Antioxidant Enzyme Mechanisms in Aquatic Organisms

Aquatic organisms are continuously exposed to reactive oxygen species generated both endogenously through metabolic processes and exogenously via environmental stressors such as pollutants, temperature fluctuations and pathogenic invasion. To maintain redox homeostasis they deploy a coordinated network of enzymatic antioxidants, notably superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase, which act in concert to neutralise free radicals, detoxify peroxides and facilitate conjugation reactions. Expression and activity of these enzymes vary between tissues—such as gills, hepatopancreas and muscle—and across developmental stages, reflecting the dynamic demands of immunity, growth and reproduction. Mechanistic studies have elucidated gene regulation by transcription factors, post-translational modifications and subcellular localisation patterns. Understanding these processes has global relevance for aquaculture, where biomarkers of oxidative stress inform health management, and for conservation, where resilience to pollution and climate change is of critical concern. Advances in molecular tools and enzyme engineering offer routes to enhance stress tolerance and support sustainable harvesting of wild and cultured stocks.

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Antioxidant Enzyme Mechanisms in Aquatic Organisms publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in antioxidant enzyme mechanisms in aquatic organisms across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can damage lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD): Metalloenzyme that converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen.

Catalase (CAT): Heme enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, preventing oxidative injury.

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx): Selenoenzyme that reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides using glutathione as co-substrate.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST): Enzyme that conjugates reduced glutathione to electrophilic substrates, facilitating detoxification and excretion.

References

1. Antioxidant Defence in Labeo rohita to Biotic and Abiotic Stress: Insight from mRNA Expression, Molecular Characterization and Recombinant Protein-Based ELISA of Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, CuZn Superoxide Dismutase, and Glutathione S-Transferase. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Catalase in Stress Physiology, Innate Immunity, Testicular Development, Metamorphosis, and Cryopreserved Sperm of Pacific Abalone. Antioxidants (2023).
3. In Silico Analysis and Tissue-Specific Transcription of Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) Catalase Gene. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin (2023).