Functions of GI-GPx: Lessons from selenium-dependent expression and intracellular localization

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Brigelius-Flohé, R. | Müller, C. | Menard, J. | Florian, S. | Schmehl, K. | Wingler, K.

Affiliations: German Institute of Human Nutrition, Bergholz-Rehbrücke, Germany

Note: [] German Institute of Human Nutrition, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, D-14558 Bergholz-Rehbrücke, Germany. Tel.: +49 33200 88 353; Fax: +49 33200 88 407; E-mail: Flohe@www. dife.de

Abstract: Gastro intestinal glutathione peroxidase (GI-GPx) is one of the four distinct mammalian selenoperoxidases. It had been reported to be restricted to the gastrointestinal tract but has more recently been identified also in human liver and some tumor cell lines. GI-GPx ranks high in the hierarchy of selenoproteins. The GI-GPx mRNA rather increases than decreases in selenium deficiency. GI-GPx protein responds poorly to selenium deprivation and increases fast upon resupplementation. Putative biological roles of GI-GPx, e.g. protection against food-born hydroperoxides, redox-regulation of proliferation or apoptosis, and modulation of mucosal immunity, are discussed in the light of cellular and subcellular distribution, transcriptional regulation and observations with k.o. mice.

Keywords: GI-GPx, selenium responsiveness, immune histochemistry, biological role

Journal: BioFactors, vol. 14, no. 1-4, pp. 101-106, 2001