Function
Essential antioxidant peroxidase that directly reduces phospholipid hydroperoxide even if they are incorporated in membranes and lipoproteins (PubMed:3978121, PubMed:2386798, PubMed:8135530). Can also reduce fatty acid hydroperoxide, cholesterol hydroperoxide and thymine hydroperoxide (PubMed:8135530). Plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative damage by preventing membrane lipid peroxidation (By similarity). Required to prevent cells from ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic cell death resulting from an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (By similarity). The presence of selenocysteine (Sec) versus Cys at the active site is essential for life: it provides resistance to overoxidation and prevents cells against ferroptosis (By similarity). The presence of Sec at the active site is also essential for the survival of a specific type of parvalbumin-positive interneurons, thereby preventing against fatal epileptic seizures (By similarity). May be required to protect cells from the toxicity of ingested lipid hydroperoxides (By similarity). Required for normal sperm development and male fertility (By similarity). Essential for maturation and survival of photoreceptor cells (By similarity). Plays a role in a primary T-cell response to viral and parasitic infection by protecting T-cells from ferroptosis and by supporting T-cell expansion (By similarity).