University of Missouri Researchers Create Model of Cancer-Preventing Enzyme, Study How It Works
Proline dehydrogenase is important because it plays a role in apoptosis, the process of cell death, by enabling the creation of superoxide, a highly reactive electron-rich oxygen species. Superoxide is involved in the destruction of damaged cells and therefore is important in preventing the development and spread of cancer. The protein proline dehydrogenase "opens up to allow oxygen to 'steal' electrons" and create a superoxide, said Tommi A. White, an MU doctoral student in biochemistry.