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Selenoprotein P, C terminal region SelP is the only known eukaryotic selenoprotein that contains multiple selenocysteine (Sec) residues, and accounts for more than 50% of the selenium content of rat and human plasma. It is thought to be glycosylated. SelP may have antioxidant properties. It can attach to epithelial cells, and may protect vascular endothelial cells against peroxynitrite toxicity. The high selenium content of SelP suggests that it may be involved in selenium intercellular transport or storage. The promoter structure of bovine SelP suggest that it may be involved in countering heavy metal intoxication, and may also have a developmental function. The N terminal region always contains one Sec residue, and this is separated from the C terminal region (9-16 sec residues) by a histidine-rich sequence. The large number of Sec residues in the C-terminal portion of SelP suggest CC that it may be involved in selenium transport or storage. However, it is also possible that this region has a redox function.
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