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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient
Published on: September 3, 2014
More roles for selenoprotein P: local selenium storage and recycling protein in the brain
1Iron Metabolism and Chelation Program, Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, PO Box 81, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia. d.richardson@ccia.org.au
Abstract:
How is the essential micronutrient, selenium (Se), transported in the serum and then donated to tissues? In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Schweizer and colleagues demonstrate, using conditional and total mouse knockout models, that SePP (selenoprotein P) is the major transporter of Se in the serum. Moreover, in the sanctuary area of the brain, SePP was shown to play a hitherto unexpected role as a local Se storage and recycling protein that directly maintains brain Se levels. Considering the function of Se in normal brain metabolism, these results are crucial for our understanding of the role of selenoproteins in redox regulation, antioxidant defences, thyroid hormone metabolism and the development of neurodegenerative conditions.
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