Role of selenoprotein P in Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Selenoprotein P (SelP) plays a critical role in neuronal survival and is associated with Alzheimer's pathology. We sought to determine a potential neuroprotective role for SelP in Alzheimer's disease.
METHODS: We utilized RNAi to reduce SelP expression in neuronal N2A cells, and determined cell viability with flow cytometry. We subsequently measured neurotoxicity from exposure of aggregated amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides to SelP-knockdown and control N2A cells.
RESULTS: We found that knockdown of SelP using siRNA in N2A cells reduced viability and increased apoptotic cell death. Additionally, knockdown of SelP using siRNA in N2A cells resulted in increased AB toxicity.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that SelP protects neuronal cells from Abeta-induced toxicity, suggesting a neuroprotective role for SelP in preventing neurodegenerative disorders.