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Wright DE, O’Donoghue P. Biosynthesis, Engineering, and Delivery of Selenoproteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:223. [PMID: 38203392 PMCID: PMC10778597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Selenocysteine (Sec) was discovered as the 21st genetically encoded amino acid. In nature, site-directed incorporation of Sec into proteins requires specialized biosynthesis and recoding machinery that evolved distinctly in bacteria compared to archaea and eukaryotes. Many organisms, including higher plants and most fungi, lack the Sec-decoding trait. We review the discovery of Sec and its role in redox enzymes that are essential to human health and important targets in disease. We highlight recent genetic code expansion efforts to engineer site-directed incorporation of Sec in bacteria and yeast. We also review methods to produce selenoproteins with 21 or more amino acids and approaches to delivering recombinant selenoproteins to mammalian cells as new applications for selenoproteins in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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Salmain M, Gaschard M, Baroud M, Lepeltier E, Jaouen G, Passirani C, Vessières A. Thioredoxin Reductase and Organometallic Complexes: A Pivotal System to Tackle Multidrug Resistant Tumors? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4448. [PMID: 37760418 PMCID: PMC10526406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) are a family of diseases with poor prognosis despite access to increasingly sophisticated treatments. Several mechanisms explain these resistances involving both tumor cells and their microenvironment. It is now recognized that a multi-targeting approach offers a promising strategy to treat these MDR tumors. Inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a key enzyme in maintaining redox balance in cells, is a well-identified target for this approach. Auranofin was the first inorganic gold complex to be described as a powerful inhibitor of TrxR. In this review, we will first recall the main results obtained with this metallodrug. Then, we will focus on organometallic complexes reported as TrxR inhibitors. These include gold(I), gold(III) complexes and metallocifens, i.e., organometallic complexes of Fe and Os derived from tamoxifen. In these families of complexes, similarities and differences in the molecular mechanisms of TrxR inhibition will be highlighted. Finally, the possible relationship between TrxR inhibition and cytotoxicity will be discussed and put into perspective with their mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Salmain
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
| | - Marie Gaschard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
| | - Milad Baroud
- Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles (MINT), University of Angers, Inserm, The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (M.B.); (E.L.)
| | - Elise Lepeltier
- Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles (MINT), University of Angers, Inserm, The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (M.B.); (E.L.)
| | - Gérard Jaouen
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
| | - Catherine Passirani
- Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles (MINT), University of Angers, Inserm, The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (M.B.); (E.L.)
| | - Anne Vessières
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
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Selenocysteine Machinery Primarily Supports TXNRD1 and GPX4 Functions and Together They Are Functionally Linked with SCD and PRDX6. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081049. [PMID: 36008942 PMCID: PMC9405853 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genome has 25 genes coding for selenocysteine (Sec)-containing proteins, whose synthesis is supported by specialized Sec machinery proteins. Here, we carried out an analysis of the co-essentiality network to identify functional partners of selenoproteins and Sec machinery. One outstanding cluster included all seven known Sec machinery proteins and two critical selenoproteins, GPX4 and TXNRD1. Additionally, these nine genes were further positively associated with PRDX6 and negatively with SCD, linking the latter two genes to the essential role of selenium. We analyzed the essentiality scores of gene knockouts in this cluster across one thousand cancer cell lines and found that Sec metabolism genes are strongly selective for a subset of primary tissues, suggesting that certain cancer cell lineages are particularly dependent on selenium. A separate outstanding cluster included selenophosphate synthetase SEPHS1, which was linked to a group of transcription factors, whereas the remaining selenoproteins were linked neither to these clusters nor among themselves. The data suggest that key components of Sec machinery have already been identified and that their primary role is to support the functions of GPX4 and TXNRD1, with further functional links to PRDX6 and SCD.
