Expression of Ascorbate Peroxidase Derived from Cyanidioschyzon merolae in Mammalian Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) derived from Cyanidioschyzon merolae, a primitive red alga living in high temperature and acidic environments, has greater anti-oxidative capacity than similar peroxidases occurring in other plants. In the present study, we examined whether expression of Cyanidioschyzon merolae-derived APX (cAPX) in mammalian cells increases cellular anti-oxidative capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cAPX gene was introduced into the mouse fibroblast-like cell line C3H10T1/2. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or cell viability was assessed after heat, H(2)O(2) and acid stimulation. RESULTS: Heat and H(2)O(2) stimulation resulted in ROS production. cAPX-expressing cells were more tolerant to oxidative stress induced by heat, H(2)O(2) and acid stimulations than control cells lacking cAPX. CONCLUSION: Introduction of cAPX increases the anti-oxidative capacity in mammalian cells.