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Superoxide dismutase induces differentiation in microplasmodia of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum

R G Allen1, A K Balin, R J Reimer

  • 1Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|February 15, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays a key role in slime mold differentiation. Introducing SOD or inducing cellular oxidation triggers differentiation in Physarum polycephalum, highlighting oxidative stress

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • The slime mold Physarum polycephalum undergoes differentiation.
  • The role of specific enzymes in this developmental process is not fully understood.
  • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme involved in managing reactive oxygen species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the differentiation of Physarum polycephalum.
  • To determine if manipulating SOD activity or cellular oxidation levels can induce differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Measured SOD activity during differentiation in Physarum polycephalum.
  • Administered exogenous SOD and other antioxidants via liposomes to non-differentiating strains.
  • Induced oxidative stress using D-amino acid oxidase.

Main Results:

  • SOD activity increased 46-fold during normal differentiation.
  • Non-differentiating strains showed no change in SOD activity.
  • Liposomal SOD addition induced differentiation, an effect enhanced by glutathione synthesis inhibition.
  • Other antioxidants did not induce differentiation.
  • Oxidative treatments, including D-amino acid oxidase, induced differentiation.

Conclusions:

  • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is crucial for Physarum polycephalum differentiation.
  • Cellular oxidation is the likely mechanism by which SOD influences differentiation.
  • This study provides evidence for a signaling role of oxidative stress in cellular development.

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