragment. The effects of additional SOD on oxygen free radical metabolism and longevity were investigated. Additional SOD did not markedly affect oxygen metabolism or longevity. IMAGES: