Gene
SOD2
Last updated 2026-05-30· 1 min read
Reviewed by the Ultimate Longevity Bible editorial team. Educational reference — not medical advice. See disclaimer.
Function
SOD2 (manganese superoxide dismutase, MnSOD) converts mitochondrial superoxide (O2−) into hydrogen peroxide, which is further detoxified by catalase and peroxidases. It is the primary antioxidant defense within mitochondria.
Knockout in mice is embryonic lethal; heterozygous knockout mitochondria accumulate damage and the mice are prone to cardiomyopathy and neurodegeneration.
The V16A variant
The V16A polymorphism affects the mitochondrial-targeting sequence:
- VV genotype: more efficient import into mitochondria, higher matrix activity.
- AA genotype: less efficient import.
Associations with cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and certain cancers have been reported but effect sizes are modest and replication mixed.
Practical interpretation
- Not routinely tested clinically.
- Lifestyle and dietary antioxidants are unlikely to substantially modify SOD2 activity at the genotype level.
- Exercise upregulates SOD2 expression independent of genotype — one of the cellular mechanisms behind exercise’s longevity benefit.
Why it’s in this reference
SOD2 illustrates how individual antioxidant-gene variants have measurable but modest effects, and why "antioxidant supplementation" without targeting specific deficiencies has been disappointing in RCTs — the intracellular systems are tightly regulated.
- GDF-15 — Biomarker.
- Mitobridge (acquired by Astellas) — Company.
- Stealth BioTherapeutics — Company.
- Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone / Ubiquinol) — Intervention.
- Glycine + N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) — Intervention.
Related entries
References
- Bresciani, G. et al. Manganese superoxide dismutase and oxidative stress modulation. Adv. Clin. Chem. 68, 87–130 (2015).