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Previous studies indicated that cysteine 57 is the most likely candidate amino acid for selenium binding.
Open accessJournal ArticleDOI
Wayne Chris Hawkes, Zeynep Alkan 
136 Citations
Most of the biological activity of selenium is due to selenoproteins containing selenocysteine, the 21st genetically encoded protein amino acid.
Open accessJournal ArticleDOI
Marco Roman, Petru Jitaru, Carlo Barbante 
01 Jan 2014-Metallomics
544 Citations
Despite its very low level in humans, selenium plays an important and unique role among the (semi)metal trace essential elements because it is the only one for which incorporation into proteins is genetically encoded, as the constitutive part of the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine.
The proposed method can be used to detect selenium- and sulfur-containing amino acids simultaneously, compared to the existing HPLC with element-specific detection methods.
The administration of selenite and selenate in in vivo and in virro mammalian experiments results in the isolation of selenium-containing protein fractions. LB-21 The possibility has been entertained that these proteins contain selenium isologs of their natural sulfur amino acid constituents, and that the selenoamino acid moieties form reactive centers of these proteins.
Such findings intensified research on the physiology of selenium, particularly on its interrelationship with sulfur-containing amino acids and vitamin E. Considering that tissue concentrations of selenium are lower by one order of magnitude than those of vitamin E,4 it can be assumed that the biologic role of selenium and its derivatives in vertebrates is catalytic.
It is probable that selenium has been incorporated into the enzyme as the selenocysteine amino acid.
In conclusion, selenoamino acids but not the seleno-derivatives selenobetaine and selenocystamine, are effectively transported by various intestinal and renal amino acid transporters and are thus available for selenium metabolism and therapeutic approaches.
A small quantity of this protein-bound selenium can be volatilised by treatment with strong acid, suggesting the presence of hydrogen selenide.

Related Questions

What is the aminoacyl tRNA for synthesizing selenocysteine and selenomethionine?5 answersThe aminoacyl tRNA for synthesizing selenocysteine is L-seryl-tRNASec, which is converted to Sec-tRNASec by selenocysteine synthase in bacteria and O-phospho-L-seryl-tRNASec kinase in eukaryotes/archaea. This conversion is crucial for the incorporation of selenocysteine into proteins. On the other hand, selenomethionine is synthesized using methionyl-tRNA as the precursor, where selenium replaces sulfur in the amino acid. The tRNASec molecule plays a vital role in selenoprotein biosynthesis by recoding UGA codons to selenocysteine. Understanding the structural aspects of Sec-tRNASec is essential for Sec biosynthesis and its incorporation into selenoproteins, as defects in this pathway can lead to pathological conditions.
Has selenium anti cancer properties?5 answersSelenium has been shown to have potential anti-cancer properties. It can induce cell death in cancer cells, including under hypoxic conditions, and has been found to decrease the translocation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) from the cytosol to the nucleus. Selenium supplementation has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of standard chemotherapeutic approaches without reducing treatment efficacy, improving patients' general conditions. Selenium nanoparticles have demonstrated a good antitumor effect against various human cancer cell lines and can activate apoptosis signaling pathways leading to cancer cell death. Supra-nutritional levels of selenium, such as selenite, have shown pronounced antineoplastic effects, and their uptake is dependent on the extracellular reducing environment maintained by the Xc- cystine transporter. Selenium metabolites, such as hydrogen selenide and methylselenol, have been implicated in oxidizing sulfhydryl groups and increasing the efficacy of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
What is the role of selenium in inflammatory bowel disease?4 answersSelenium plays a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies have shown that patients with IBD have lower selenium levels compared to healthy individuals. Selenium is needed for the biosynthesis of selenoproteins, which contribute to antioxidative defense and immune system function. Selenoproteins can curb the inflammatory response and attenuate oxidative stress, leading to remission in animal models of colitis. Selenium also supports protective gut microbiota, indirectly improving IBD management. Additionally, selenium may block tumorigenesis pathways proposed in colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Preliminary clinical studies have shown promising results with selenium supplementation, particularly in patients with selenium deficiency. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed to measure the short-term and long-term effects of selenium on both active and quiescent IBD.
Is selenium essential for plant growth?5 answersSelenium is essential for plant growth and development, as it enhances plant metabolism and protects against abiotic stresses. It acts as an antioxidant and stimulator, promoting the uptake of beneficial substances and maintaining the stability of plasma membranes. Selenium also enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes, mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic stresses such as water, temperature, light, salt, and heavy metals. Studies have shown that the application of selenium, particularly in the form of sodium selenite and sodium selenate, can improve the growth and productivity of sunflower plants. Additionally, the use of selenium nanoparticles has demonstrated positive effects on plant viability and stress resistance, including increased photosynthesis, changes in lipid profiles, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. Therefore, selenium is indeed essential for plant growth and plays a crucial role in plant metabolism and stress response.
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