Nutritional and genetic regulation of selenoprotein gene expression

• Grant number: 13/03224-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: February 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino
• Grantee: Janaina Lombello Santos Donadio
• Supervisor: John Edward Hesketh
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Newcastle University, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 11/17720-0 - Influence of diferents genotypes in the pattern of selenoproteins expression in response to selenium supplementation, BP.DR

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, exerting its functions as the amino acid selenocysteine, the 21st amino acid. Because of their importance in biological systems, Se intake have been monitored in several countries, and millions of people around the world can have mineral deficiency. This possible deficiency that probably affects millions of people, can contribute to increased risk of chronic diseases. The effect of Se supplementation has been evaluated in studies conducted in animal and humans models. As different responses were observed in supplementation studies, the genetic variability of the group becomes an essential point to observe because the genetic profile of the participants may affect the response to supplementation. Currently, several studies have shoen that polymorphisms in selenoproteins were can have functional consequences. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different genotypes in the pattern of selenoproteins gene expression in response to Brazil nuts supplementation.METHODOLOGY: The study of differential gene expression will be conducted with approximately 16 individuals of both genders, with known genotypes for the SNP rs713041 GPX4, 8 CC and 8TT. Initially Se nutritional status will be determined by plasmatic and erythrocyte concentrations, which will be reassessed after supplementation with Brazil nuts for 8 weeks. The gene expression profile will be assessed by real-time PCR using Taqman-type assays, before and after supplementation (TO and T2). The genes chosen to investigate the difference in expression in response to supplementation with selenium are: GPx1, GPx3, GPx4, Sepp. The cDNA samples from 16 volunteers will be sent to the international laboratory for analysis of microarrays before and after supplementation with the Brazil nut. (AU)