Selenoprotein N is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SELENON gene (previously SEPN1).
Selenoprotein N is involved in protecting the cell against oxidative stress and regulating calcium levels.
As a selenoprotein, selenoprotein N contains a selenocysteine (Sec) which is residue at its active site. The selenocysteine is encoded by the UGA codon that normally signals translation termination. The 3' UTR of selenoprotein genes have a common stem-loop structure, the sec insertion sequence (SECIS), that is necessary for the recognition of UGA as a Sec codon rather than as a stop signal.
Pathogenic Mutations in SELENON can cause the classical phenotype of multiminicore disease and congenital muscular dystrophy with spinal rigidity and restrictive respiratory syndrome known as SEPN1-related congenital muscular dystrophy or rigid spine syndrome.