High-energy Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Patients

Femoral neck fractures in physiologically young patients typically occur from high-energy axial loading forces through the thigh with the hip in an abducted position. These fractures have a high rate of associated head, chest, abdominal, and musculoskeletal injuries. High-energy hip fractures differ from traditional geriatric hip fractures regarding incidence, mechanism, management algorithms, and complications. After adequate resuscitation, goals of treatment include anatomic reduction and stable fixation while maintaining vascularity of the femoral head, which can be achieved through a variety of different techniques. Prompt recognition and treatment of these fractures is crucial to achieve a successful outcome because these injuries are often associated with complications such as osteonecrosis, fixation failure, and nonunion.

A human obesity-associated MC4R mutation with defective Gq/11α signaling leads to hyperphagia in mice

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) mutations are the most common cause of human monogenic obesity and are associated with hyperphagia and increased linear growth. While MC4R is known to activate Gsα/cAMP signaling, a substantial proportion of obesity-associated MC4R mutations do not affect MC4R/Gsα signaling. To further explore the role of specific MC4R signaling pathways in the regulation of energy balance, we examined the signaling properties of one such mutant, MC4R (F51L), as well as the metabolic consequences of MC4RF51L mutation in mice. The MC4RF51L mutation produced a specific defect in MC4R/Gq/11α signaling and led to obesity, hyperphagia, and increased linear growth in mice. The ability of a melanocortin agonist to acutely inhibit food intake when delivered to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was lost in MC4RF51L mice, as well as in WT mice in which a specific Gq/11α inhibitor was delivered to the PVN; this provided evidence that a Gsα-independent signaling pathway, namely Gq/11α, significantly contributes to the actions of MC4R on food intake and linear growth. These results suggest that a biased MC4R agonist that primarily activates Gq/11α may be a potential agent to treat obesity with limited untoward cardiovascular and other side effects.

Using Spinal Anesthesia and a Fracture Table for Closed Reduction of an Obturator Foramen Hip Dislocation: A Case Report

CASE

A 37-year-old man with a right obturator foramen hip dislocation underwent closed reduction under spinal anesthesia with the use of a fracture traction table.

CONCLUSION

This novel technique provides surgeons and anesthesiologists an alternative method of treating obturator foramen hip dislocations that provides a more controlled reduction and less need for assistants.

The role of selenoproteins in neutrophils during inflammation

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)-derived ROS are involved in the regulation of multiple functions of PMNs critical in both inflammation and its timely resolution. Selenium is an essential trace element that functions as a gatekeeper of cellular redox homeostasis in the form of selenoproteins. Despite their well-studied involvement in regulating functions of various immune cells, limited studies have focused on the regulation of selenoproteins in PMN and their associated functions. Ex-vivo treatment of murine primary bone marrow derived PMNs with bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) indicated temporal regulation of several selenoprotein genes at the mRNA level. However, only glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) was significantly upregulated, while Selenof, Selenow, and Gpx1 were significantly downregulated in a temporal manner at the protein level. Exposure of PMNs isolated from tRNASec (Trsp)fl/fl S100A8Cre (TrspN) PMN-specific selenoprotein knockout mice, to the Gram-negative bacterium, Citrobacter rodentium, showed decreased bacterial growth, reduced phagocytosis, as well as impaired neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation ability, when compared to the wild-type PMNs. Increased extracellular ROS production upon LPS stimulation was also observed in TrspN PMNs that was associated with upregulation of Alox12, Cox2, and iNOS, as well as proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β. Our data indicate that the inhibition of selenoproteome expression results in alteration of PMN proinflammatory functions, suggesting a potential role of selenoproteins in the continuum of inflammation and resolution.

Selenophosphate synthetase 1 deficiency exacerbates osteoarthritis by dysregulating redox homeostasis

Aging and mechanical overload are prominent risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA), which lead to an imbalance in redox homeostasis. The resulting state of oxidative stress drives the pathological transition of chondrocytes during OA development. However, the specific molecular pathways involved in disrupting chondrocyte redox homeostasis remain unclear. Here, we show that selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SEPHS1) expression is downregulated in human and mouse OA cartilage. SEPHS1 downregulation impairs the cellular capacity to synthesize a class of selenoproteins with oxidoreductase functions in chondrocytes, thereby elevating the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and facilitating chondrocyte senescence. Cartilage-specific Sephs1 knockout in adult mice causes aging-associated OA, and augments post-traumatic OA, which is rescued by supplementation of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Selenium-deficient feeding and Sephs1 knockout have synergistic effects in exacerbating OA pathogenesis in mice. Therefore, we propose that SEPHS1 is an essential regulator of selenium metabolism and redox homeostasis, and its dysregulation governs the progression of OA.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual accumulation of oxidative stress in cartilage. Here, the authors show that dysregulation of the selenium metabolic pathway underlies a shift in redox homeostasis in chondrocytes, leading to chronic osteoarthritic changes in joints.

Macrophage Selenoproteins Restrict Intracellular Replication of Francisella tularensis and Are Essential for Host Immunity

The essential micronutrient Selenium (Se) is co-translationally incorporated as selenocysteine into proteins. Selenoproteins contain one or more selenocysteines and are vital for optimum immunity. Interestingly, many pathogenic bacteria utilize Se for various biological processes suggesting that Se may play a role in bacterial pathogenesis. A previous study had speculated that Francisella tularensis, a facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia, sequesters Se by upregulating Se-metabolism genes in type II alveolar epithelial cells. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of host vs. pathogen-associated selenoproteins in bacterial disease using F. tularensis as a model organism. We found that F. tularensis was devoid of any Se utilization traits, neither incorporated elemental Se, nor exhibited Se-dependent growth. However, 100% of Se-deficient mice (0.01 ppm Se), which express low levels of selenoproteins, succumbed to F. tularensis-live vaccine strain pulmonary challenge, whereas 50% of mice on Se-supplemented (0.4 ppm Se) and 25% of mice on Se-adequate (0.1 ppm Se) diet succumbed to infection. Median survival time for Se-deficient mice was 8 days post-infection while Se-supplemented and -adequate mice was 11.5 and >14 days post-infection, respectively. Se-deficient macrophages permitted significantly higher intracellular bacterial replication than Se-supplemented macrophages ex vivo, corroborating in vivo observations. Since Francisella replicates in alveolar macrophages during the acute phase of pneumonic infection, we hypothesized that macrophage-specific host selenoproteins may restrict replication and systemic spread of bacteria. F. tularensis infection led to an increased expression of several macrophage selenoproteins, suggesting their key role in limiting bacterial replication. Upon challenge with F. tularensis, mice lacking selenoproteins in macrophages (TrspM) displayed lower survival and increased bacterial burden in the lung and systemic tissues in comparison to WT littermate controls. Furthermore, macrophages from TrspM mice were unable to restrict bacterial replication ex vivo in comparison to macrophages from littermate controls. We herein describe a novel function of host macrophage-specific selenoproteins in restriction of intracellular bacterial replication. These data suggest that host selenoproteins may be considered as novel targets for modulating immune response to control a bacterial infection.

