Methylselenol

Methylselenol (methaneselenol, CH₃SeH) is a small organoselenium metabolite—not a discrete therapeutic target, but a bioactive compound generated in vivo from the metabolism of dietary selenium sources such as methylseleninic acid (MSA) and Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC)[1][2][3]. It is a highly reactive selenium species thought to be primarily responsible for the chemopreventive and cytotoxic effects of many selenium compounds. Mechanistically, methylselenol can induce selective apoptosis in cancer cells, largely through the generation of reactive oxygen species, induction of DNA damage, inhibition of angiogenesis, and modulation of immune surveillance by upregulating stress ligands (MICA/B) that stimulate cytotoxic lymphocytes[1][2][3]. Though critical in selenium-mediated biology, methylselenol is a reactive intermediate and is not a molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter. Instead, it represents a pathway or intermediate in selenium metabolism with relevance to cancer chemoprevention and therapy[1][2][3].

Other names

MethaneselenolCH₃SeH

Induces apoptosis via increased reactive oxygen species; Triggers DNA damage; Inhibits angiogenesis; Regulates NKG2D ligand expression, enhancing immune recognition