Se-methyl selenocysteine (MSC) is a naturally occurring selenium compoundwith favourable pharmacokinetic properties andth high peroral bioavailability in humans. MSC is synthesized by plants such as garlic, astragalus, onions and broccoli. Se-methylselenocysteine has been proven to have a chemo-preventive property, which is shown by several authors via various cell culture models and animal models. It has also been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. It is considered a pro-drug because the compound per se is not toxic unless it is metabolized by the enzymes Kynurenine aminotransferase 1 (KYAT1), Kynurenine aminotransferase 3 (KYAT3) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH). Of these, KYAT1 plays a vital role in MSC metabolism.
white to slightly yellow powder
2-Amino-3-methylselenyl propionic acid is an inhibitor of DMBA-induced mammary tumors.
ChEBI: Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine is an L-alpha-amino acid compound having methylselanylmethyl as the side-chain. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent. It is a Se-methylselenocysteine, a non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid and a L-selenocysteine derivative. It is a conjugate base of a Se-methyl-L-selenocysteinium. It is a conjugate acid of a Se-methyl-L-selenocysteinate. It is an enantiomer of a Se-methyl-D-selenocysteine. It is a tautomer of a Se-methyl-L-selenocysteine zwitterion.
