Superoxide Dismutase (SOD2) is a number of the iron/manganese superoxide dismutase family. SOD2 is a mitochondrial protein that forms a homotetramer and binds one manganese ion per subunit. The SOD2 protein transforms toxic superoxide and a byproduct of the mitochondrial electron transport chain into hydrogen peroxide and diatomic oxygen. Genetic variation in SOD2 is associated with microvascular complications of diabetes type 6 (MVCD6), idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IDC), sporadic motor neuron disease, and cancer. SOD2 destroys superoxide anion radicals which are usually produced within the cells and which are toxic to biological systems.