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Features of the formate dehydrogenase mRNA necessary for decoding of the UGA codon as selenocysteine.

The fdhF gene encoding the 80-kDa selenopolypeptide subunit of formate dehydrogenase H from Escherichia coli contains an in-frame TGA codon at amino acid position 140, which encodes selenocysteine. We have analyzed how this UGA "sense codon" is discriminated from a UGA codon signaling polypeptide chain termination. Deletions were introduced from the 3' side into the fdhF gene and the truncated 5' segments were fused in-frame to the lacZ reporter gene. Efficient read-through of the UGA codon, as measured by beta-galactosidase activity and incorporation of selenium, was dependent on the presence of at least 40 bases of fdhF mRNA downstream of the UGA codon. There was excellent correlation between the results of the deletion studies and the existence of a putative stem-loop structure lying immediately downstream of the UGA in that deletions extending into the helix drastically reduced UGA translation. Similar secondary structures can be formed in the mRNAs coding for other selenoproteins. Selenocysteine insertion cartridges were synthesized that contained this hairpin structure and variable portions of the fdhF gene upstream of the UGA codon and inserted into the lacZ gene. Expression studies showed that upstream sequences were not required for selenocysteine insertion but that they may be involved in modulating the efficiency of read-through. Translation of the UGA codon was found to occur with high fidelity since it was refractory to ribosomal mutations affecting proofreading and to suppression by the sup-9 gene product.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

In vitro incorporation of selenium into tRNAs of Salmonella typhimurium.

Broken-cell preparations of Salmonella typhimurium rapidly incorporated 75Se from 75SeO3(2-) into tRNA by an ATP-dependent process. Selenium incorporation in the presence of 50 microM 75SeO3(2-) (0.8-1 pmol per A260 unit) was enhanced by the selenocysteine precursor, O-acetyl-L-serine (to 3.7 pmol per A260 unit). This increase in incorporation was a function of O-acetyl-L-serine concentration. Neither O-acetyl-L-homoserine nor O-phospho-L-serine stimulated the incorporation of selenium into tRNA. The incorporation of 75Se from 75SeO3(2-) was decreased by adding L-selenocysteine but not by adding the D isomer. When homologous bulk tRNA was added to the broken-cell preparations, an increased rate of 75Se labeling was observed. The supernatant fraction of the broken-cell preparation contained all of the enzymes required for this process. Reversed-phase HPLC analysis of labeled bulk tRNA digested to nucleosides showed the presence of a labeled compound that coeluted with authentic 5-methylaminomethyl-2-selenouridine.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A purified selenophosphate-dependent enzyme from Salmonella typhimurium catalyzes the replacement of sulfur in 2-thiouridine residues in tRNAs with selenium.

A tRNA-modifying enzyme tentatively termed tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase was purified by a five-step procedure that resulted in 50-60% pure preparations. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of a 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine residue in the tRNA substrate to 5-methylaminomethyl-2-selenouridine. The selenium donor substrate for this reaction is shown to be selenophosphate which is formed from ATP and selenide by selenophosphate synthetase. Replacement of sulfur with selenium in tRNAs catalyzed by tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase occurs in the absence of ATP. The dependence of reaction velocity on selenophosphate concentration obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics indicating an apparent Km value of 17.1 microM. Bulk thio-tRNA preparations from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium are equally effective as substrates for the selenium incorporation reaction. An intact 3' end of the tRNA molecule does not seem to be essential for selenium incorporation. Identity of the product of the reaction was confirmed by HPLC analysis of digests of [75Se]seleno-tRNAs labeled by incubation with the purified enzyme. A labeled compound in the nucleoside mixture was coeluted with authentic 5-methylaminomethyl-2-selenouridine.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Levels of major selenoproteins in T cells decrease during HIV infection and low molecular mass selenium compounds increase.

It has been observed previously that plasma selenium and glutathione levels are subnormal in HIV-infected individuals, and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity is decreased. Under these conditions the survival rate of AIDS patients is reduced significantly. In the present study, using 75Se-labeled human Jurkat T cells, we show that the levels of four 75Se-containing proteins are lower in HIV-infected cell populations than in uninfected cells. These major selenoproteins migrated as 57-, 26-, 21-, and 15-kDa species on SDS/PAGE gels. In our earlier studies, the 57-kDa protein was purified from T cells and identified as a subunit of thioredoxin reductase. The 26- and 21-kDa proteins were identified in immunoblot assays as the glutathione peroxidase (cGPX or GPX1) subunit and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX or GPX4), respectively. We recently purified the 15-kDa protein and characterized it as a selenoprotein of unknown function. In contrast to selenoproteins, low molecular mass [75Se]compounds accumulated during HIV infection and migrated as a diffuse band near the front of SDS/PAGE gels.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

A new human selenium-containing protein. Purification, characterization, and cDNA sequence.

