selenocysteine insertion sequence binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS), a regulatory sequence within mRNA which directs incorporation of a selenocysteine at a stop codon (UGA) during translation. [GOC:imk, PMID:10760958]

Selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) binding is a critical molecular function involved in the incorporation of selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st amino acid, into proteins. SECIS elements are stem-loop structures found in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs encoding selenoproteins. SECIS binding protein 2 (SBP2) recognizes and binds to SECIS elements. This interaction recruits the selenocysteine tRNA (tRNA[Sec]) to the ribosome, facilitating the incorporation of Sec at UGA codons, which are typically stop codons. The precise mechanism of SECIS binding involves specific interactions between SBP2 and the SECIS element, including base pairing, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. This binding event triggers a cascade of events, including the recruitment of other factors, such as the elongation factor SelB, which ultimately leads to the delivery of Sec to the ribosome. SECIS binding is essential for the biosynthesis of selenoproteins, which play diverse roles in redox regulation, thyroid hormone metabolism, and other cellular processes. The fidelity of SECIS binding is crucial to ensure accurate incorporation of Sec into selenoproteins, maintaining their proper function.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)