The Promising Role of Selenium and Yeast in the Fight Against Protein Amyloidosis

Abstract

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to research on diseases related to the deposition of misfolded proteins (amyloids) in various organs. Moreover, modern scientists emphasise the importance of selenium as a bioelement necessary for the proper functioning of living organisms. The inorganic form of selenium-sodium selenite (redox-active)-can prevent the formation of an insoluble polymer in proteins. It is very important to undertake tasks aimed at understanding the mechanisms of action of this element in inhibiting the formation of various types of amyloid. Furthermore, yeast cells play an important role in this matter as a eukaryotic model organism, which is intensively used in molecular research on protein amyloidosis. Due to the lack of appropriate treatment in the general population, the problem of amyloidosis remains unsolved. This extracellular accumulation of amyloid is one of the main factors responsible for the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. The review presented here contains scientific information discussing a brief description of the possibility of amyloid formation in cells and the use of selenium as a factor preventing the formation of these protein aggregates. Recent studies have shown that the yeast model can be successfully used as a eukaryotic organism in biotechnological research aimed at understanding the essence of the entire amyloidosis process. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the reaction of yeast to selenium and the phenomenon of amyloidosis is important in the aetiology and pathogenesis of various disease states. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further research and analysis aimed at explaining and confirming the role of selenium in the processes of protein misfolding disorders. The rest of the article discusses the characteristics of food protein amyloidosis and their use in the food industry. During such tests, their toxicity is checked because not all food proteins can produce amyloid that is toxic to cells. It should also be noted that a moderate diet is beneficial for the corresponding disease relief caused by amyloidosis.

Keywords: Amyloids; Food protein; Protein aggregation; Selenite sodium; Selenium; Yeast.

Fig. 1

Scheme of amyloid formation

Fig. 2

Structural formula of the dye—Congo red

Fig. 3

Inhibitory effect of selenium