SELENOS Gene - Selenoprotein S: Function, Mutations, and Disease Associations

SELENOS encodes selenoprotein S, a transmembrane protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane. It is involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR), retrotranslocation of misfolded proteins from the ER to the cytosol, and regulation of inflammatory cytokine production. SELENOS contains a selenocysteine residue encoded by the UGA codon, which is critical for its redox function. Polymorphisms in SELENOS have been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Unfolded Protein Response (UPR)

• ER-associated degradation (ERAD)

• Selenoprotein biosynthesis

Selenoprotein S is a 189-amino acid transmembrane protein with a single N-terminal transmembrane domain and a C-terminal selenocysteine-containing domain. It localizes to the ER membrane and participates in the retrotranslocation of misfolded proteins during ERAD. SELENOS also modulates NF-κB signaling and cytokine expression, linking ER stress to inflammation. The selenocysteine residue is essential for its redox activity and is incorporated via a SECIS element in the 3' UTR.