SECISBP2 deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of selenoprotein synthesis caused by biallelic SECISBP2 variants. SECISBP2/SBP2 is part of the SECIS-recognition machinery that recodes UGA codons for selenocysteine insertion, so partial loss of function reduces synthesis of many human selenoproteins. The downstream pathograph includes impaired deiodinase-driven thyroid hormone metabolism, oxidative-stress vulnerability from antioxidant selenoprotein deficiency, growth failure with delayed bone maturation, and variable neurodevelopmental involvement.
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name: SECISBP2 Deficiency
creation_date: "2026-07-06T05:15:58Z"
category: Metabolic Disorder
parents:
- Selenoprotein Biosynthesis Disorder
- Trace Element Metabolism Disorder
description: >-
SECISBP2 deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of selenoprotein
synthesis caused by biallelic SECISBP2 variants. SECISBP2/SBP2 is part of
the SECIS-recognition machinery that recodes UGA codons for selenocysteine
insertion, so partial loss of function reduces synthesis of many human
selenoproteins. The downstream pathograph includes impaired deiodinase-driven
thyroid hormone metabolism, oxidative-stress vulnerability from antioxidant
selenoprotein deficiency, growth failure with delayed bone maturation, and
variable neurodevelopmental involvement.
disease_term:
preferred_term: SECISBP2 deficiency
term:
id: MONDO:0800046
label: thyroid hormone metabolism, abnormal 1
synonyms:
- selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 deficiency
- SBP2 deficiency
- SECISBP2-related multisystem selenoprotein deficiency
notes: >-
WP-079 seed identifiers: OMIM:609698 and ORPHA:171706. The top-level
disease_term is anchored to MONDO:0800046 ("thyroid hormone metabolism,
abnormal 1"), which carries exactly those two seed cross-references
(xref OMIM:609698; definition sourced from Orphanet:171706) and is
gene-anchored to SECISBP2 (RO:0004003 HGNC:30972). The MONDO label is
thyroid-skewed relative to the multisystem selenoprotein-deficiency scope
modeled here, so preferred_term retains "SECISBP2 deficiency"; the entity is
the same, and no more specific MONDO class exists in the local snapshot.
external_assertions:
- name: OMIM SECISBP2 deficiency record
source: OMIM
assertion_type: disease_record
external_id: OMIM:609698
url: https://omim.org/entry/609698
description: OMIM phenotype record corresponding to SECISBP2 deficiency.
- name: Orphanet SECISBP2 deficiency record
source: Orphanet
assertion_type: structured_disease_record
external_id: ORPHA:171706
url: http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=171706
description: Orphanet structured disease record corresponding to SECISBP2 deficiency.
classifications:
icimd_category:
- classification_value: trace_element_other
notes: >-
ICIMD category 22, "Disorders of trace elements and metals", other
trace-element metabolism. SECISBP2 deficiency disrupts the use of
selenium as selenocysteine in human selenoproteins.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Selenium, a trace element that is fundamental to human health, is
incorporated into some proteins as selenocysteine (Sec), generating a
family of selenoproteins.
explanation: >-
Supports classification under trace-element metabolism through impaired
selenium incorporation into selenoproteins.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal Recessive
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal recessive inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000007
label: Autosomal recessive inheritance
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16228000
reference_title: "Mutations in SECISBP2 result in abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Systematic linkage analysis of genes involved in DIO2 synthesis and
degradation led to the identification of an inherited Sec incorporation
defect, caused by a homozygous missense mutation in SECISBP2 (also called
SBP2).
explanation: >-
The originally described family had a homozygous SECISBP2 variant causing
the Sec incorporation defect.