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Mechanisms Affecting the Biosynthesis and Incorporation Rate of Selenocysteine. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237120. [PMID: 34885702 PMCID: PMC8659212 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenocysteine (Sec) is the 21st non-standard proteinogenic amino acid. Due to the particularity of the codon encoding Sec, the selenoprotein synthesis needs to be completed by unique mechanisms in specific biological systems. In this paper, the underlying mechanisms for the biosynthesis and incorporation of Sec into selenoprotein were comprehensively reviewed on five aspects: (i) the specific biosynthesis mechanism of Sec and the role of its internal influencing factors (SelA, SelB, SelC, SelD, SPS2 and PSTK); (ii) the elements (SECIS, PSL, SPUR and RF) on mRNA and their functional mechanisms; (iii) the specificity (either translation termination or translation into Sec) of UGA; (iv) the structure–activity relationship and action mechanism of SelA, SelB, SelC and SelD; and (v) the operating mechanism of two key enzyme systems for inorganic selenium source flow before Sec synthesis. Lastly, the size of the translation initiation interval, other action modes of SECIS and effects of REPS (Repetitive Extragenic Palindromic Sequences) that affect the incorporation efficiency of Sec was also discussed to provide scientific basis for the large-scale industrial fermentation for the production of selenoprotein.
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Fradejas-Villar N, Bohleber S, Zhao W, Reuter U, Kotter A, Helm M, Knoll R, McFarland R, Taylor RW, Mo Y, Miyauchi K, Sakaguchi Y, Suzuki T, Schweizer U. The Effect of tRNA [Ser]Sec Isopentenylation on Selenoprotein Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111454. [PMID: 34768885 PMCID: PMC8583801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNA[Ser]Sec carries multiple post-transcriptional modifications. The A37G mutation in tRNA[Ser]Sec abrogates isopentenylation of base 37 and has a profound effect on selenoprotein expression in mice. Patients with a homozygous pathogenic p.R323Q variant in tRNA-isopentenyl-transferase (TRIT1) show a severe neurological disorder, and hence we wondered whether selenoprotein expression was impaired. Patient fibroblasts with the homozygous p.R323Q variant did not show a general decrease in selenoprotein expression. However, recombinant human TRIT1R323Q had significantly diminished activities towards several tRNA substrates in vitro. We thus engineered mice conditionally deficient in Trit1 in hepatocytes and neurons. Mass-spectrometry revealed that hypermodification of U34 to mcm5Um occurs independently of isopentenylation of A37 in tRNA[Ser]Sec. Western blotting and 75Se metabolic labeling showed only moderate effects on selenoprotein levels and 75Se incorporation. A detailed analysis of Trit1-deficient liver using ribosomal profiling demonstrated that UGA/Sec re-coding was moderately affected in Selenop, Txnrd1, and Sephs2, but not in Gpx1. 2′O-methylation of U34 in tRNA[Ser]Sec depends on FTSJ1, but does not affect UGA/Sec re-coding in selenoprotein translation. Taken together, our results show that a lack of isopentenylation of tRNA[Ser]Sec affects UGA/Sec read-through but differs from a A37G mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Fradejas-Villar
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.F.-V.); (S.B.); (W.Z.); (U.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Simon Bohleber
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.F.-V.); (S.B.); (W.Z.); (U.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Wenchao Zhao
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.F.-V.); (S.B.); (W.Z.); (U.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Uschi Reuter
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.F.-V.); (S.B.); (W.Z.); (U.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Annika Kotter
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Rainer Knoll
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.F.-V.); (S.B.); (W.Z.); (U.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Robert McFarland
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (R.M.); (R.W.T.)
| | - Robert W. Taylor
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (R.M.); (R.W.T.)
| | - Yufeng Mo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; (Y.M.); (K.M.); (Y.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Kenjyo Miyauchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; (Y.M.); (K.M.); (Y.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Yuriko Sakaguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; (Y.M.); (K.M.); (Y.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; (Y.M.); (K.M.); (Y.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Ulrich Schweizer
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany; (N.F.-V.); (S.B.); (W.Z.); (U.R.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Handy DE, Joseph J, Loscalzo J. Selenium, a Micronutrient That Modulates Cardiovascular Health via Redox Enzymology. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093238. [PMID: 34579115 PMCID: PMC8471878 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a trace nutrient that promotes human health through its incorporation into selenoproteins in the form of the redox-active amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). There are 25 selenoproteins in humans, and many of them play essential roles in the protection against oxidative stress. Selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, play an important role in the reduction of hydrogen and lipid hydroperoxides, and regulate the redox status of Cys in proteins. Emerging evidence suggests a role for endoplasmic reticulum selenoproteins, such as selenoproteins K, S, and T, in mediating redox homeostasis, protein modifications, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Selenoprotein P, which functions as a carrier of Se to tissues, also participates in regulating cellular reactive oxygen species. Cellular reactive oxygen species are essential for regulating cell growth and proliferation, protein folding, and normal mitochondrial function, but their excess causes cell damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, and promotes inflammatory responses. Experimental evidence indicates a role for individual selenoproteins in cardiovascular diseases, primarily by modulating the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species. This review examines the roles that selenoproteins play in regulating vascular and cardiac function in health and disease, highlighting their antioxidant and redox actions in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane E. Handy
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.J.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-525-4845
| | - Jacob Joseph
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.J.); (J.L.)
