ALS+SOD1+pathway



During cellular respiration harmful superoxide radicals are produced along with hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide dismutase has a role in converting these harmful agents into oxygen and water. Although some peroxixes persist in the cell, they are maintained at a level which keeps oxidative damage to a minimal. Reactive oxygen species that are not broken down can cause programmed neuron cell death, and is thought to be the reason for ALS in familial cases which have a mutated copy of the SOD1 gene which does not function properly.

SOD1 Gene