Sod1-activity is linked to selenite toxicity in yeast

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is a trace element that is essential for human health. Reduction of inorganic selenium (sodium selenite; Na2SeO3) involves glutathione (GSH) oxidation and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS then have to be detoxified in order to avoid ROS-mediated DNA damage and genomic instability . We find that the budding yeast sod1Δ mutant rescues growth of selenite hypersensitive yeast mutants. This is a surprising observation, given the fact SOD1 encodes for a superoxide dismutase needed for the tolerance to ROS by the conversion of ion superoxide (O2) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Here, we will present new data on factors involved in selenite resistance pointing to a complex interplay between mechanisms involved in selenite detoxification and oxidative stress response.