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Functions of thyroid hormone receptors in mice
1Department of Human Genetics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|February 26, 2000
Summary
Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are crucial for development and homeostasis. Mouse models reveal specific and shared functions of TRalpha and TRbeta pathways in biological control.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are nuclear receptors regulating gene transcription.
- TRs mediate thyroid hormone's essential roles in vertebrate development and homeostasis.
- Two TR genes (TRalpha and TRbeta) produce various TR variants, suggesting complex signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo functions of TRalpha and TRbeta variants.
- To understand the specific and overlapping roles of TR genes in thyroid hormone action.
- To elucidate the network of TR pathways controlling biological functions.
Main Methods:
- Targeted mutagenesis in mouse models to delete specific TR variants.
- Generation of TR-deficient mouse lines.
- Analysis of TR pathways in various physiological processes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated specific in vivo functions for individual TR genes.
- Revealed convergent regulation of functions by both TRalpha and TRbeta.
- Identified a network of specific and common TR pathways controlling a broad range of functions.
Conclusions:
- TRs orchestrate development and homeostasis through complex, interconnected pathways.
- TR-deficient mouse models are invaluable for studying thyroid hormone receptor-mediated mechanisms.
- Understanding TR networks provides insights into receptor-mediated biological control.
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