Mouse models that target removal or overexpression of the selenocysteine tRNA[Ser]Sec gene to elucidate the role of selenoproteins in health and development

Abstract

Several mouse models targeting the selenocysteine (Sec) tRNA[Ser]Sec gene for removal or overexpression have been generated and they include: (1) mice carrying a conditional knockout of the Sec tRNA gene; (2) transgenic mice encoding wild type or mutant Sec tRNA transgenes; and (3) conditional knockout/transgenic or standard knockout/transgenic mice carrying wild type or mutant Sec tRNA transgenes. These models have provided powerful tools for elucidating the roles of selenoproteins in development and health.