The emerging role of selenium metabolic pathways in cancer: New therapeutic targets for cancer

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is incorporated into the body via the selenocysteine (Sec) biosynthesis pathway, which is critical in the synthesis of selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. Selenoproteins, which play a key role in several biological processes, including ferroptosis, drug resistance, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic processes, are guided by Se uptake. In this review, we critically analyze the molecular mechanisms of Se metabolism and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer. Sec insertion sequence binding protein 2 (SECISBP2), which is a positive regulator for the expression of selenoproteins, would be a novel prognostic predictor and an alternate target for cancer. We highlight strategies that attempt to develop a novel Se metabolism-based approach to uncover a new metabolic drug target for cancer therapy. Moreover, we expect extensive clinical use of SECISBP2 as a specific biomarker in cancer therapy in the near future. Of note, scientists face additional challenges in conducting successful research, including investigations on anticancer peptides to target SECISBP2 intracellular protein.

Identifying Hub Genes Associated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Resistance in Breast Cancer and Potential Drug Repurposing for the Development of Precision Medicine

“…Additionally, SLITs and ROBOs are involved in anti-tumor activity by regulating chemokine-mediated response in breast cancer; thus, regulation of the expression of SLITs and ROBOs might be associated with chemoresistance [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Additionally, other recent studies have demonstrated resistant cancer cells have increased selenocysteine synthesis, which protects cancer cells against oxidative stress [ 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Furthermore, the study by Liu et al showed SRP-dependent co-translational protein targeting to the membrane and amplification of ribosomal protein involved in resistance [ 43 ].…”

The Selenoprotein Glutathione Peroxidase 4: From Molecular Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutic Opportunities

“…Se has a vast number of promising roles in the human body, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects that are linked to its incorporation in selenoproteins [23,24]. The role of Se as a potential therapeutic target for cancer was recently reviewed [25]. Humans consume selenium through vegetables, meats, and dietary supplements.…”

One-Pot Multicomponent Polymerization, Metal-, and Non-Metal-Catalyzed Synthesis of Organoselenium Compounds

“…Organoselenium (OSe) compounds have recently gained considerable interest as a potential class of organic motifs due to their outstanding applications in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry and their possible properties in materials science [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. These are attributed to the exceptional properties of the selenium (Se) element.…”