Human selenoprotein family (SELENOs)

The human selenoprotein family consists of 25 proteins that incorporate the trace element selenium in the form of the amino acid selenocysteine (UniProt: P49908, Q9BQE3). These proteins are essential for various physiological processes, primarily acting as enzymes (oxidoreductases) that manage cellular redox balance and protect against oxidative damage (Labunskyy et al., 2014). Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) serves as the major selenium transport protein in the plasma and is a key biomarker for selenium status, with links to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (PubMed: 30107219). Selenoprotein N (SELENON) is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and is critical for calcium regulation and muscle function; its deficiency leads to Selenoprotein N-related myopathy (NCBI: GeneID 57190). Selenoprotein K (SELENOK) plays a role in immune cell activation and the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway (Reeves & Hoffmann, 2009). Therapeutically, these proteins are targeted through selenium supplementation to boost antioxidant defenses in cancer and cardiovascular disease, or through mimetics like ebselen (PubChem: CID 3194). However, the narrow therapeutic index of selenium requires careful monitoring to avoid toxicity or unintended metabolic consequences like selenosis.

Other names

SelenoproteinsSelenocysteine-containing proteinsSELENOPSELENONSELENOKGlutathione peroxidase (GPx)Thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD)Iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO)

Enhancement of selenoprotein biosynthesis through selenium supplementation or direct redox modulation by selenium mimetics (PubMed: 24510460).