In silico Analysis of Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase in Ipomoea batatas

Abstract

Abiotic stresses like drought and heat significantly impact sweet potato production (Ipomoea batatas) by inducing oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes are a crucial line of defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we focused on the Cu/Zn SOD from I. batatas employing in silico analysis to elucidate its physicochemical properties, structural features, and potential role in stress tolerance. The Cu/Zn SOD protein sequence was analyzed using bioinformatics tools such as ExPASy ProtParam and TargetP 2.0 tools. The protein exhibited a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 5.64, suggesting an acidic nature with predominance of negative charge. The aliphatic index (73.09) and instability index (18.62) reflected thermal stability and in vivo stability, while a negative GRAVY value (-0.186) denoted hydrophilicity and potential solubility in aqueous environments. Our analysis on subcellular localization prediction indicated a cytosolic localization with the highest likelihood (0.545), confirming its identity as a Cu/Zn-type SOD rather than a chloroplastic or mitochondrial isoform. These results suggest that Cu/Zn SOD of I. batatas is a stable, soluble, cytosolic enzyme with physicochemical properties well-suited for maintaining redox homeostasis under oxidative stress, supporting its role in stress tolerance mechanisms in sweet potato.