Selenium which occurs in proteins as the amino acid, selenocysteine, is essential for numerous biological processes and for human health. A prominent 75Se-labeled protein detected in human T-cells migrated as a 15-kDa band by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This protein subunit was purified and subjected to tryptic digestion and peptide sequence analyses. Sequences of tryptic peptides derived from the protein corresponded to a human placental gene sequence containing an open reading frame of 162 residues and a readthrough in-frame TGA codon. Three different peptide sequences of the 15-kDa protein corresponded to a nucleotide sequence located downstream of this codon, suggesting that the T-cell 15-kDa selenoprotein contains a selenocysteine residue encoded by TGA. Post-translational processing of the N-terminal portion of the predicted gene product to give the 15-kDa protein was suggested on the basis of molecular mass, amino acid analysis, and immunoblot assays of the purified protein. The 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the gene encoding the 15-kDa protein contained a sequence that is very similar to the canonical selenocysteine-inserting sequence element. Computer analysis of transcript map data bases indicated that this gene was located on human chromosome 1. Its coding sequence showed no homology to known protein-encoding genes. The 15-kDa protein gene was expressed as mRNA in a wide range of tissues, with increased levels in the thyroid, parathyroid, and prostate-derived cells as evidenced by searches of partial cDNA sequences in public data bases. Genes corresponding to the 15-kDa selenocysteine-containing protein were found in mice and rats, while the corresponding genes in Caenorhabditis elegans and Brugia malayi contained a cysteine codon in place of TGA. The discovery of a new human selenoprotein provides an additional example of the role of selenium in mammalian systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selenoprotein P expression, purification, and immunochemical characterization.

Most selenoproteins contain a single selenocysteine residue per polypeptide chain, encoded by an in-frame UGA codon. Selenoprotein P is unique in that its mRNA encodes 10-12 selenocysteine residues, depending on species. In addition to the high number of selenocysteines, the protein is cysteine- and histidine-rich. The function of selenoprotein P has remained elusive, in part due to the inability to express the recombinant protein. This has been attributed to presumed inefficient translation through the selenocysteine/stop codons. Herein, we report for the first time the expression of recombinant rat selenoprotein P in a transiently transfected human epithelial kidney cell line, as well as the endogenously expressed protein from HepG2 and Chinese hamster ovary cells. The majority of the expressed protein migrates with the predicted 57-kDa size of full-length glycosylated selenoprotein P. Based on the histidine-rich nature of selenoprotein P, we have purified the recombinant and endogenously expressed proteins using nickel-agarose affinity chromatography. We show that the recombinant rat and endogenous human proteins react in Western blotting and immunoprecipitation assays with commercial anti-histidine antibodies. The ability to express, purify, and immunochemically detect the recombinant protein provides a foundation for investigating the functions and efficiency of expression of this intriguing protein.

Animals↗

Long-term course in collagenous colitis and the impact of bile acid malabsorption and bile acid sequestrants on histopathology and clinical features.

BACKGROUND: Bile acid malabsorption is common in collagenous colitis, although long-term follow-up data on the impact of bile acids are limited. The aim was to study whether bile acid malabsorption is a permanent finding, with an impact on histopathology and clinical features in collagenous colitis. METHODS: The objective was to reinvestigate 27 patients with collagenous colitis > or = 3 years after index investigation. The clinical course was evaluated by means of an interview, a review of the hospital records and registration of symptoms over a period of 7 days. The patients were invited to undergo a repeat colonoscopy and 75SeHCAT measurement. Initial and follow-up data and 75SeHCAT values from 29 controls were compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 4.2 (range 3-5.3) years. Twenty-two patients underwent a repeat 75SeHCAT test, 23 patients a colonoscopy and in 25 patients the clinical course could be evaluated. The 75SeHCAT values were abnormal in 32% at follow-up versus 44% at index, and the median retention value was 19% (range 2-69) versus 12% (range 0.5-41) (P = 0.024) although lower than in the control groups figure of 38% (range 8-91) (P < 0.005). Histopathology had improved independently of bile acid malabsorption, gender, smoking and autoimmune disease at follow-up. Four were normalized. Patients on bile acid binders had no significant change of histopathology. Four patients had recovered, seven displayed an intermittent course and 14 had continuous diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: Collagenous colitis and bile acid malabsorption seem to be associated yet independent disorders. The histopathology improves during the long-term course although only a few patients resolve.

Bile Acids and Salts↗

Bile acid malabsorption in patients with chronic diarrhoea: clinical value of SeHCAT test.