Identification of Signaling Pathways for Early Embryonic Lethality and Developmental Retardation in Sephs1-/- Mice

Selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SEPHS1) plays an essential role in cell growth and survival. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the pathways regulated by SEPHS1 during gastrulation were determined by bioinformatical analyses and experimental verification using systemic knockout mice targeting Sephs1. We found that the coagulation system and retinoic acid signaling were most highly affected by SEPHS1 deficiency throughout gastrulation. Gene expression patterns of altered embryo morphogenesis and inhibition of Wnt signaling were predicted with high probability at E6.5. These predictions were verified by structural abnormalities in the dermal layer of Sephs1^−/− embryos. At E7.5, organogenesis and activation of prolactin signaling were predicted to be affected by Sephs1 knockout. Delay of head fold formation was observed in the Sephs1^−/− embryos. At E8.5, gene expression associated with organ development and insulin-like growth hormone signaling that regulates organ growth during development was altered. Consistent with these observations, various morphological abnormalities of organs and axial rotation failure were observed. We also found that the gene sets related to redox homeostasis and apoptosis were gradually enriched in a time-dependent manner until E8.5. However, DNA damage and apoptosis markers were detected only when the Sephs1^−/− embryos aged to E9.5. Our results suggest that SEPHS1 deficiency causes a gradual increase of oxidative stress which changes signaling pathways during gastrulation, and afterwards leads to apoptosis.

Female Mice with Selenocysteine tRNA Deletion in Agrp Neurons Maintain Leptin Sensitivity and Resist Weight Gain While on a High-Fat Diet

The role of the essential trace element selenium in hypothalamic physiology has begun to come to light over recent years. Selenium is used to synthesize a family of proteins participating in redox reactions called selenoproteins, which contain a selenocysteine residue in place of a cysteine. Past studies have shown that disrupted selenoprotein expression in the hypothalamus can adversely impact energy homeostasis. There is also evidence that selenium supports leptin signaling in the hypothalamus by maintaining proper redox balance. In this study, we generated mice with conditional knockout of the selenocysteine tRNA^[Ser]Sec gene (Trsp) in an orexigenic cell population called agouti-related peptide (Agrp)-positive neurons. We found that female Trsp^AgrpKO mice gain less weight while on a high-fat diet, which occurs due to changes in adipose tissue activity. Female Trsp^AgrpKO mice also retained hypothalamic sensitivity to leptin administration. Male mice were unaffected, however, highlighting the sexually dimorphic influence of selenium on neurobiology and energy homeostasis. These findings provide novel insight into the role of selenoproteins within a small yet heavily influential population of hypothalamic neurons.

Selenium-dependent metabolic reprogramming during inflammation and resolution

Trace element selenium (Se) is incorporated as the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine, into selenoproteins through tRNA^[Ser]Sec. Selenoproteins act as gatekeepers of redox homeostasis and modulate immune function to effect anti-inflammation and resolution. However, mechanistic underpinnings involving metabolic reprogramming during inflammation and resolution remain poorly understood. Bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of murine bone marrow–derived macrophages cultured in the presence or absence of Se (as selenite) was used to examine temporal changes in the proteome and metabolome by multiplexed tandem mass tag–quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, and machine-learning approaches. Kinetic deltagram and clustering analysis indicated that addition of Se led to extensive reprogramming of cellular metabolism upon stimulation with LPS enhancing the pentose phosphate pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, to aid in the phenotypic transition toward alternatively activated macrophages, synonymous with resolution of inflammation. Remodeling of metabolic pathways and consequent metabolic adaptation toward proresolving phenotypes began with Se treatment at 0 h and became most prominent around 8 h after LPS stimulation that included succinate dehydrogenase complex, pyruvate kinase, and sedoheptulokinase. Se-dependent modulation of these pathways predisposed bone marrow–derived macrophages to preferentially increase oxidative phosphorylation to efficiently regulate inflammation and its timely resolution. The use of macrophages lacking selenoproteins indicated that all three metabolic nodes were sensitive to selenoproteome expression. Furthermore, inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase complex with dimethylmalonate affected the proresolving effects of Se by increasing the resolution interval in a murine peritonitis model. In summary, our studies provide novel insights into the role of cellular Se via metabolic reprograming to facilitate anti-inflammation and proresolution.

Adaptive Thermogenesis in a Mouse Model Lacking Selenoprotein Biosynthesis in Brown Adipocytes

Selenoproteins are a class of proteins with the selenium-containing amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) in their primary structure. Sec is incorporated into selenoproteins via recoding of the stop codon UGA, with specific cis and trans factors required during translation to avoid UGA recognition as a stop codon, including a Sec-specific tRNA, tRNA[Ser]Sec, encoded in mice by the gene Trsp. Whole-body deletion of Trsp in mouse is embryonically lethal, while targeted deletion of Trsp in mice has been used to understand the role of selenoproteins in the health and physiology of various tissues. We developed a mouse model with the targeted deletion of Trsp in brown adipocytes (Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/-), a cell type predominant in brown adipose tissue (BAT) controlling energy expenditure via activation of adaptive thermogenesis, mostly using uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1). At room temperature, Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/- mice maintain oxygen consumption and Ucp1 expression, with male Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/- mice accumulating more triglycerides in BAT than both female Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/- mice or Trspf/f controls. Acute cold exposure neither reduced core body temperature nor changed the expression of selenoprotein iodothyronine deiodinase type II (Dio2), a marker of adaptive thermogenesis, in Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/- mice. Microarray analysis of BAT from Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/- mice revealed glutathione S-transferase alpha 3 (Gsta3) and ELMO domain containing 2 (Elmod2) as the transcripts most affected by the loss of Trsp. Male Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre+/- mice showed mild hypothyroidism while downregulating thyroid hormone-responsive genes Thrsp and Tshr in their BATs. In summary, modest changes in the BAT of Trspf/f-Ucp1-Cre +/- mice implicate a mild thyroid hormone dysfunction in brown adipocytes.

The Essential Role of Selenoproteins in the Resolution of Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Intestinal Inflammation

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) leads to adverse colonic inflammation associated with poor resolution of inflammation and loss of epithelial integrity. Micronutrient trace element selenium (Se) is incorporated into selenoproteins as the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec). Previous studies have shown that such an incorporation of Sec into the selenoproteome is key for the anti-inflammatory functions of Se in macrophages and other immune cells. An intriguing mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects of Se stems from the ability of selenoproteins to skew arachidonic acid metabolism from pro-inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) toward anti-inflammatory mediators derived from PGD₂, such as 15-deoxy-Δ^{12, 14}- prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂), via eicosanoid class switching of bioactive lipids. The impact of Se and such an eicosanoid-class switching mechanism was tested in an enteric infection model of gut inflammation by C. rodentium, a murine equivalent of EPEC. C57BL/6 mice deficient in Se (Se-D) experienced higher mortality when compared to those on Se adequate (0.08 ppm Se) and Se supplemented (0.4 ppm Se) diets following infection. Decreased survival was associated with decreased group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in colonic lamina propria of Se-D mice along with deceased expression of epithelial barrier protein Zo-1. Inhibition of metabolic inactivation of PGE₂ by 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase blocked the Se-dependent increase in ILC3 and Th17 cells in addition to reducing epithelial barrier integrity, as seen by increased systemic levels of FITC-dextran following oral administration; while 15d-PGJ₂ administration in Se-D mice alleviated the effects by increasing ILC3 and Th17 cells. Mice lacking selenoproteins in monocyte/macrophages via the conditional deletion of the tRNA^[Sec] showed increased mortality post infection. Our studies indicate a crucial role for dietary Se in the protection against inflammation following enteric infection via immune mechanisms involving epithelial barrier integrity.

