Blood pressure enzyme reveals second job: Making sulfur rings for cellular antioxidants
Researchers have discovered that the enzyme eNOS, known for regulating blood pressure, also produces sulfur rings that act as cellular antioxidants. This dual function helps protect cells from damage that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Understanding this mechanism could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating diseases related to oxidative stress and cellular damage.
by Christian Schneider, Max Planck Society
edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Sulfur played an important role in the metabolism of early forms of life. Modern cells store and use elemental sulfur in the form of S₈, particularly in their mitochondria, bacterial descendants. Credit: Katharina Maisenbacher / MPI-P Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E protect cells by neutralizing free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, before they can damage genetic material or cell membranes. Such damage can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants therefore help prevent cellular damage.
Antioxidants are not obtained exclusively through the diet; the body can also synthesize them with the help of various enzymes.
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