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.J.); (J.L.)
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Schomburg L. Selenium Deficiency Due to Diet, Pregnancy, Severe Illness, or COVID-19-A Preventable Trigger for Autoimmune Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8532. [PMID: 34445238 PMCID: PMC8395178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The trace element selenium (Se) is an essential part of the human diet; moreover, increased health risks have been observed with Se deficiency. A sufficiently high Se status is a prerequisite for adequate immune response, and preventable endemic diseases are known from areas with Se deficiency. Biomarkers of Se status decline strongly in pregnancy, severe illness, or COVID-19, reaching critically low concentrations. Notably, these conditions are associated with an increased risk for autoimmune disease (AID). Positive effects on the immune system are observed with Se supplementation in pregnancy, autoimmune thyroid disease, and recovery from severe illness. However, some studies reported null results; the database is small, and randomized trials are sparse. The current need for research on the link between AID and Se deficiency is particularly obvious for rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Despite these gaps in knowledge, it seems timely to realize that severe Se deficiency may trigger AID in susceptible subjects. Improved dietary choices or supplemental Se are efficient ways to avoid severe Se deficiency, thereby decreasing AID risk and improving disease course. A personalized approach is needed in clinics and during therapy, while population-wide measures should be considered for areas with habitual low Se intake. Finland has been adding Se to its food chain for more than 35 years-a wise and commendable decision, according to today's knowledge. It is unfortunate that the health risks of Se deficiency are often neglected, while possible side effects of Se supplementation are exaggerated, leading to disregard for this safe and promising preventive and adjuvant treatment options. This is especially true in the follow-up situations of pregnancy, severe illness, or COVID-19, where massive Se deficiencies have developed and are associated with AID risk, long-lasting health impairments, and slow recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Schomburg
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR)-Research Center, Hessische Straße 3-4, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Cubas-Gaona LL, de Francisco P, Martín-González A, Gutiérrez JC. Tetrahymena Glutathione Peroxidase Family: A Comparative Analysis of These Antioxidant Enzymes and Differential Gene Expression to Metals and Oxidizing Agents. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8071008. [PMID: 32635666 PMCID: PMC7409322 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8071008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, an extensive analysis of the putative glutathione peroxidases (GPx) of the eukaryotic microorganism model Tetrahymena thermophila is carried out. A comparative analysis with GPx present in other Tetrahymena species and other very taxonomically diverse ciliates is also performed. A majority of ciliate GPx have replaced the selenocysteine (Sec) by Cys in its catalytic center, so they can be considered as phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidases (PHGPx). Selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) elements have been detected in several ciliate GPx that do not incorporate Sec in their amino acid sequences, and conversely, in other ciliate GPx with Sec, no SECIS elements are detected. These anomalies are analyzed and discussed. From the phylogenetic analysis using the ciliate GPx amino acid sequences, the existence of extensive intra- and interspecific gene duplications that produced multiple GPx isoforms in each species is inferred. The ancestral character of the selenoproteins is also corroborated. The analysis by qRT-PCR of six selected T. thermophila GPx genes has shown a quantitative differential expression between them, depending on the stressor (oxidizing agents, apoptotic inducer or metals) and the time of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia de Francisco
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Carretera de Ajalvir km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ana Martín-González
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología. C/. José Antonio Nováis, 12. Universidad Complutense (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan Carlos Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología. C/. José Antonio Nováis, 12. Universidad Complutense (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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