FIG. 13.

Selenoproteins in the ER regulate inflammation in part through effects on protein-folding. Evidence has been presented for roles for SelS and Selk in regulating ER stress. SelM and Sep15 have been suggested to play key roles in protein folding. Altogether, low Se intake may lead to low expression of these selenoproteins. Decreased expression of some or all of these selenoproteins may cause an increase in misfolded proteins and cause ER stress. This may lead to secretion of proinflammatory mediators by affected cells and eventually increased inflammation.