Selenocysteine

Selenocysteine (Sec) is the 21st proteinogenic amino acid, structurally similar to cysteine but with a selenium atom replacing sulfur. It is an essential component of selenoproteins, a unique class of enzymes crucial for maintaining redox homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and various metabolic and endocrine pathways in humans. Selenocysteine is incorporated into polypeptides at specific UGA stop codons through a unique recoding mechanism. Its highly reactive selenol group contributes to its potent antioxidant and redox-regulatory activities. Emerging research highlights its therapeutic potential, particularly in nanotherapeutic formulations, where it has demonstrated direct inhibition of oxidative stress and ferroptosis.

Other names

SecSeCys2SeCys-2SeCys 2