"Alphabet" Selenoproteins: Implications in Pathology

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Nutritional Science
• Medical Research

Background:

• Selenoproteins are essential proteins incorporating selenium as selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st amino acid.
• Their synthesis requires dietary selenium and specific cofactors, underpinning diverse physiological roles.
• These roles include antioxidant defense, immune modulation, detoxification, and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the lesser-known roles of alphabet-named selenoproteins in human health and disease.
• To explore the implications of these specific selenoproteins in prevalent pathological conditions.
• To discuss their potential in disease prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on selenoproteins and their involvement in disease.
• Analysis of existing research on alphabet-named selenoproteins and their functions.
• Synthesis of information regarding selenium deficiency, genetic polymorphisms, and associated pathologies.

Main Results:

• Deficiencies in selenium or cofactors, and genetic variations in selenoproteins, are linked to numerous diseases.
• These include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, muscular, oncological, hepatic, endocrine, immuno-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Alphabet-named selenoproteins play specific, yet often overlooked, roles in these pathological processes.

Conclusions:

• Selenoprotein dysfunction is implicated in a wide spectrum of diseases.
• Alphabet-named selenoproteins represent a significant area for further medical research.
• Understanding these proteins may offer new avenues for disease prevention and treatment.