# Mechanism of Selenoprotein Synthesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · 2020 · $23,247

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This application requests support for an outstanding junior faculty through a Research Supplement to Promote
Diversity in Health-Related Research. The parent grant for this Administrative Supplement application proposes
to provide new insights into the mechanisms of Se distribution and the functions of Se recycling, with an overall
goal of elucidating pathways and mechanisms underlying the development of diet-induced obesity in the Scly
KO mice. A particular topic to be investigated in the Specific Aim 3 is the effect of Scly-dependent genes in
hepatocytes, their relationship with Se metabolism, and overall impact on energy metabolism in a sex-dependent
manner. This specific topic will be the focus of this Research Plan, particularly the relationship between Scly and
Se-binding protein 2 (Selenbp2), a Se-dependent protein candidate uncovered by RNA-Sequencing analysis in
hepatocytes. The proposed studies will establish whether Selenbp2 is a functional partner of Scly and the impact
of this relationship on amino acid pathways, particularly glycine and alanine, as our most recent publication
unveiled these pathways as the most affected in livers of Scly KO mice. Moreover, this research plan will examine
whether Se levels modulate this relationship and its metabolic consequences in obese male and female Scly KO
mice. Hence, the objective of this research plan is to characterize the relationship between Se-dependent factors
Selenbp2 and Scly in vitro and in vivo. To achieve this goal, Dr. Seale will utilize PLA assays, cell lines where
Selenbp2 or Scly will be edited using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and primary hepatocytes from Scly KO mice.
These tools will demonstrate whether Scly and Selenbp2 are functionally associated and will complement the
experimental design laid out in the parent grant. As Scly is inversely regulated by Se levels, this study will also
determine the molecular mechanism of Se regulation of Selenbp2 in obese mice. The accomplishment of this
research will provide the basis for future projects detailing the molecular mechanisms of Se distribution in cells
as well as future projects evaluating the impact of Se recycling in human populations afflicted by obesity. In
addition to these important scientific contributions she will make, the proposal describes acquisition of new
research skills and knowledge to broaden her expertise, including experience in community-based participatory
research, and a comprehensive career development plan incorporating training in grantsmanship, leadership,
mentoring and increased proficiency in oral communication. This supplement will be extremely valuable in
promoting the candidate’s career and professional development towards independence, while also increasing
diversity at the University of Hawaii.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10049876
- **Project number:** 3R01DK047320-23S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
- **Principal Investigator:** Marla J Berry
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $23,247
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 1998-08-01 → 2021-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10049876

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10049876, Mechanism of Selenoprotein Synthesis (3R01DK047320-23S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10049876. Licensed CC0.

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