Selenophosphate synthetase 1 and its role in redox homeostasis, defense and proliferation

Selenophosphate synthetase (SEPHS) synthesizes selenophosphate, the active selenium donor, using ATP and selenide as substrates. SEPHS was initially identified and isolated from bacteria and has been characterized in many eukaryotes and archaea. Two SEPHS paralogues, SEPHS1 and SEPHS2, occur in various eukaryotes, while prokaryotes and archaea have only one form of SEPHS. Between the two isoforms in eukaryotes, only SEPHS2 shows catalytic activity during selenophosphate synthesis. Although SEPHS1 does not contain any significant selenophosphate synthesis activity, it has been reported to play an essential role in regulating cellular physiology. Prokaryotic SEPHS contains a cysteine or selenocysteine (Sec) at the catalytic domain. However, in eukaryotes, SEPHS1 contains other amino acids such as Thr, Arg, Gly, or Leu at the catalytic domain, and SEPHS2 contains only a Sec. Sequence comparisons, crystal structure analyses, and ATP hydrolysis assays suggest that selenophosphate synthesis occurs in two steps. In the first step, ATP is hydrolyzed to produce ADP and gamma-phosphate. In the second step, ADP is further hydrolyzed and selenophosphate is produced using gamma-phosphate and selenide. Both SEPHS1 and SEPHS2 have ATP hydrolyzing activities, but Cys or Sec is required in the catalytic domain for the second step of reaction. The gene encoding SEPHS1 is divided by introns, and five different splice variants are produced by alternative splicing in humans. SEPHS1 mRNA is abundant in rapidly proliferating cells such as embryonic and cancer cells and its expression is induced by various stresses including oxidative stress and salinity stress. The disruption of the SEPHS1 gene in mice or Drosophila leads to the inhibition of cell proliferation, embryonic lethality, and morphological changes in the embryos. Targeted removal of SEPHS1 mRNA in insect, mouse, and human cells also leads to common phenotypic changes similar to those observed by in vivo gene knockout: the inhibition of cell growth/proliferation, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in mammals and an unidentified reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Drosophila, and the activation of a defense system. Hydrogen peroxide accumulation in SEPHS1-deficient cells is mainly caused by the down-regulation of genes involved in ROS scavenging, and leads to the inhibition of cell proliferation and survival. However, the mechanisms underlying SEPHS1 regulation of redox homeostasis are still not understood.

The intricate role of selenium and selenoproteins in erythropoiesis

Selenium (Se) is incorporated as the 21st amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) into the growing polypeptide chain of proteins involved in redox gatekeeper functions. Erythropoiesis presents a particular problem to redox regulation as the presence of iron, heme, and unpaired globin chains lead to high levels of free radical-mediated oxidative stress, which are detrimental to erythroid development and can lead to anemia. Under homeostatic conditions, bone marrow erythropoiesis produces sufficient erythrocytes to maintain homeostasis. In contrast, anemic stress induces an alternative pathway, stress erythropoiesis, which rapidly produces new erythrocytes at extramedullary sites, such as spleen, to alleviate anemia. Previous studies suggest that dietary Se protects erythrocytes from such oxidative damage and the absence of selenoproteins causes hemolysis of erythrocytes due to oxidative stress. Furthermore, Se deficiency or lack of selenoproteins severely impairs stress erythropoiesis exacerbating the anemia in rodent models and human patients. Interestingly, erythroid progenitors develop in close proximity with macrophages in structures referred to as erythroblastic islands (EBIs), where macrophage expression of selenoproteins appears to be critical for the expression of heme transporters to facilitate export of heme from macrophage stores to the developing erythroid cells. Here we review the role of Se and selenoproteins in the intrinsic development of erythroid cells in addition to their role in the development of the erythropoietic niche that supports the functional role of EBIs in erythroid expansion and maturation in the spleen during recovery from anemia.

Selenoproteins in colon cancer

Selenocysteine-containing proteins (selenoproteins) have been implicated in the regulation of various cell signaling pathways, many of which are linked to colorectal malignancies. In this in-depth excurse into the selenoprotein literature, we review possible roles for human selenoproteins in colorectal cancer, focusing on the typical hallmarks of cancer cells and their tumor-enabling characteristics. Human genome studies of single nucleotide polymorphisms in various genes coding for selenoproteins have revealed potential involvement of glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases, and other proteins. Cell culture studies with targeted down-regulation of selenoproteins and studies utilizing knockout/transgenic animal models have helped elucidate the potential roles of individual selenoproteins in this malignancy. Those selenoproteins, for which strong links to development or progression of colorectal cancer have been described, may be potential future targets for clinical interventions.

Selenoproteins regulate stress erythroid progenitors and spleen microenvironment during stress erythropoiesis

Micronutrient selenium (Se) plays a key role in redox regulation through its incorporation into selenoproteins as the 21st amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). Because Se deficiency appears to be a cofactor in the anemia associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, we reasoned that selenoproteins may contribute to erythropoietic recovery from anemia, referred to as stress erythropoiesis. Here, we report that loss of selenoproteins through Se deficiency or by mutation of the Sec tRNA (tRNA[Sec]) gene (Trsp) severely impairs stress erythropoiesis at 2 stages. Early stress erythroid progenitors failed to expand and properly differentiate into burst-forming unit-erythroid cells , whereas late-stage erythroid progenitors exhibited a maturation defect that affected the transition of proerythroblasts to basophilic erythroblasts. These defects were, in part, a result of the loss of selenoprotein W (SelenoW), whose expression was reduced at both transcript and protein levels in Se-deficient erythroblasts. Mutation of SelenoW in the bone marrow cells significantly decreased the expansion of stress burst-forming unit-erythroid cell colonies, which recapitulated the phenotypes induced by Se deficiency or mutation of Trsp Similarly, mutation of SelenoW in murine erythroblast (G1E) cell line led to defects in terminal differentiation. In addition to the erythroid defects, the spleens of Se-deficient mice contained fewer red pulp macrophages and exhibited impaired development of erythroblastic island macrophages, which make up the niche supporting erythroblast development. Taken together, these data reveal a critical role of selenoproteins in the expansion and development of stress erythroid progenitors, as well as the erythroid niche during acute anemia recovery.

Radioactive 75Se Labeling and Detection of Selenoproteins

The trace element selenium (Se) is incorporated into proteins as the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec), which is cotranslationally inserted into specific proteins in response to a UGA codon. Proteins containing Sec at these specific positions are called selenoproteins. Most selenoproteins function as oxidoreductases, while some serve other important functions. There are 25 known selenoprotein genes in humans and 24 in mice. The use of Sec allows selenoproteins to be detected by a convenient method involving metabolic labeling with ⁷⁵Se. Labeling of cells and whole animals are used for the examination of selenoprotein expression profiles and the investigation of selenoprotein functions. In mammals, nonspecific ⁷⁵Se insertion is very low, and sensitivity and specificity of selenoprotein detection approaches that of Western blotting. This method allows for the examination of selenoprotein expression and Se metabolism in model and non-model organisms. Herein, we describe experimental protocols for analyzing selenoproteins by metabolic labeling with ⁷⁵Se both in vitro and in vivo. As an example, the procedure for metabolic labeling of HEK293T human embryonic kidney cells is described in detail. This approach remains a method of choice for the detection of selenoproteins in diverse settings.

The RNA-binding protein Secisbp2 differentially modulates UGA codon reassignment and RNA decay

Dual-assignment of codons as termination and elongation codons is used to expand the genetic code. In mammals, UGA can be reassigned to selenocysteine during translation of selenoproteins by a mechanism involving a 3΄ untranslated region (UTR) selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) and the SECIS-binding protein Secisbp2. Here, we present data from ribosome profiling, RNA-Seq and mRNA half-life measurements that support distinct roles for Secisbp2 in UGA-redefinition and mRNA stability. Conditional deletions of the Secisbp2 and Trsp (tRNA^Sec) genes in mouse liver were compared to determine if the effects of Secisbp2 loss on selenoprotein synthesis could be attributed entirely to the inability to incorporate Sec. As expected, tRNA^Sec depletion resulted in loss of ribosome density downstream of all UGA-Sec codons. In contrast, the absence of Secisbp2 resulted in variable effects on ribosome density downstream of UGA-Sec codons that demonstrate gene-specific differences in Sec incorporation. For several selenoproteins in which loss of Secisbp2 resulted in greatly diminished mRNA levels, translational activity and Sec incorporation efficiency were shown to be unaffected on the remaining RNA. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Secisbp2 is not strictly required for Sec incorporation and has a distinct role in stabilizing mRNAs that can be separated from its effects on UGA-redefinition.

