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Cerebral expression of transthyretin: evolution, ontogeny and function.
B R Southwell1, G F Tu, W Duan
1Russell Grimwade School of Biochemistry, Melbourne University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Acta Medica Austriaca
|January 1, 1992
Summary
The choroid plexus synthesizes and secretes transthyretin, a protein crucial for transporting thyroxine (thyroid hormone) to the brain. This brain-based synthesis may predate its evolution in the liver.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transthyretin is a key thyroid hormone-binding protein.
- The choroid plexus is a brain structure involved in cerebrospinal fluid production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on transthyretin synthesis and secretion by the choroid plexus.
- To explore the potential role of choroid plexus-secreted transthyretin in brain thyroxine transport.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on transthyretin gene expression and protein synthesis.
- Analysis of the role of transthyretin in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Main Results:
- The choroid plexus synthesizes and secretes transthyretin into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Transthyretin in cerebrospinal fluid may facilitate thyroxine transport from blood to the brain.
- Transthyretin gene expression is conserved in the choroid plexus across vertebrates.
Conclusions:
- Choroid plexus plays a significant role in brain's thyroid hormone homeostasis.
- Transthyretin's evolution in the brain may precede its hepatic synthesis.