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Here, we describe subjects with compound heterozygous defects in the
SECISBP2 gene.
explanation: >-
Compound heterozygosity in affected subjects supports recessive
inheritance.
genetic:
- name: SECISBP2 pathogenic variants
gene_term:
preferred_term: SECISBP2
term:
id: hgnc:30972
label: SECISBP2
association: Loss-of-function
presence: Positive
notes: >-
Reported homozygous and compound heterozygous SECISBP2 variants impair the
SECIS-binding protein required for selenocysteine insertion. Residual
activity is consistent with survival and variable multisystem severity.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16228000
reference_title: "Mutations in SECISBP2 result in abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
An unrelated child with a similar phenotype was compound heterozygous
with respect to mutations in SECISBP2.
explanation: >-
Supports SECISBP2 as the causal disease gene in an independent affected
child.
- reference: PMID:22247018
reference_title: "Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the SBP2 gene: characteristic clinical manifestations and the implications of GH and triiodothyronine in longitudinal bone growth and maturation."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The patient showed typical symptoms of SBP2 deficiency, and novel compound
heterozygous mutations were identified in SBP2 (p.M515fsX563/p.Q79X).
explanation: >-
Supports additional pathogenic SECISBP2/SBP2 variant classes in affected
individuals.
pathophysiology:
- name: SECISBP2-dependent Sec incorporation defect
description: >-
SECISBP2/SBP2 loss impairs SECIS-mediated recoding of UGA as
selenocysteine, creating a proximal defect in selenocysteine incorporation
during translation.
genes:
- preferred_term: SECISBP2
term:
id: hgnc:30972
label: SECISBP2
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: selenocysteine incorporation
term:
id: GO:0001514
label: selenocysteine incorporation
modifier: DECREASED
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: selenocysteine
term:
id: CHEBI:9093
label: selenocysteine
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16228000
reference_title: "Mutations in SECISBP2 result in abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Systematic linkage analysis of genes involved in DIO2 synthesis and
degradation led to the identification of an inherited Sec incorporation
defect, caused by a homozygous missense mutation in SECISBP2 (also called
SBP2).
explanation: >-
Directly identifies the proximal disease mechanism as an inherited
SECISBP2-mediated selenocysteine incorporation defect.
downstream:
- target: Reduced selenoprotein synthesis
description: >-
Failed SECISBP2-dependent Sec incorporation reduces synthesis of multiple
human selenoproteins.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
These individuals have reduced synthesis of most of the 25 known human
selenoproteins, resulting in a complex phenotype.
explanation: >-
Supports reduced selenoprotein synthesis downstream of SECISBP2 defects.
- name: Reduced selenoprotein synthesis
description: >-
Decreased Sec insertion reduces synthesis of multiple selenoproteins,
including deiodinases and antioxidant enzymes, creating a multisystem
selenoprotein deficiency state.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: selenocysteine incorporation
term:
id: GO:0001514
label: selenocysteine incorporation
modifier: DECREASED
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: selenocysteine
term:
id: CHEBI:9093
label: selenocysteine
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
These individuals have reduced synthesis of most of the 25 known human
selenoproteins, resulting in a complex phenotype.
explanation: >-
Establishes the generalized selenoprotein synthesis defect.
downstream:
- target: Impaired thyroid hormone metabolism
description: >-
Reduced synthesis of deiodinase selenoproteins disrupts thyroid hormone
activation and inactivation.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39315526
reference_title: "Severe neurodevelopmental phenotype, diagnostic, and treatment challenges in patients with SECISBP2 deficiency."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Defects in the gene encoding selenocysteine insertion sequence binding
protein 2, SECISBP2, result in global impaired selenoprotein synthesis
manifesting a complex syndrome with characteristic serum thyroid
function tests due to impaired thyroid hormone metabolism.
explanation: >-
Links impaired selenoprotein synthesis to thyroid hormone metabolism
abnormalities in SECISBP2 deficiency.
- target: Oxidative-stress vulnerability
description: >-
Deficiency of antioxidant selenoproteins increases cellular reactive
oxygen species and stress sensitivity.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Cutaneous deficiencies of antioxidant selenoenzymes, increased cellular
ROS, and susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation-induced oxidative
damage may mediate the observed photosensitivity.
explanation: >-
Supports antioxidant selenoenzyme deficiency and increased ROS as a
downstream cellular dysfunction.