Potential Role of the 15kDa Selenoprotein in Colorectal Inflammation

Previously, systemic knockout (KO) of the ER-resident 15kDa selenoprotein (Sep15, SelenoF) protected mice against the formation of chemically-induced pre-neoplastic lesions and suggested modulation of inflammatory pathways. Our objective is to elucidate the potential role of SelenoF in the early steps of colon tumorigenesis by assaying gene expression of KO mice and littermate controls (WT) that were either treated with 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce colitis or given water (control). Based on previous results, we hypothesize that SelenoF expression is inversely correlated with a protective interferon (IFN)-γ pro-inflammatory response. Microarray analyses of colonic mucosa suggest that knockout of SelenoF expression itself caused more significant gene expression changes than DSS treatment (inflammation). Gene pathway analyses indicated galectin-6 was the highest up-regulated gene in DSS-treated (133-fold) and untreated (30-fold) KO compared to WT mice. The top significantly changed network included genes involved in the differentiation of T-lymphocytes. Colonic gene expression changes in SelenoF-KO mice, as validated with qPCR, included up-regulation of guanylate-binding protein 1 (p=0.004), and a down-regulation of T-box transcription factor 21 (p=0.08). Interestingly, a decrease in IFN-γ levels (p=0.026) was detected in the serum of KO compared to WT mice, whereas the opposite trend was shown in colonic mucosa. Thus, our preliminary analyses indicate that SelenoF may indeed influence the expression of inflammatory genes in the colon. Its contribution to the regulation of colitis will continue to be elucidated.

The utilization of selenocysteine-tRNA[Ser]Sec isoforms is regulated in part at the level of translation in vitro

The tRNA for the 21st proteinogenic amino acid, selenocysteine, exists in mammalian cells as 2 isoforms differing by a single 2'-O-methylribosyl moiety at position 34 (Um34). These isoforms contain either 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine (mcm⁵U) or 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2'-O-methyluridine (mcm⁵Um) at position 34. The accumulation of the mcm⁵Um isoform is tightly correlated with the expression of nonessential "stress response" selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). The expression of essential selenoproteins, such as thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), is not affected by changes in Sec-tRNA^[Ser]Sec isoform accumulation. In this work we used purified mcm⁵U and mcm⁵Um Sec-tRNA^[Ser]Sec isoforms to analyze possible differences in binding to the selenocysteine-specific elongation factor, EEFSEC, and the translation of GPX1 and TXNRD1in vitro. Our results indicate that no major distinction between mcm⁵U and mcm⁵Um isoforms is made by the translation machinery, but a small consistent increase in GPX1 translation is associated with the mcm⁵Um isoform. These results implicate fundamental differences in translation efficiency in playing a role in regulating selenoprotein expression as a function of isoform accumulation.

Selenoprotein Gene Nomenclature

The human genome contains 25 genes coding for selenocysteine-containing proteins (selenoproteins). These proteins are involved in a variety of functions, most notably redox homeostasis. Selenoprotein enzymes with known functions are designated according to these functions: TXNRD1, TXNRD2, and TXNRD3 (thioredoxin reductases), GPX1, GPX2, GPX3, GPX4, and GPX6 (glutathione peroxidases), DIO1, DIO2, and DIO3 (iodothyronine deiodinases), MSRB1 (methionine sulfoxide reductase B1), and SEPHS2 (selenophosphate synthetase 2). Selenoproteins without known functions have traditionally been denoted by SEL or SEP symbols. However, these symbols are sometimes ambiguous and conflict with the approved nomenclature for several other genes. Therefore, there is a need to implement a rational and coherent nomenclature system for selenoprotein-encoding genes. Our solution is to use the root symbol SELENO followed by a letter. This nomenclature applies to SELENOF (selenoprotein F, the 15-kDa selenoprotein, SEP15), SELENOH (selenoprotein H, SELH, C11orf31), SELENOI (selenoprotein I, SELI, EPT1), SELENOK (selenoprotein K, SELK), SELENOM (selenoprotein M, SELM), SELENON (selenoprotein N, SEPN1, SELN), SELENOO (selenoprotein O, SELO), SELENOP (selenoprotein P, SeP, SEPP1, SELP), SELENOS (selenoprotein S, SELS, SEPS1, VIMP), SELENOT (selenoprotein T, SELT), SELENOV (selenoprotein V, SELV), and SELENOW (selenoprotein W, SELW, SEPW1). This system, approved by the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee, also resolves conflicting, missing, and ambiguous designations for selenoprotein genes and is applicable to selenoproteins across vertebrates.

Glutathione peroxidase 4 and vitamin E cooperatively prevent hepatocellular degeneration

The selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) is an essential mammalian glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells against detrimental lipid peroxidation and governs a novel form of regulated necrotic cell death, called ferroptosis. To study the relevance of Gpx4 and of another vitally important selenoprotein, cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (Txnrd1), for liver function, mice with conditional deletion of Gpx4 in hepatocytes were studied, along with those lacking Txnrd1 and selenocysteine (Sec) tRNA (Trsp) in hepatocytes. Unlike Txnrd1- and Trsp-deficient mice, Gpx4^−/− mice died shortly after birth and presented extensive hepatocyte degeneration. Similar to Txnrd1-deficient livers, Gpx4^−/− livers manifested upregulation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived)-like 2 (Nrf2) response genes. Remarkably, Gpx4^−/− pups born from mothers fed a vitamin E-enriched diet survived, yet this protection was reversible as subsequent vitamin E deprivation caused death of Gpx4-deficient mice ~4 weeks thereafter. Abrogation of selenoprotein expression in Gpx4^−/− mice did not result in viable mice, indicating that the combined deficiency aggravated the loss of Gpx4 in liver. By contrast, combined Trsp/Txnrd1-deficient mice were born, but had significantly shorter lifespans than either single knockout, suggesting that Txnrd1 plays an important role in supporting liver function of mice lacking Trsp. In sum our study demonstrates that the ferroptosis regulator Gpx4 is critical for hepatocyte survival and proper liver function, and that vitamin E can compensate for its loss by protecting cells against deleterious lipid peroxidation.

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Conditional Gpx4 loss causes hepatocellular degeneration and early death of mice.

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Dietary vitamin E supplementation rescues death of liver-specific Gpx4 null mice.

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Nutritional vitamin E content in diet may severely impact experimental outcome.

Selenoprotein Expression in Macrophages Is Critical for Optimal Clearance of Parasitic Helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

The plasticity of macrophages is evident in helminthic parasite infections, providing protection from inflammation. Previously we demonstrated that the micronutrient selenium induces a phenotypic switch in macrophage activation from a classically activated (pro-inflammatory; M1/CAM) toward an alternatively activated (anti-inflammatory; M2/AAM) phenotype, where cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent cyclopentenone prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) plays a key role. Here, we hypothesize that dietary selenium modulates macrophage polarization toward an AAM phenotype to assist in the increasing clearance of adult Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a gastrointestinal nematode parasite. Mice on a selenium-adequate (0.08 ppm) diet significantly augmented intestinal AAM presence while decreasing adult worms and fecal egg production when compared with infection of mice on selenium-deficient (<0.01 ppm) diet. Further increase in dietary selenium to supraphysiological levels (0.4 ppm) had very little or no impact on worm expulsion. Normal adult worm clearance and enhanced AAM marker expression were observed in the selenium-supplemented Trsp(fl/fl)Cre(WT) mice that express selenoproteins driven by tRNA(Sec) (Trsp), whereas N. brasiliensis-infected Trsp(fl/fl)Cre(LysM) selenium-supplemented mice showed a decreased clearance, with lowered intestinal expression of several AAM markers. Inhibition of the COX pathway with indomethacin resulted in delayed worm expulsion in selenium-adequate mice. This was rescued with 15d-PGJ2, which partially recapitulated the effect of selenium supplementation on fecal egg output in addition to increasing markers of AAMs in the small intestine. Antagonism of PPARγ blocked the effect of selenium. These results suggest that optimal expression of selenoproteins and selenium-dependent production of COX-derived endogenous prostanoids, such as Δ(12)-PGJ2 and 15d-PGJ2, may regulate AAM activation to enhance anti-helminthic parasite responses.

