SOD3 helps protect the brain lungs and other tissues from oxidative stress (a stress that is associated with increased production of oxidizing species or a significant decrease in the effectiveness of antioxidant defenses) because this gene is a member of the super oxide dismutase family.
This gene encodes a member of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein family. The product of this gene is thought to protect the brain, lungs, and other tissues from oxidative stress. Chemically, oxidative stress is associated with increased production of oxidizing species or a significant decrease in the effectiveness of antioxidant defenses, such as glutathione. 
