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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform
Published on: July 16, 2016
Selenoprotein P as a significant regulator of pancreatic β cell function
1Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, C301, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan.
Abstract:
Selenoprotein P (SeP; encoded by SELENOP) is selenium (Se)-rich plasma protein that is mainly produced in the liver. SeP functions as a Se-transport protein to deliver Se from the liver to other tissues, such as the brain and testis. The protein plays a pivotal role in Se metabolism and antioxidative defense, and it has been identified as a 'hepatokine' that causes insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. SeP levels are increased in type 2 diabetes patients, and excess SeP impairs insulin signalling, promoting insulin resistance. Furthermore, increased levels of SeP disturb the functioning of pancreatic β cells and inhibit insulin secretion. This review focuses on the biological function of SeP and the molecular mechanisms associated with the adverse effects of excess SeP on pancreatic β cells' function, particularly with respect to redox reactions. Interactions between the liver and pancreas are also discussed.
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