SELENOP

This gene encodes a selenoprotein that is predominantly expressed in the liver and secreted into the plasma. This selenoprotein is unique in that it contains multiple selenocysteine (Sec) residues per polypeptide (10 in human), and accounts for most of the selenium in plasma. It has been implicated as an extracellular antioxidant, and in the transport of selenium to extra-hepatic tissues via apolipoprotein E receptor-2 (apoER2). Mice lacking this gene exhibit neurological dysfunction, suggesting its importance in normal brain function. Sec is encoded by the UGA codon, which normally signals translation termination. The 3' UTRs of selenoprotein mRNAs contain a conserved stem-loop structure, designated the Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) element, that is necessary for the recognition of UGA as a Sec codon, rather than as a stop signal. The mRNA for this selenoprotein contains two SECIS elements. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.

Full Name

Selenop

Function

Might be responsible for some of the extracellular antioxidant defense properties of selenium or might be involved in the transport of selenium. May supply selenium to tissues such as brain and testis.

Biological Process

Biological Process brain developmentIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process locomotory behaviorIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process post-embryonic developmentIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process regulation of growthIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process response to oxidative stressManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Biological Process response to selenium ionIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process selenium compound metabolic processManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Biological Process sexual reproductionIEA:Ensembl

Cellular Location

Secreted
Passes from plasma into the glomerular filtrate where it is removed by endocytosis mediated by LRP2 in the proximal tubule epithelium.

PTM

Phosphorylation sites are present in the extracellular medium.