SEPSECS : Sep (O-phosphoserine) tRNA:Sec (selenocysteine) tRNA synthase
Description
The SEPSECS (Sep (O-phosphoserine) tRNA:Sec (selenocysteine) tRNA synthase) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
The SEPSECS gene provides instructions for making an enzyme known as SepSecS. This enzyme is involved in the formation of a transfer RNA (tRNA), a molecule essential for protein building. This specific tRNA is vital for the production of selenocysteine (Sec), an amino acid containing selenium. Selenoproteins, proteins containing selenocysteine, have various functions. They act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damaging compounds, regulate thyroid hormones, support immune system functions, and contribute to sperm cell production. Studies indicate their importance in brain development and nerve cell function.
SEPSECS is also known as LP, PCH2D, SLA, SLA-p35, SLA/LP, SecS.
