AUTHOR=Saito Yoshiro 

TITLE=Selenium Transport Mechanism via Selenoprotein P—Its Physiological Role and Related Diseases

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.685517

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2021.685517

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is selenium (Se)-containing protein in plasma, which is primarily produced in the liver. The “P” in SELENOP is originated from the presence in plasma. SELENOP contains selenocysteine, a cysteine analog containing Se instead of sulfur. SELENOP is a multi-functional protein to reduce phospholipid hydroperoxides and to deliver Se from the liver to other tissues, such as the brain and testis, playing a pivotal role in Se metabolism and antioxidative defense. A decrease of SELENOP causes various dysfunctions related to Se deficiency and oxidative stress, while excess SELENOP causes insulin resistance. This review focuses on the Se transport system of SELENOP, particularly its molecular mechanism and physiological role in Se metabolism. Furthermore, the chemical form of Se and its biological meaning is discussed.