Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
04:58
Author Spotlight: Investigating Lens Development and Function Through Microinjection of RCAS(A) Retrovirus in Embryonic Chicken Lens
Published on: September 1, 2023
1.9K
Characterization and Expression of Chicken Selenoprotein U
Yun-Yun Jiang1, Jia-Qiang Huang, Gao-Chao Lin
1Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, and Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
Biological Trace Element Research
|April 16, 2015
Summary
This study cloned and characterized the chicken Selenoprotein U (SelU) gene, finding its mRNA and protein expression are downregulated by selenium deficiency in most tissues, suggesting SelU
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Selenoprotein U (SelU) is involved in various biological processes via its redox activity.
- The genetic and protein sequences of chicken SelU were previously unknown.
- Understanding SelU's role is crucial for selenium's biochemical functions in birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize the chicken Selu gene.
- To investigate Selu mRNA and protein expression in different chicken tissues.
- To determine the impact of selenium (Se) deficiency on Selu expression.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of the chicken Selu gene.
- Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence and SECIS element.
- Real-time quantitative PCR to measure Selu mRNA levels.
- Western blotting to assess Selu protein abundance.
Main Results:
- The chicken Selu gene's coding sequence (CDS) has 387 bases, encoding a 224-amino acid protein with a conserved selenocysteine at position 85.
- A selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element was identified in the 3'-untranslated region.
- Selenium deficiency downregulated Selu mRNA and protein expression in muscle, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, and lung (P < 0.05).
- Testis and brain showed no significant changes in Selu expression with varying dietary selenium levels.
Conclusions:
- Chicken SelU possesses conserved structural features, including a selenocysteine residue and a SECIS element.
- Dietary selenium levels significantly impact Selu expression in most chicken tissues, except testis and brain.
- SelU likely plays a vital role in the biochemical functions of selenium in avian species.
