Editorial to theSelenium and selenoproteins in (redox) signaling, diseases, and animal models - 200 year anniversary issue
Section snippets
Selenium and human health problems
Most of the selenium-related diseases prevail in the elderly population. It therefore can no longer surprise that longevity has become a favorite subject in selenium research. In this context Zhang et al. [6] discuss the need to figure out roles of specific selenoproteins in health and lifespan.
A role of selenium in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy has been controversially discussed for at least half a century [7], and the prevention, inhibition or progression of cancer by selenoproteins is
Novel or extended functions of selenoproteins
A clearer place in the cellular physiology is showing up at the horizon for some of the selenoproteins. Novel roles are emerging for others. So, SELENOT is described to have an important function in hormone production, e.g. in insulin and corticotropin synthesis and release from the endoplasmic reticulum. It is expressed in the pituitary, pancreas, thyroid and testis and obviously also has a role in brain development and function [22]. GPx4, the only GPx being able to reduce hydroperoxides in
Selenium metabolism and selenoprotein biosynthesis
The way how selenium becomes recycled from SELENOP into the synthesis of other selenoproteins is discussed by Seale et al. [28] and the possible role of selenocysteine lyase (Scly) is highlighted. The source of selenium in the unique mechanism of selenoprotein biosynthesis is selenium phosphate produced by selenophosphate synthetase (SEPHS). Differences in the enzyme in pro- and eukaryotes are summarized and discussed by Na et al. [29]. The sex difference in selenium metabolism, selenoprotein
Selenium versus sulfur
An interesting question that is often discussed is why selenium and not sulfur is used in selenoproteins. Maroney and Hondal [33] set out to explain the use of Se in nature by focusing on chemical properties of each element. Their explanations are based on very early findings by Chaudière [34] that Se in Sec strongly resists permanent oxidation, which had first been reported by Caldwell and Tappel [35]. Thus, this review covers findings of the early 1960s that still appear valid [23]. Ren et
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