Expression of Mn-superoxide dismutase in carcinogenesis.

Human liver manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) was highly purified by a simple procedure and crystallized. A monoclonal antibody against Mn-SOD, whose antigen-binding epitope is a C-terminus peptide was developed. Using this antibody, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed. We found that Mn-SOD is highly expressed in human ovarian cancer and the serum level of the enzyme is a useful marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of the epithelial type of ovarian cancer. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), lipopolysaccharide, IL-1 and phorbol ester induced the m-RNA of Mn-SOD as well as protein levels in TNF-resistant cells. No such induction was observed in Cu, Zn-SOD. Studies on the induction mechanisms indicated that at least two separate signal-transducing pathways are involved in expression of the Mn-SOD gene. One is triggered by protein kinase C activation itself in the absence of new protein synthesis. The other can be activated by stimulations with various cytokines in which a protein factor that can be induced by phorbol ester treatments is involved.