Dietary Selenium Levels Affect Selenoprotein Expression and Support the Interferon-γ and IL-6 Immune Response Pathways in Mice

Selenium is an essential element that is required to support a number of cellular functions and biochemical pathways. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of reduced dietary selenium levels on gene expression to assess changes in expression of non-selenoprotein genes that may contribute to the physiological consequences of selenium deficiency. Mice were fed diets that were either deficient in selenium or supplemented with selenium in the form of sodium selenite for six weeks. Differences in liver mRNA expression and translation were measured using a combination of ribosome profiling, RNA-Seq, microarrays, and qPCR. Expression levels and translation of mRNAs encoding stress-related selenoproteins were shown to be up-regulated by increased selenium status, as were genes involved in inflammation and response to interferon-γ. Changes in serum cytokine levels were measured which confirmed that interferon-γ, as well as IL-6, were increased in selenium adequate mice. Finally, microarray and qPCR analysis of lung tissue demonstrated that the selenium effects on immune function are not limited to liver. These data are consistent with previous reports indicating that adequate selenium levels can support beneficial immune responses, and further identify the IL-6 and interferon-γ pathways as being responsive to dietary selenium intake.

Expression of Selenoproteins Is Maintained in Mice Carrying Mutations in SECp43, the tRNA Selenocysteine 1 Associated Protein (Trnau1ap)

Selenocysteine tRNA 1 associated protein (Trnau1ap) has been characterized as a tRNA^[Ser]Sec-binding protein of 43 kDa, hence initially named SECp43. Previous studies reported its presence in complexes containing tRNA^[Ser]Sec implying a role of SECp43 as a co-factor in selenoprotein expression. We generated two conditionally mutant mouse models targeting exons 3+4 and exons 7+8 eliminating parts of the first RNA recognition motif or of the tyrosine-rich domain, respectively. Constitutive inactivation of exons 3+4 of SECp43 apparently did not affect the mice or selenoprotein expression in several organs. Constitutive deletion of exons 7+8 was embryonic lethal. We therefore generated hepatocyte-specific Secp43 knockout mice and characterized selenoprotein expression in livers of mutant mice. We found no significant changes in the levels of ⁷⁵Se-labelled hepatic proteins, selenoprotein levels as determined by Western blot analysis, enzymatic activity or selenoprotein mRNA abundance. The methylation pattern of tRNA^[Ser]Sec remained unchanged. Truncated Secp43 ^Δ7,8mRNA increased in Secp43-mutant livers suggesting auto-regulation of Secp43 mRNA abundance. We found no signs of liver damage in Secp433-mutant mice, but neuron-specific deletion of exons 7+8 impaired motor performance, while not affecting cerebral selenoprotein expression or cerebellar development. These findings suggest that the targeted domains in the SECp43 protein are not essential for selenoprotein biosynthesis in hepatocytes and neurons. Whether the remaining second RNA recognition motif plays a role in selenoprotein biosynthesis and which other cellular process depends on SECp43 remains to be determined.

Cell Proliferation and Motility Are Inhibited by G1 Phase Arrest in 15-kDa Selenoprotein-Deficient Chang Liver Cells

The 15-kDa selenoprotein (Sep15) is a selenoprotein residing in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and implicated in quality control of protein folding. Herein, we established an inducible RNAi cell line that targets Sep15 mRNA in Chang liver cells. RNAi-induced Sep15 deficiency led to inhibition of cell proliferation, whereas cell growth was resumed after removal of the knockdown inducer. Sep15-deficient cells were arrested at the G1 phase by upregulating p21 and p27, and these cells were also characterized by ER stress. In addition, Sep15 deficiency led to the relocation of focal adhesions to the periphery of the cell basement and to the decrease of the migratory and invasive ability. All these changes were reversible depending on Sep15 status. Rescuing the knockdown state by expressing a silent mutant Sep15 mRNA that is resistant to siRNA also reversed the phenotypic changes. Our results suggest that SEP15 plays important roles in the regulation of the G1 phase during the cell cycle as well as in cell motility in Chang liver cells, and that this selenoprotein offers a novel functional link between the cell cycle and cell motility.

The 15kDa selenoprotein and thioredoxin reductase 1 promote colon cancer by different pathways

Selenoproteins mediate much of the cancer-preventive properties of the essential nutrient selenium, but some of these proteins have been shown to also have cancer-promoting effects. We examined the contributions of the 15kDa selenoprotein (Sep15) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) to cancer development. Targeted down-regulation of either gene inhibited anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth and formation of experimental metastases of mouse colon carcinoma CT26 cells. Surprisingly, combined deficiency of Sep15 and TR1 reversed the anti-cancer effects observed with down-regulation of each single gene. We found that inflammation-related genes regulated by Stat-1, especially interferon-γ-regulated guanylate-binding proteins, were highly elevated in Sep15-deficient, but not in TR1-deficient cells. Interestingly, components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were up-regulated in cells lacking both TR1 and Sep15. These results suggest that Sep15 and TR1 participate in interfering regulatory pathways in colon cancer cells. Considering the variable expression levels of Sep15 and TR1 found within the human population, our results provide insights into new roles of selenoproteins in cancer.

Deficiency of the 15-kDa selenoprotein led to cytoskeleton remodeling and non-apoptotic membrane blebbing through a RhoA/ROCK pathway

The 15-kDa selenoprotein (Sep15) has been implicated in etiology of some types of cancer. Herein, inducible RNAi cell lines were established and cell morphology and motility were analyzed. The majority of Sep15-deficient cells (>95%) formed membrane blebs in a dynamic manner. Blebbing cells transformed cell morphology from a normal flat spindle shape to a spherical morphology. In blebbing cells, actin fibers moved to the cell periphery, covering and obscuring visualization of α-tubulin. Bleb formation was suppressed by the inhibitors of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), RhoA or myosin light chain (MLC), restoring blebbing cells to wild-type morphology. RhoA activation and phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 was induced by Sep15 knockdown. Sep15-deficient cells were non-apoptotic, and displayed a distinct relative localization of F-actin and α-tubulin from typical apoptotic blebbing cells. Our data suggest that Sep15 in Chang liver cells regulates the pathway that antagonizes RhoA/ROCK/MLC-dependent non-apoptotic bleb formation.

Epigenetic regulation of inflammatory gene expression in macrophages by selenium

Acetylation of histone and non-histone proteins by histone acetyltransferases plays a pivotal role in the expression of proinflammatory genes. Given the importance of dietary selenium in mitigating inflammation, we hypothesized that selenium supplementation may regulate inflammatory gene expression at the epigenetic level. The effect of selenium towards histone acetylation was examined in both in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and immunoblotting. Our results indicated that selenium supplementation, as selenite, decreased acetylation of histone H4 at K12 and K16 in COX-2 and TNFα promoters, and of the p65 subunit of the redox sensitive transcription factor NFκB in primary and immortalized macrophages. On the other hand, selenomethionine had a much weaker effect. Selenite treatment of HIV-1-infected human monocytes also significantly decreased the acetylation of H4 at K12 and K16 on the HIV-1 promoter, supporting the down-regulation of proviral expression by selenium. A similar decrease in histone acetylation was also seen in the colonic extracts of mice treated with dextran sodium sulfate that correlated well with the levels of selenium in the diet. Bone-marrow-derived macrophages from Trsp(fl/fl)Cre(LysM) mice that lack expression of selenoproteins in macrophages confirmed the important role of selenoproteins in the inhibition of histone H4 acetylation. Our studies suggest that the ability of selenoproteins to skew the metabolism of arachidonic acid contributes, in part, to their ability to inhibit histone acetylation. In summary, our studies suggest a new role for selenoproteins in the epigenetic modulation of proinflammatory genes.

