Scientists can design selenium-containing molecules that function like the enzyme GPX4 by adjusting their chemical structure, allowing them to target specific lipid molecules in cell membranes instead of simpler molecules like hydrogen peroxide.

A specific selenium-containing compound can replicate the ability of the enzyme GPX4 to reduce lipid hydroperoxides in neurons grown in laboratory cultures, and it does so through a different biochemical pathway than other selenium compounds that target hydrogen peroxide.

A synthetic selenium compound reduces specific lipid damage in human brain cells grown in the lab and prevents cell death caused by oxidative stress and nutrient deprivation by chemically breaking down a harmful lipid molecule.