Selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SEPHS1) plays an essential role in cell growth and survival. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the pathways regulated by SEPHS1 during gastrulation were determined by bioinformatical analyses and experimental verification using systemic knockout mice targeting Sephs1. We found that the coagulation system and retinoic acid signaling were most highly affected by SEPHS1 deficiency throughout gastrulation. Gene expression patterns of altered embryo morphogenesis and inhibition of Wnt signaling were predicted with high probability at E6.5. These predictions were verified by structural abnormalities in the dermal layer of Sephs1^−/− embryos. At E7.5, organogenesis and activation of prolactin signaling were predicted to be affected by Sephs1 knockout. Delay of head fold formation was observed in the Sephs1^−/− embryos. At E8.5, gene expression associated with organ development and insulin-like growth hormone signaling that regulates organ growth during development was altered. Consistent with these observations, various morphological abnormalities of organs and axial rotation failure were observed. We also found that the gene sets related to redox homeostasis and apoptosis were gradually enriched in a time-dependent manner until E8.5. However, DNA damage and apoptosis markers were detected only when the Sephs1^−/− embryos aged to E9.5. Our results suggest that SEPHS1 deficiency causes a gradual increase of oxidative stress which changes signaling pathways during gastrulation, and afterwards leads to apoptosis.

The primary function of selenophosphate synthetase (SEPHS) is to catalyze the synthesis of selenophosphate that serves as a selenium donor during selenocysteine synthesis. In eukaryotes, there are two isoforms of SEPHS (SEPHS1 and SEPHS2). Between these two isoforms, only SEPHS2 is known to contain selenophosphate synthesis activity. To examine the function of SEPHS1 in endothelial cells, we introduced targeted null mutations to the gene for SEPHS1, Sephs1, in cultured mouse 2H11 endothelial cells. SEPHS1 deficiency in 2H11 cells resulted in the accumulation of superoxide and lipid peroxide, and reduction in nitric oxide. Superoxide accumulation in Sephs1-knockout 2H11 cells is due to the induction of xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase activity, and due to the decrease in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and 3 (SOD3). Superoxide accumulation in 2H11 cells also led to the inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenic tube formation. Sephs1-knockout cells were arrested at G2/M phase and showed increased gamma H2AX foci. Angiogenic dysfunction in Sephs1-knockout cells is mediated by a reduction in nitric oxide and an increase in ROS. This study shows for the first time that superoxide was accumulated by SEPHS1 deficiency, leading to cell dysfunction through DNA damage and inhibition of cell proliferation.