Crucial role of macrophage selenoproteins in experimental colitis

Inflammation is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves macrophages. Given the inverse link between selenium (Se) status and IBD-induced inflammation, our objective was to demonstrate that selenoproteins in macrophages were essential to suppress proinflammatory mediators, in part, by the modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism. Acute colitis was induced using 4% dextran sodium sulfate in wild-type mice maintained on Se-deficient (<0.01 ppm Se), Se-adequate (0.08 ppm; sodium selenite), and two supraphysiological levels in the form of Se-supplemented (0.4 ppm; sodium selenite) and high Se (1.0 ppm; sodium selenite) diets. Selenocysteinyl transfer RNA knockout mice (Trsp(fl/fl)LysM(Cre)) were used to examine the role of selenoproteins in macrophages on disease progression and severity using histopathological evaluation, expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes, and modulation of PG metabolites in urine and plasma. Whereas Se-deficient and Se-adequate mice showed increased colitis and exhibited poor survival, Se supplementation at 0.4 and 1.0 ppm increased survival of mice and decreased colitis-associated inflammation with an upregulation of expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. Metabolomic profiling of urine suggested increased oxidation of PGE2 at supraphysiological levels of Se that also correlated well with Se-dependent upregulation of 15-hydroxy-PG dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in macrophages. Pharmacological inhibition of 15-PGDH, lack of selenoprotein expression in macrophages, and depletion of infiltrating macrophages indicated that macrophage-specific selenoproteins and upregulation of 15-PGDH expression were key for Se-dependent anti-inflammatory and proresolving effects. Selenoproteins in macrophages protect mice from dextran sodium sulfate-colitis by enhancing 15-PGDH-dependent oxidation of PGE2 to alleviate inflammation, suggesting a therapeutic role for Se in IBD.

Secisbp2 is essential for embryonic development and enhances selenoprotein expression

AIMS

The selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS)-binding protein 2 (Secisbp2) binds to SECIS elements located in the 3'-untranslated region of eukaryotic selenoprotein mRNAs. Selenoproteins contain the rare amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). Mutations in SECISBP2 in humans lead to reduced selenoprotein expression thereby affecting thyroid hormone-dependent growth and differentiation processes. The most severe cases also display myopathy, hearing impairment, male infertility, increased photosensitivity, mental retardation, and ataxia. Mouse models are needed to understand selenoprotein-dependent processes underlying the patients' pleiotropic phenotypes.

RESULTS

Unlike tRNA[Ser]Sec-deficient embryos, homozygous Secisbp2-deleted embryos implant, but fail before gastrulation. Heterozygous inactivation of Secisbp2 reduced the amount of selenoprotein expressed, but did not affect the thyroid hormone axis or growth. Conditional deletion of Secisbp2 in hepatocytes significantly decreased selenoprotein expression. Unexpectedly, the loss of Secisbp2 reduced the abundance of many, but not all, selenoprotein mRNAs. Transcript-specific and gender-selective effects on selenoprotein mRNA abundance were greater in Secisbp2-deficient hepatocytes than in tRNA[Ser]Sec-deficient cells. Despite the massive reduction of Dio1 and Sepp1 mRNAs, significantly more corresponding protein was detected in primary hepatocytes lacking Secisbp2 than in cells lacking tRNA[Ser]Sec. Regarding selenoprotein expression, compensatory nuclear factor, erythroid-derived, like 2 (Nrf2)-dependent gene expression, or embryonic development, phenotypes were always milder in Secisbp2-deficient than in tRNA[Ser]Sec-deficient mice.

INNOVATION

We report the first Secisbp2 mutant mouse models. The conditional mutants provide a model for analyzing Secisbp2 function in organs not accessible in patients.

CONCLUSION

In hepatocyte-specific conditional mouse models, Secisbp2 gene inactivation is less detrimental than tRNA[Ser]Sec inactivation. A role of Secisbp2 in stabilizing selenoprotein mRNAs in vivo was uncovered.

Inhibition of cellular methyltransferases promotes endothelial cell activation by suppressing glutathione peroxidase 1 protein expression

S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a negative regulator of most methyltransferases and the precursor for the cardiovascular risk factor homocysteine. We have previously identified a link between the homocysteine-induced suppression of the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) and endothelial dysfunction. Here we demonstrate a specific mechanism by which hypomethylation, promoted by the accumulation of the homocysteine precursor SAH, suppresses GPx-1 expression and leads to inflammatory activation of endothelial cells. The expression of GPx-1 and a subset of other selenoproteins is dependent on the methylation of the tRNA(Sec) to the Um34 form. The formation of methylated tRNA(Sec) facilitates translational incorporation of selenocysteine at a UGA codon. Our findings demonstrate that SAH accumulation in endothelial cells suppresses the expression of GPx-1 to promote oxidative stress. Hypomethylation stress, caused by SAH accumulation, inhibits the formation of the methylated isoform of the tRNA(Sec) and reduces GPx-1 expression. In contrast, under these conditions, the expression and activity of thioredoxin reductase 1, another selenoprotein, is increased. Furthermore, SAH-induced oxidative stress creates a proinflammatory activation of endothelial cells characterized by up-regulation of adhesion molecules and an augmented capacity to bind leukocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that SAH accumulation in endothelial cells can induce tRNA(Sec) hypomethylation, which alters the expression of selenoproteins such as GPx-1 to contribute to a proatherogenic endothelial phenotype.

Reduced macrophage selenoprotein expression alters oxidized lipid metabolite biosynthesis from arachidonic and linoleic acid

Uncontrolled inflammation is an underlying etiology for multiple diseases and macrophages orchestrate inflammation largely through the production of oxidized fatty acids known as oxylipids. Previous studies showed that selenium (Se) status altered the expression of oxylipids and magnitude of inflammatory responses. Although selenoproteins are thought to mediate many of the biological effects of Se, the direct effect of selenoproteins on the production of oxylipids is unknown. Therefore, the role of decreased selenoprotein activity in modulating the production of biologically active oxylipids from macrophages was investigated. Thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages were collected from wild-type and myeloid-cell-specific selenoprotein knockout mice to analyze oxylipid production by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry as well as oxylipid biosynthetic enzyme and inflammatory marker gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Decreased selenoprotein activity resulted in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, enhanced cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase expression and decreased oxylipids with known anti-inflammatory properties such as arachidonic acid-derived lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄) and linoleic acid-derived 9-​oxo-octadecadienoic acid (9-oxoODE). Treating RAW 264.7 macrophages with LXA₄ or 9-oxoODE diminished oxidant-induced macrophage inflammatory response as indicated by decreased production of TNFα. The results show for the first time that selenoproteins are important for the balanced biosynthesis of pro- and anti-inflammatory oxylipids during inflammation. A better understanding of the Se-dependent control mechanisms governing oxylipid biosynthesis may uncover nutritional intervention strategies to counteract the harmful effects of uncontrolled inflammation due to oxylipids.