BACKGROUND: Bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a cause of chronic diarrhoea, can be diagnosed by the SeHCAT test. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of SeHCAT testing by assessing the extent of BAM and describing the clinical characteristics in a group of patients with chronic diarrhoea. Clinical outcome after treatment with cholestyramine was also evaluated. METHODS: During a 5-year period (1997-2001) the SeHCAT test was performed in 135 patients in whom a primary programme for diagnostic evaluation of chronic diarrhoea had not revealed a cause. File data from 133 patients could be evaluated. RESULTS: In 44% of patients, bile acid absorption was normal with SeHCAT retention > or = 15%. Impaired SeHCAT retention was found in 56%. All patients with ileocaecal resections had retention values < 10%. Patients with microscopic colitis presented with BAM in 39%. Only one patient with idiopathic BAM presented with steatorrhoea as opposed to 11 patients with type 1 and 3 BAM. Patients with idiopathic BAM and/or SeHCAT retention values < 5% had the best response to treatment with cholestyramine. CONCLUSIONS: The SeHCAT test is of value in evaluation of patients with chronic diarrhoea as a second-line investigation with a high diagnostic yield. The only a priori parameter to predict BAM was the existence of ileocaecal resections. The result of the SeHCAT test seems to predict the benefit of treatment with cholestyramine.

Adult↗

Prognosis of adult-onset idiopathic bile acid malabsorption.

BACKGROUND: From 1986 to 1993, 150 patients were investigated with the 75Se-homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) test as a late step in the investigation of chronic diarrhoea. On basis of low SeHCAT values and response to cholestyramine treatment, 33 patients were initially classified as having idiopathic bile acid malabsorption (IBAM). The aim was to describe the long-term clinical course of the disease and to assess the reliability of the SeHCAT test in diagnosing IBAM. METHODS: The methods included 1) clinical follow-up with patient interview combined with information from medical records and 2) repeated SeHCAT test. RESULTS: The diagnosis of IBAM had to be revised in three cases (inflammatory bowel disease in two patients, Clostridium difficile infection in one). Six patients were lost to follow-up and a further four patients were excluded from re-examination either because of old age (>80 years) or bowel resection, leaving 20 patients for re-examination, of which 16 completed both clinical follow-up and a new SeHCAT test. The median duration of symptoms before initial SeHCAT test was 2.5 (1-30) years. In 13 of 16 patients symptoms persisted, and SeHCAT values remained low and almost identical to the initial value after a median observation time of 88 (51-113) months. Despite initial response to treatment with cholestyramine, six patients had to discontinue treatment because of adverse effects or other compliance problems. In three patients the SeHCAT value showed a considerable increase, and bowel function had correspondingly normalized in these cases. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the reliability of the SeHCAT test in diagnosing IBAM. Despite adult onset of symptoms, only a few patients improve after several years' observation. Treatment with cholestyramine is generally effective but not always tolerated.

Adult↗

Metabolic pathway for selenium in the body: speciation by HPLC-ICP MS with enriched Se.

Selenium (Se) is an ultramicro essential nutrient and both inorganic (selenite and selenate) and organic (selenocysteine and selenomethionine) forms of Se can be used as nutritional sources. Metabolic pathways for Se in the body were studied for selenite and selenate, with the use of enriched 82Se, by speciation with separation by gel filtration HPLC and detection by element-specific mass spectrometry with ionization with inductively coupled argon plasma (HPLC-ICP MS). The concentrations of 82Se in organs and body fluids and the distributions of their constituents depending on the dose and time after the intravenous administration of 82Se-selenite and -selenate to rats were determined. Selenite was taken up by red blood cells within several minutes, reduced to selenide by glutathione, and then transported to the plasma, bound selectively to albumin and transferred to the liver. Contrary to selenite, intact selenate was either taken up directly by the liver or excreted into the urine. The 82Se of selenite origin and that of selenate origin were detected in the forms of the two Se peak materials in the liver, A and B. The former one was methylated to the latter in vivo and in vitro. The latter one was identical with the major urinary metabolite and it was identified as Se-methyl-N-acetyl-selenohexosamine (selenosugar). The chemical species-specific metabolic pathway for Se was explained by the metabolic regulation through selenide as the assumed common intermediate for the inorganic and organic Se sources and as the checkpoint metabolite between utilization for the selenoprotein synthesis and methylation for the excretion of Se.

Animals↗

Effects of feeding selenium deficient diets to rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta).

Pregnant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were fed either selenium (Se) deficient or Se supplemented diets with adequate vitamin E. Except for some cardiac irregularities in the first babies born to these females, no physiological disorders due to Se deficiency were seen in a subsequent offspring. Plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities and blood Se levels increased in the Se supplemented monkeys but decreased in the deficient ones. The data indicated that hair Se levels reflect long term exposure to this element. In a very preliminary experiment, evidence was obtained to indicate that dietary protein deficiency along with Se deficiency will generate cardiomyopathic lesions characteristic of Se deficiency. It is hypothesized that, in addition to Se deficiency, another dietary deficiency (or abnormality) is necessary to produce Se deficiency lesions in higher primates. Higher glutathione transferase (or non-Se glutathione peroxidase) activity in tissues of rhesus monkeys may account for this resistance.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Age-dependent variation of selenium-75 biokinetics in rat.