- name: Impaired thyroid hormone metabolism
description: >-
Deiodinases are selenoproteins required for thyroid hormone metabolism.
Their reduced activity produces the characteristic abnormal thyroid
function tests observed in SECISBP2 deficiency.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: thyroid hormone metabolic process
term:
id: GO:0042403
label: thyroid hormone metabolic process
modifier: DECREASED
locations:
- preferred_term: endocrine system
term:
id: UBERON:0000949
label: endocrine system
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16228000
reference_title: "Mutations in SECISBP2 result in abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Deiodinases (DIOs) are selenoproteins involved in thyroid hormone
metabolism.
explanation: >-
Supports the mechanistic bridge from reduced selenoprotein synthesis to
thyroid hormone metabolism abnormalities.
- name: Oxidative-stress vulnerability
description: >-
Loss of antioxidant selenoprotein capacity increases cellular reactive
oxygen species and vulnerability to oxidative injury.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: response to oxidative stress
term:
id: GO:0006979
label: response to oxidative stress
modifier: INCREASED
cell_types:
- preferred_term: fibroblast
term:
id: CL:0000057
label: fibroblast
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Cutaneous deficiencies of antioxidant selenoenzymes, increased cellular
ROS, and susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation-induced oxidative damage
may mediate the observed photosensitivity.
explanation: >-
Supports increased ROS and oxidative stress susceptibility in SECISBP2
deficiency.
phenotypes:
- name: Abnormal thyroid physiology
description: >-
SECISBP2 deficiency produces abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism and
characteristic thyroid function tests.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Abnormality of thyroid physiology
term:
id: HP:0002926
label: Abnormality of thyroid physiology
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16228000
reference_title: "Mutations in SECISBP2 result in abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
We identified three of seven siblings with clinical evidence of abnormal
thyroid hormone metabolism.
explanation: >-
Supports abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism as a clinical phenotype.
- name: Short stature
description: >-
Growth failure is part of the multisystem presentation.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Short stature
term:
id: HP:0004322
label: Short stature
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39315526
reference_title: "Severe neurodevelopmental phenotype, diagnostic, and treatment challenges in patients with SECISBP2 deficiency."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Genetic and laboratory investigations were performed in affected members
from 6 families presenting with short stature and failure to thrive.
explanation: >-
Supports short stature in affected SECISBP2 deficiency families.
- name: Failure to thrive
description: >-
Failure to thrive accompanies growth impairment in multiple reported
SECISBP2 deficiency families.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Failure to thrive
term:
id: HP:0001508
label: Failure to thrive
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39315526
reference_title: "Severe neurodevelopmental phenotype, diagnostic, and treatment challenges in patients with SECISBP2 deficiency."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Genetic and laboratory investigations were performed in affected members
from 6 families presenting with short stature and failure to thrive.
explanation: >-
Supports failure to thrive in SECISBP2 deficiency.
- name: Delayed skeletal maturation
description: >-
Delayed bone maturation has been reported with SECISBP2/SBP2 deficiency,
consistent with impaired thyroid hormone action at the growth plate.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Delayed skeletal maturation
term:
id: HP:0002750
label: Delayed skeletal maturation
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22247018
reference_title: "Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the SBP2 gene: characteristic clinical manifestations and the implications of GH and triiodothyronine in longitudinal bone growth and maturation."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
A Japanese boy presented with unusual thyroid function tests (normal or
slightly elevated TSH, low-normal or slightly decreased free T(3) (FT(3)),
and elevated free thyroxine (FT(4))), short stature without GH deficiency,
and delayed bone maturation.
explanation: >-
Directly supports delayed bone maturation in an SBP2/SECISBP2 deficiency
patient.