Selenium and selenocysteine: roles in cancer, health, and development

The many biological and biomedical effects of selenium are relatively unknown outside the selenium field. This fascinating element, initially described as a toxin, was subsequently shown to be essential for health and development. By the mid-1990s selenium emerged as one of the most promising cancer chemopreventive agents, but subsequent human clinical trials yielded contradictory results. However, basic research on selenium continued to move at a rapid pace, elucidating its many roles in health, development, and in cancer prevention and promotion. Dietary selenium acts principally through selenoproteins, most of which are oxidoreductases involved in diverse cellular functions.

Prostate epithelium-specific deletion of the selenocysteine tRNA gene Trsp leads to early onset intraepithelial neoplasia

Although various lines of evidence suggest that oxidative stress plays a role in human prostate cancer initiation and progression, there is a paucity of direct evidence for its role in tumor initiation. To begin to address this issue, we developed a novel tumorigenesis model by reducing the expression of multiple selenoproteins (SPs) in mouse prostatic epithelium. This was accomplished via the prostate-specific deletion of Trsp, a gene that encodes a transfer RNA (Sec tRNA) required for the insertion of selenocysteine residues into SPs during their translation. By 6 weeks of age, Trsp-deficient mice exhibited widespread prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions in all prostatic lobes, which then progressed to high-grade dysplasia and microinvasive carcinoma by 24 weeks. In contrast to other murine prostate cancer models, Trsp-deficient mice required neither the deletion of a tumor suppressor nor the transgenic introduction of an oncogene for prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesion development. In keeping with the antioxidant functions of several SPs, we found increases in lipid peroxidation markers in Trsp-deficient epithelial cells. This novel model of prostate neoplasia provides evidence for the existence of a selenoprotein or selenoproteins capable of acting as a tumor suppressor in the murine prostate.

Abrogated thioredoxin system causes increased sensitivity to TNF-α-induced apoptosis via enrichment of p-ERK 1/2 in the nucleus

Thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) are among the major redox regulators in mammalian cells and have a wide variety of roles, including removal of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevention of cell death. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induces cancer cell death. Although ROS have been proposed to participate in this process, the role of the thioredoxin system in TNF-α stimulated cell death remains unclear. We investigated the possibility that the thioredoxin system protects against TNF-α-induced cancer cell death by examining whether TR1/Trx1 status controls TNF-α-induced apoptosis in EMT6 murine breast cancer cells. TR1-deficient cells were more sensitive to TNF-α than control cells. Increased sensitivity to TNF-α was most pronounced in Trx1-deficient cells. TNF-α-induced nuclear localization of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2) correlated with increased apoptosis in TR1- and Trx1-deficient cells, suggesting a pro-apoptotic role for nuclear p-ERK 1/2 in TNF-α-induced apoptosis. In addition, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition dramatically reduced TNF-α-stimulated apoptosis and nuclear localization of p-ERK 1/2. In contrast, inhibition of ROS, MEK, JNK, or p38 did not significantly alter p-ERK 1/2 localization or apoptosis in TR1- and Trx1-deficient cells compared to control cells. Further, NF-κB p65 localization was not changed in TR1- and Trx1-deficient cells in response to TNF-α relative to control cells. Our data suggest that the thioredoxin system plays a critical role in protecting against TNF-α-induced apoptosis by regulating the levels of nuclear p-ERK 1/2 in a PI3K-dependent manner.

Regulation of HIF-1α activity by overexpression of thioredoxin is independent of thioredoxin reductase status

Under hypoxic conditions, cells activate a transcriptional response mainly driven by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIF-1α stabilization and activity are known to be regulated by thioredoxin 1 (Txn1), but how the thioredoxin system regulates the hypoxic response is unknown. By examining the effects of Txn1 overexpression on HIF-1α function in HeLa, HT-29, MCF-7 and EMT6 cell lines, we found that this oxidoreductase did not stabilize HIF-1α, yet could increase its activity. These effects were dependent on the redox function of Txn1. However, Txn1 deficiency did not affect HIF-1α hypoxic-stabilization and activity, and overexpression of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1), the natural Txn1 reductase, had no influence on HIF-1α activity. Moreover, overexpression of Txn1 in TR1 deficient HeLa and EMT6 cells was still able to increase HIF-1α hypoxic activity. These results indicate that Txn1 is not essential for HIF-1α hypoxic stabilization or activity, that its overexpression can increase HIF-1α hypoxic activity, and that this effect is observed regardless of TR1 status. Thus, regulation of HIF-1α by the thioredoxin system depends on the specific levels of this system's major components.

Disruption of thioredoxin reductase 1 protects mice from acute acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity through enhanced NRF2 activity

The critical importance of glutathione in mitigating the deleterious effects of electrophile generating drugs such as acetaminophen (APAP) is well established. However, the role of other antioxidant systems, such as that provided by thioredoxin, has not been extensively studied. Selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) is important for attenuating activation of the apoptosis signaling-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway caused by high doses of APAP. Therefore, a detailed investigation of the role of Txnrd1 in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity was conducted. Liver-specific Txnrd1 knockout mice (Txnrd1(ΔLiv)) were generated and treated with a hepatotoxic dose (400 mg/kg) of APAP for 1 or 6 h. Liver toxicity was assessed by measuring the activities of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum, in addition to histopathological analysis of liver sections and analysis of glutathione levels. At 1 h post-APAP treatment, total and mitochondrial glutathione levels in control and Txnrd1(ΔLiv) mice were similarly depleted. However, at 6 h post-APAP treatment, Txnrd1(ΔLiv) mice were resistant to APAP toxicity as liver enzymes and histology were not significantly different from the corresponding untreated mice. Analyses revealed the compensatory up-regulation of many of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) target genes and proteins in Txnrd1(ΔLiv) mice with and without APAP treatment. Yet, JNK was phosphorylated to a similar extent in APAP-treated control mice. The results suggest that Txnrd1(ΔLiv) mice are primed for xenobiotic detoxication primarily through NRF2 activation.

Translational redefinition of UGA codons is regulated by selenium availability

Incorporation of selenium into ~25 mammalian selenoproteins occurs by translational recoding whereby in-frame UGA codons are redefined to encode the selenium containing amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec). Here we applied ribosome profiling to examine the effect of dietary selenium levels on the translational mechanisms controlling selenoprotein synthesis in mouse liver. Dietary selenium levels were shown to control gene-specific selenoprotein expression primarily at the translation level by differential regulation of UGA redefinition and Sec incorporation efficiency, although effects on translation initiation and mRNA abundance were also observed. Direct evidence is presented that increasing dietary selenium causes a vast increase in ribosome density downstream of UGA-Sec codons for a subset of selenoprotein mRNAs and that the selenium-dependent effects on Sec incorporation efficiency are mediated in part by the degree of Sec-tRNA([Ser]Sec) Um34 methylation. Furthermore, we find evidence for translation in the 5'-UTRs for a subset of selenoproteins and for ribosome pausing near the UGA-Sec codon in those mRNAs encoding the selenoproteins most affected by selenium availability. These data illustrate how dietary levels of the trace element selenium can alter the readout of the genetic code to affect the expression of an entire class of proteins.

High error rates in selenocysteine insertion in mammalian cells treated with the antibiotic doxycycline, chloramphenicol, or geneticin

Antibiotics target bacteria by interfering with essential processes such as translation, but their effects on translation in mammalian cells are less well characterized. We found that doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and Geneticin (G418) interfered with insertion of selenocysteine (Sec), which is encoded by the stop codon, UGA, into selenoproteins in murine EMT6 cells. Treatment of EMT6 cells with these antibiotics reduced enzymatic activities and Sec insertion into thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1). However, these proteins were differentially affected due to varying errors in Sec insertion at UGA. In the presence of doxycycline, chloramphenicol, or G418, the Sec-containing form of TR1 decreased, whereas the arginine-containing and truncated forms of this protein increased. We also detected antibiotic-specific misinsertion of cysteine and tryptophan. Furthermore, misinsertion of arginine in place of Sec was commonly observed in GPx1 and glutathione peroxidase 4. TR1 was the most affected and GPx1 was the least affected by these translation errors. These observations were consistent with the differential use of two Sec tRNA isoforms and their distinct roles in supporting accuracy of Sec insertion into selenoproteins. The data reveal widespread errors in inserting Sec into proteins and in dysregulation of selenoprotein expression and function upon antibiotic treatment.

