Glutathione peroxidase 1 and diabetes

Abstract

Discovery of development of type 2 diabetes-like phenotypes in glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) overexpressing mice reveals a novel function of this oldest and most abundant selenoprotein in the body. The finding signifies an exciting progress in Se biology, and helps understand metabolic impacts of Se supplementation on human health. While its dual role in coping with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species has received broad recognition, unique functions and mechanisms of GPx1 in β cell physiology, insulin synthesis and secretion, and body glucose homeostasis are just being unveiled. By modulating intracellular redox status, the GPx1 overproduction or knockout is able to regulate functional expressions of key transcriptional factors or protein in pancreatic islet and insulin-responsive tissues.