Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
Published on: November 28, 2012
Molecular mechanism of selenoprotein P synthesis
Sumangala Shetty1, Paul R Copeland1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
Background:
Selenoprotein synthesis requires the reinterpretation of a UGA stop codon as one that encodes selenocysteine (Sec), a process that requires a set of dedicated translation factors. Among the mammalian selenoproteins, Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is unique as it contains a selenocysteine-rich domain that requires multiple Sec incorporation events.
Scope Of Review:
In this review we elaborate on new data and current models that provide insight into how SELENOP is made.
Major Conclusions:
SELENOP synthesis requires a specific set of factors and conditions.
General Significance:
As the key protein required for proper selenium distribution, SELENOP stands out as a lynchpin selenoprotein that is essential for male fertility, proper neurologic function and selenium metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
03:06Reaction Mechanisms
For instance, the decomposition of ozone appears to follow a mechanism with two steps:
02:17Synthesis and Decomposition Reactions
02:00Molecular Models
01:59Lagging Strand Synthesis
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
03:51Molecular Orbital Theory II