Role of annexin A2 as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are molecules produced during metabolism that damage a number of cellular components, including the DNA, proteins and lipids. The DNA contains all the genetic information for the transmission of inherited traits from an existing cell to a new cell, while proteins are required for the structure, function and regulation of the body's cells, tissues and organs and lipids are not only a source of fuel but also an important constituent of the structure of cells. Harm to any of these components can lead to cell death. To protect cells from the deleterious effects of ROS, cells release antioxidant proteins and substances. Preliminary work from our laboratory has shown that depletion of the protein annexin A2 (also known as ANXA2) leads to an increase in ROS levels in stressed cells. Since ANXA2 is a very abundant and widely distributed cellular protein, we hypothesized that ANXA2 might play a major role in protecting cells from oxidative stress by absorbing ROS like a sponge absorbs water. With this project we will investigate in detail the mechanisms by which ANXA2 protects the cells from these harmful ROS molecules.