Substantial levels of selenium-79 (79Se) in radioactive waste from the nuclear fuel cycle, may result in a significant collective dose commitment following release into the environment. Few data are available from which the effective dose equivalent among subgroups of the general population can be made. Accordingly, whole body retention and organ content were studied in neonate, adult and pregnant rat following oral contamination with 75Se. The results for whole-body retention conformed to a two-component exponential with terminal biological half-time of about 40, 30 and 20 days in adult male, neonate and pregnant rat, respectively. The highest concentrations of Se occurred in the liver, kidney, and testis. Influence of Se kinetics as a function of age and physiological development on dose estimates are discussed. Results were consistent with current dosimetric models but suggested that the testis should also be included.

Administration, Oral↗

Selenium-dependent regulation of type I 5'-deiodinase expression.

Selenite concentration regulates activity and expression of the p27 substrate-binding subunit of type I 5'deiodinase (5'-D) and of a protein labeled with bromoacetylthyroxin (BrAcT4), or p30, with yet unknown function in a porcine-kidney epithelial cell line (LLC-PK1) cultured in serum-free medium. p27 is metabolically labeled by 75-selenite and affinity labeled by BrAc[125I]T4. Compared with glutathione peroxidase, expression of the p27 5'D subunit (5'-DI) is observed at 10-fold-lower concentrations of selenium in the growth medium, suggesting an intracellular hierarchy of selenite utilization. Selenium deficiency retards cell growth and prevents 5'-DI expression and may thus impair thyroid hormone action in vivo.

Affinity Labels↗

Significance of selenium-labeled proteins for selenium's chemopreventive functions.

A 58 kDa selenium-labeled protein purified from mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMEC) was used to examine whether selenium modulates protein synthesis or is just a marker for cellular selenium status. The protein was isolated using Sephadex G150 gel filtration and DEAE-Sephadex A50 ion-exchange chromatography. It was further analysed using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and was found as a single spot with a pI of 4.6. The immunoreactivity with anti-58 kDa antiserum and the 75Se signal co-localized on a single 58 kDa protein band on both 1D- and 2D-PAGE. Partial amino acid analysis of the peptide showed homology with the thiol protein disulfide oxidoreductase (TPDO). Varying the selenium concentration in culture medium did not affect the protein content or the immunoreactivity of the 58 kDa protein. Additionally, selenium did not seem to regulate the activity of TPDO in TM6 cells. The glutathione peroxidase activity of TM6 cells, taken as the internal positive control, was enhanced with the increase in selenium concentration in the medium. The results suggest that selenium is attached to the 58 kDa protein, but does not regulate either its protein synthesis or its functional activity. We conclude that selenium labeling of the 58 kDa protein reflects the cellular selenium status but probably is not involved in its chemopreventive ability.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In silico identification of novel selenoproteins in the Drosophila melanogaster genome.

In selenoproteins, incorporation of the amino acid selenocysteine is specified by the UGA codon, usually a stop signal. The alternative decoding of UGA is conferred by an mRNA structure, the SECIS element, located in the 3'-untranslated region of the selenoprotein mRNA. Because of the non-standard use of the UGA codon, current computational gene prediction methods are unable to identify selenoproteins in the sequence of the eukaryotic genomes. Here we describe a method to predict selenoproteins in genomic sequences, which relies on the prediction of SECIS elements in coordination with the prediction of genes in which the strong codon bias characteristic of protein coding regions extends beyond a TGA codon interrupting the open reading frame. We applied the method to the Drosophila melanogaster genome, and predicted four potential selenoprotein genes. One of them belongs to a known family of selenoproteins, and we have tested experimentally two other predictions with positive results. Finally, we have characterized the expression pattern of these two novel selenoprotein genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Migration of 75Se-methionine-labeled Schistosoma japonicum in normal and immunized mice.

The patterns of migration and attrition of Schistosoma japonicum larvae were studied in a mouse model. Control and immunized mice were challenged with 100 S. japonicum cercariae tagged with 75Se-labeled methionine. Skin, lungs, liver, and other organs were analyzed by compressed organ autoradiography for the presence of larvae that appeared as reduced silver foci. The pattern of migration of S. japonicum was similar in mice with primary infection and in mice immunized with irradiated cercariae. Skin was not a site of attrition after primary infection nor after immunization. Attrition occurred after migration to the lungs and continued until after migration to the liver in mice with primary infection, while in immunized mice attrition occurred before lung migration and continued at a faster rate than in normal mice. In both control and immunized mice, the lungs and liver were the major sites of attrition.

Animals↗