Selenium is an essential trace element and selenoprotein S is a member of the selenoprotein family that has the non-standard
amino acid selenocysteine incorporated into the polypeptide. Dietary selenium has been shown to play an important protective
role in a number of diseases including cancer, immune function and the male reproductive system. In this study, we have observed
high levels of selenoprotein S gene expression in the testis from
Psammomys obesus. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence demonstrate that selenoprotein S expression is low in testes from 4-week-old animals
but increases significantly by 8 weeks of age and remains high until 17 weeks of age. Selenoprotein S protein is detected
in primary spermatocytes, Leydig and Sertoli cells of 8, 12 and 17-week-old animals. These results suggest that selenoprotein
S may play a role in spermatogenesis.
Keywords Selenoprotein - SEPS1 - Testis - Spermatogenesis