This gene encodes a selenoprotein, pseudokinase selenoprotein-O(SelO), that is localized to the mitochondria. It is the largest mammalian selenoprotein, containing the rare amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). Sec is encoded by the UGA codon, which normally signals translation termination. The 3' UTRs of selenoprotein mRNAs contain a conserved stem-loop structure, designated the Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) element, that is necessary for the recognition of UGA as a Sec codon, rather than as a stop signal. The SELO protein AMPylates proteins involved in redox homeostasis. As a result this selenoprotein is thought to be necessary for the cellular response to oxidative stress. [6]
