Methylmercury induces vulnerability against oxidative stresses via disruption of selenium-metabolism

Abstract

Selenoprotein P (SeP) is a plasma protein that possesses 10 selenocysteine residues and supplies selenium to brain. Recently we’ve shown that methylmercury covalently modifies selenocysteines in SeP (Se-mercuration) by using our original methodologies. We’ve also found that Se-mercurations of SeP are robust and irreversible, although its biological and toxicological significances are not clear. Briefly, our present study suggested Se-mercuration of SeP causes inhibition of its selenium supplies, and besides resulting in induction of vulnerability against oxidative stresses.