Contrasting roles of dietary selenium and selenoproteins in chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Selenium (Se) has long been known for its cancer prevention properties, but the molecular basis remains unclear. The principal questions in assessing the effect of dietary Se in cancer are whether selenoproteins, small molecule selenocompounds, or both, are involved, and under which conditions and genotypes Se may be protective. In this study, we examined diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice lacking a subset of selenoproteins due to expression of a mutant selenocysteine tRNA gene (Trsp (A37G) mice). To uncouple the effects of selenocompounds and selenoproteins, these animals were examined at several levels of dietary Se. Our analysis revealed that tumorigenesis in Trsp (A37G) mice maintained on the adequate Se diet was increased. However, in the control, wild-type mice, both Se deficiency and high Se levels protected against tumorigenesis. We further found that the Se-deficient diet induced severe neurological phenotypes in Trsp A37G mice. Surprisingly, a similar phenotype could be induced in these mice at high dietary Se intake. Overall, our results show a complex role of Se in chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis, which involves interaction among selenoproteins, selenocompounds and toxins, and depends on genotype and background of the animals.

Targeted disruption of glutathione peroxidase 4 in mouse skin epithelial cells impairs postnatal hair follicle morphogenesis that is partially rescued through inhibition of COX-2

Selenoproteins are essential molecules for the mammalian antioxidant network. We previously demonstrated that targeted loss of all selenoproteins in mouse epidermis disrupted skin and hair development and caused premature death. In the current study we targeted specific selenoproteins for epidermal deletion to determine whether similar phenotypes developed. Keratinocyte-specific knockout mice lacking either the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) or thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) gene were generated by cre-lox technology using K14-cre. TR1 knockout mice had a normal phenotype in resting skin while GPx4 loss in epidermis caused epidermal hyperplasia, dermal inflammatory infiltrate, dysmorphic hair follicles and alopecia in perinatal mice. Unlike epidermal ablation of all selenoproteins, mice ablated for GPx4 recovered after 5 weeks and had a normal lifespan. GPx1 and TR1 were upregulated in the skin and keratinocytes of GPx4 knockout mice. GPx4 deletion reduces keratinocyte adhesion in culture and increases lipid peroxidation and COX-2 levels in cultured keratinocytes and whole skin. Feeding a COX-2 inhibitor to nursing mothers partially prevents development of the abnormal skin phenotype in knockout pups. These data link the activity of cutaneous GPx4 to the regulation of COX-2 and hair follicle morphogenesis and provide insight into the function of individual selenoprotein activity in maintaining cutaneous homeostasis.

SUMO modification of NZFP mediates transcriptional repression through TBP binding

The negatively regulating zinc finger protein (NZFP) is an essential transcription repressor required for early development during gastrulation in Xenopus laevis. In this study, we found that NZFP interacts with the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation E2 enzyme, Ubc9, and contains three putative SUMO conjugation sites. Studies with NZFP mutants containing mutations at the putative SUMO conjugation sites showed that these sites were able to be modified independently with SUMO. NZFP was found to be localized in the same nuclear bodies with SUMO-1. However, sumoylation of NZFP did not play a role either in the translocation of NZFP into the nucleus or on nuclear body formation. While wild type NZFP showed significant transcriptional repression, SUMO-conjugation site mutants manifested a decrease in transcriptional repression activity which is reversely proportional to the amount of sumoylation. The sumoylation defective mutant lost its TBP binding activity, while wild type NZFP interacted with TBP and inhibited transcription complex formation. These results strongly suggest that the sumoylation of NZFP facilitates NZFP to bind to TBP and the NZFP/TBP complex then represses the transcription of the target gene by inhibiting basal transcription complex formation.

Knockout of the 15 kDa selenoprotein protects against chemically-induced aberrant crypt formation in mice

Evidence suggests that selenium has cancer preventive properties that are largely mediated through selenoproteins. Our previous observations demonstrated that targeted down-regulation of the 15 kDa selenoprotein (Sep15) in murine colon cancer cells resulted in the reversal of the cancer phenotype. The present study investigated the effect of Sep15 knockout in mice using a chemically-induced colon cancer model. Homozygous Sep15 knockout mice, and wild type littermate controls were given four weekly subcutaneous injections of azoxymethane (10 mg/kg). Sep15 knockout mice developed significantly (p<0.001) fewer aberrant crypt foci than controls demonstrating that loss of Sep15 protects against aberrant crypt foci formation. Dietary selenium above adequate levels did not significantly affect aberrant crypt foci formation in Sep15 knockout mice. To investigate molecular targets affected by loss of Sep15, gene expression patterns in colonic mucosal cells of knockout and wild type mice were examined using microarray analysis. Subsequent analyses verified that guanylate binding protein-1 (GBP-1) mRNA and protein expression were strongly upregulated in Sep15 knockout mice. GBP-1, which is expressed in response to interferon-γ, is considered to be an activation marker during inflammatory diseases, and up-regulation of GBP-1 in humans has been associated with a highly significant, increased five-year survival rate in colorectal cancer patients. In agreement with these studies, we observed a higher level of interferon-γ in plasma of Sep15 knockout mice. Overall, our results demonstrate for the first time, that Sep15 knockout mice are protected against chemically-induced aberrant crypt foci formation and that Sep15 appears to have oncogenic properties in colon carcinogenesis in vivo.

Thioredoxin reductase 1 protects against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis via control of cellular redox homeostasis

Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) controls the redox state of protein thiols in mammalian cells and has been shown to have roles in both preventing and promoting cancer. To define the role of this selenoenzyme in hepatocellular carcinoma development, we examined tumor incidence in the liver of mice with tissue-specific knockout of mouse TR1 subjected to the liver carcinogen, diethylnitrosamine (DEN). TR1-deficient livers manifested ~90% tumor incidence compared with ~16% in control livers. The TR1-dependent effect was observed independent of sex, and, in control mice, tumorigenesis did not affect the expression of TR1. On the other hand, we observed upregulation of another selenoenzyme, glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPx2), and components of the glutathione (GSH) system, including those that generate reduced GSH. Overall, this study shows that TR1 protects against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis via the control of the cellular redox state, whereas its role in promoting this type of cancer is minimal.

Structure-function analysis of human TYW2 enzyme required for the biosynthesis of a highly modified Wybutosine (yW) base in phenylalanine-tRNA

Posttranscriptional modifications are critical for structure and function of tRNAs. Wybutosine (yW) and its derivatives are hyper-modified guanosines found at the position 37 of eukaryotic and archaeal tRNA^Phe. TYW2 is an enzyme that catalyzes α-amino-α-carboxypropyl transfer activity at the third step of yW biogenesis. Using complementation of a ΔTYW2 strain, we demonstrate here that human TYW2 (hTYW2) is active in yeast and can synthesize the yW of yeast tRNA^Phe. Structure-guided analysis identified several conserved residues in hTYW2 that interact with S-adenosyl-methionine (AdoMet), and mutation studies revealed that K225 and E265 are critical residues for the enzymatic activity. We previously reported that the human TYW2 is overexpressed in breast cancer. However, no difference in the tRNA^Phe modification status was observed in either normal mouse tissue or a mouse tumor model that overexpresses Tyw2, indicating that hTYW2 may have a role in tumorigenesis unrelated to yW biogenesis.