- name: Neurodevelopmental involvement
description: >-
Some affected individuals have complex neurodevelopmental involvement,
including speech and intellectual impairment and seizures.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Intellectual disability
term:
id: HP:0001249
label: Intellectual disability
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39315526
reference_title: "Severe neurodevelopmental phenotype, diagnostic, and treatment challenges in patients with SECISBP2 deficiency."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Thyroid hormone treatment improved motor development, whereas speech and
intellectual impairments persisted.
explanation: >-
Supports persistent intellectual and speech impairment as part of the
neurodevelopmental phenotype.
- name: Seizure
description: >-
Seizures are part of the reported neurodevelopmental presentation in some
SECISBP2 deficiency probands.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Seizure
term:
id: HP:0001250
label: Seizure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39315526
reference_title: "Severe neurodevelopmental phenotype, diagnostic, and treatment challenges in patients with SECISBP2 deficiency."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Four probands presented a complex neurodevelopmental profile, including
absent speech, autistic features, and seizures.
explanation: >-
Supports seizures in SECISBP2 deficiency.
- name: Azoospermia
description: >-
Loss of testis-enriched selenoproteins in SECISBP2 deficiency causes
azoospermia from failure of the later stages of spermatogenesis, a
recognized cause of male infertility in affected men.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Azoospermia
term:
id: HP:0000027
label: Azoospermia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Azoospermia, with failure of the latter stages of spermatogenesis, was
associated with a lack of testis-enriched selenoproteins.
explanation: >-
Directly supports azoospermia due to loss of testis-enriched
selenoproteins in SECISBP2 deficiency.
- name: Muscular dystrophy
description: >-
An axial muscular dystrophy occurs in SECISBP2 deficiency, resembling the
myopathy caused by deficiency of the selenoprotein SELENON (SEPN1),
reflecting the shared dependence on selenoprotein synthesis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Axial muscular dystrophy
term:
id: HP:0003560
label: Muscular dystrophy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
An axial muscular dystrophy was also present, with features similar to
myopathies caused by mutations in selenoprotein N (SEPN1).
explanation: >-
Supports axial muscular dystrophy phenocopying SELENON/SEPN1-related
myopathy in SECISBP2 deficiency.
- name: Cutaneous photosensitivity
description: >-
Cutaneous deficiency of antioxidant selenoenzymes with increased reactive
oxygen species increases susceptibility to ultraviolet-induced oxidative
damage, producing photosensitivity.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cutaneous photosensitivity
term:
id: HP:0000992
label: Cutaneous photosensitivity
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Cutaneous deficiencies of antioxidant selenoenzymes, increased cellular
ROS, and susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation-induced oxidative damage
may mediate the observed photosensitivity.
explanation: >-
Supports photosensitivity mediated by cutaneous antioxidant selenoenzyme
deficiency and increased ROS.
- name: Sensorineural hearing impairment
description: >-
Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with a cochlear-level defect has been
documented in SECISBP2 deficiency, consistent with the impaired
selenoprotein-dependent thyroid hormone action needed for cochlear
development.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Sensorineural hearing impairment
term:
id: HP:0000407
label: Sensorineural hearing impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Otoacoustic emissions showed absent responses at all frequencies, whereas
brainstem auditory evoked responses were normal (data
explanation: >-
Documents a cochlear-level sensorineural hearing defect in an affected
SECISBP2-deficient proband.
- name: Abnormal T cell physiology
category: Cellular
description: >-
Reduced selenoprotein levels in peripheral blood cells impair T lymphocyte
proliferation and alter mononuclear cell cytokine secretion, indicating an
immune component of the multisystem selenoprotein deficiency.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Impaired T lymphocyte proliferation
term:
id: HP:0011840
label: Abnormal T cell physiology
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21084748
reference_title: "Mutations in the selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 gene lead to a multisystem selenoprotein deficiency disorder in humans."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Reduced levels of selenoproteins in peripheral blood cells were
associated with impaired T lymphocyte proliferation, abnormal mononuclear
cell cytokine secretion, and telomere shortening.
explanation: >-
Supports impaired T lymphocyte proliferation and altered cytokine
secretion in SECISBP2 deficiency.