Human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity

Kamnakaran, C., Zhang, H., Crow, J.P., Anthohne, W.E., Kalyanaraman, B., 2004. Direct probing of copper active site and free radical formed during bicarbonate-dependent peroxidase activity of bovine and human copper, zinc-superoxide dismutases. Low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance and electron nuclear double resonance studies. J. Biol. Chem. 279, 32534—32540. 

C2. Ceballos-Picot, I., Trivier, J.-M., Nicole, A., Sinet, P.-M., and Thevenin, M., Age-correlated modifications of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and glutathione-related enzyme activities in human erythrocytes. Clin. Chem. 38 66-70 (1992). 

Copper occurs in almost all life forms and it plays a role at the active site of a large number of enzymes. Copper is the third most abundant transition metal in the human body after iron and zinc. Enzymes of copper include superoxide dismutase, tyrosinase, nitrite reductase and cytochrome c oxidase. Most copper proteins and enzymes have roles as electron transfer agents and in redox reactions, as Cu(II) and Cu(I) are accessible. 

Copper is an essential element to most life forms. In humans it is the third most abundant trace element only iron and zinc are present in higher quantity. Utilization of copper usually involves a protein active site which catalyzes a critical oxidation reaction, e.g., cytochrome oxidase, amine oxidases, superoxide dismutase, ferroxidases, dopamine-/ -hydrox-ylase, and tyrosinase. Accordingly, animals exhibit unique homeostatic mechanisms for the absorption, distribution, utilization, and excretion of copper (J). Moreover, at least two potentially lethal inherited diseases of copper metabolism are known Wilson s Disease and Menkes s Kinky Hair Syndrome (I). 

---