Table 2.
Localizations and functions of selenoproteins other than GPx, DIO, and TrxR
| Selenoproteins | Localization | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Selenoprotein P | Secreted to plasma by liver | Contains 50% of plasma Se |
| Expressed in all tissues | Transport and delivery of Se | |
| Heavy-metal chelator | ||
| Selenoprotein 15 | Brain, lung, testis, liver, thyroid, kidney | Involved in glycoprotein folding |
| Potential tumor-suppression function | ||
| Selenoprotein N | Expressed in all tissues | Plays a pivotal role in muscle tissues |
| Selenoprotein W | Muscles, heart, intestine, prostate, esophagus, skin | Antioxidant function |
| Putative functional role in muscle and brain | ||
| Selenophosphate synthetase 2 | Expressed in all tissues | Essential component of the Sec biosynthesis machinery |
| Selenoprotein R | Expressed in all tissues | Repairing of oxidative damaged proteins |
| Selenoprotein M | Heart, lung, kidney, uterus, placenta, thyroid, brain | Potential role in the brain (low levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease) |
| Selenoprotein S | Expressed in all tissues | Link between type 2 diabetes, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease |
| Selenoprotein K | Heart, muscle, pancreas, liver, placenta | Antioxidant function in the heart |
Abbreviation: Se, selenium.