Science | The Critical Role of Selenocysteine Mechanisms in Diseases Such as Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diabetes

Original article by Turing Gene, Turing Gene, published on Jiangsu, July 10, 2022, at 21:21 Collected in the series #Cutting-Edge Molecular Biological Mechanisms The fundamental balance underlying redox reactions, protein synthesis and folding, cellular membrane protection, and genomic DNA integrity depends on a small group of proteins known as selenoproteins—proteins incorporating the trace element selenium in the form of the amino acid selenocysteine. Normally, when ribosomes encounter the UGA codon, they halt translation along the mRNA strand. Yet for certain mRNAs across all life forms, the genetic code is recoded to incorporate selenocysteine at UGA. This vital biological process reinterprets the UGA stop codon as selenocysteine within the correct translational reading frame—but the molecular details remain poorly understood. An international team—including scientists from the Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Rutgers University in Piscataway—has, for the first time, visualized selenocysteine UGA recoding in mammals using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing that this mechanism differs fundamentally between eukaryotes and bacteria. Their findings were published in the journal Science in an article titled “Structure of the mammalian ribosome as it decodes the selenocysteine UGA codon.” The authors emphasize that understanding the mechanisms governing selenocysteine-containing UGA recoding is crucial for developing novel medical therapies. Diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, male infertility, and diabetes are all linked to selenoprotein dysfunction. “This study reveals previously unseen structures—some of which are entirely unique across all biology,” said Paul Copeland, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, and lead author of the study.

Chamber News | Exploring Frontier Technologies in Life Sciences: An Academic Salon Hosted by the Senior Scientists Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Successfully Held at the Science Station

Professor Liangwei Zhong from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Cunji Hospital delivered the keynote presentation. Using the interaction between thioredoxin and homocysteine as an example, he elucidated the molecular mechanisms through which these molecules influence coronary arteries, as well as recent advances in related clinical research. Dr. Chang Chen, Researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered an invited talk. His presentation focused on how redox-active small molecules regulate protein function via redox post-translational modifications; he also introduced the “5R” principle for precision redox intervention and proactive health strategies based on enhancing resilience to redox stress. Scientists attentively listened to the presentations and responded with enthusiastic applause and high praise for the outstanding academic reports delivered by Professors Zhong Liangwei and Chen Chang—reports distinguished by their clarity of argument, rigorous logic, broad perspective, and incisive exposition. Extensive discussions followed, covering both the salon’s central themes and the research outcomes presented by the two professors, creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. Efforts continue to refine service systems and build a ‘bridge of hearts’ connecting academicians and scientists with government agencies, enterprises, institutions, and schools—aiming to establish a world-class talent hub. In recent years, Zhongguancun Subdistrict has continuously adapted to Beijing’s evolving needs for scientific and technological innovation, leveraging the Science Station platform to better support science and technology professionals’ extracurricular life, work, and social needs. By transforming the Science Station into a ‘living room for science and technology workers,’ services for these professionals have become concrete, routine, and effective. This initiative actively engages numerous scientists and engineers in offering advice and contributing expertise toward Zhongguancun’s high-quality development—and collectively advancing China’s science and technology innovation endeavors. Brief Introductions of This Issue’s Featured Scientists: Liangwei Zhong: Retired Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Cunji Medical College; currently serves as Deputy Director of the College’s Teaching Supervision Committee. Formerly served as Vice Dean of the School of Life Sciences and Director of the Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. Studied under Professor Arne Holmgren—the pioneer researcher in thioredoxin. Has researched the thioredoxin system since 1994, and has successively elucidated the crystal structure and molecular mechanisms of mammalian thioredoxin reductase.

Scientists Discover Crown-Shaped Sulfur Ring in Mammalian Cells

Sep 28, 2026

Tohoku University researchers identified cyclo-octasulfur rings in mammalian cells, challenging the view that this sulfur allotrope is exclusive to bacteria. This discovery highlights sulfur's expanded biochemical significance in metabolism.

cen

2026-09-28

Scientists Discover Crown-Shaped Sulfur Ring in Mammalian Cells

Scientists Discover Crown-Shaped Sulfur Ring in Mammalian Cells

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