SECIS binding proteins and eukaryotic selenoprotein synthesis

Abstract

In eukaryotes, the biosynthesis of selenoproteins involves a novel translational mechanism that recodes UGA as selenocysteine (See). The decision to incorporate Sec rather than terminate protein synthesis involves at least two RNA-binding proteins that interact specifically with a conserved motif within the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the selenoprotein mRNA. The structures, functions, and interactions of these two proteins, SECIS Binding Protein 2 (SBP2) and ribosomal protein L30 (L30), are considered in detail in this chapter.