SELENOW

SELENOW, also known as selenoprotein W, is a selenocysteine-containing protein with a crucial role in maintaining cellular antioxidant homeostasis. Its primary function involves the regulation of osteoclast differentiation and bone remodeling, where it acts as a negative regulator to suppress osteoclastogenesis and prevent excessive bone resorption. SELENOW interacts with NF-κB and NFATc1, promoting their nuclear translocation and subsequent activation, thereby stimulating osteoclastogenesis. Dysregulation of SELENOW expression can lead to abnormal bone remodeling and increased risk of osteoporosis.
In terms of signaling pathways, SELENOW is involved in the RANKL/RANK/TRAF6/p38 signaling cascade, which is critical for osteoclast differentiation. Its deficiency or overexpression can result in bone mass abnormalities, with SELENOW deficiency leading to increased bone mass and SELENOW overexpression causing osteoporosis. Research on SELENOW could potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for bone-related diseases and osteoporosis.