Isolation and Characterization of Superoxide Dismutase from Tectus dentatus Marine Snail with Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activities

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Molecular Biology Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.

2 Proteome Research Lab, Central Laboratories Network and Centers of Excellence, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.

3 Microbial Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.

4 Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, 1 Corniche El Nile St., Warrak El-Haddar, Imbaba, Giza 12411, Egypt.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to reports the purification, biochemical characterization, and biological activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzymes from the marine snail Tectus dentatus (TdSOD). Methods: The enzyme was purified through DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange and Sephacryl S-300 size-exclusion chromatography, yielding two distinct isoenzymes, TdSOD1 and TdSOD2. TdSOD1 was further purified to homogeneity with a 6.9-fold purification and a specific activity of 658.3 U/mg. Results: Electrophoretic analyses confirmed the enzyme’s purity and revealed a native molecular weight of approximately 180 kDa, composed of subunits around 90 kDa. TdSOD1 showed optimal activity at pH 7.8 and was strongly activated by Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺, while inhibitors such as KCN and H₂O₂ significantly reduced its activity. Functionally, TdSOD1 demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity, especially against Candida albicans (97.3% inhibition) and Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (61.7%) and Escherichia coli (60.2%). Lower activity was observed against Klebsiella pneumoniae (39.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (2.9%). In anticancer assays, TdSOD1 exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, with an IC₅₀ of 33.42 µg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that TdSOD1 possesses promising antimicrobial and anticancer potential, supporting its future exploration as a multifunctional therapeutic agent.

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