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[Immunological and serological laboratory tests: transthyretin]
1Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 20, 2005
Summary
Transthyretin (TTR) is a key protein in plasma, vital for nutrient transport and a marker for nutritional status. Its altered levels and mutations are linked to neurological disorders and familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
- Neuroscience
Context:
- Transthyretin (TTR) is a plasma protein with a short half-life, functioning as a tetramer.
- TTR binds retinol binding protein (RBP) and thyroxin, and its tryptophan-rich nature makes it a nutritional marker.
- It is also an acute-phase reactant, with levels affected by inflammation and infection.
Purpose:
- To highlight the multifaceted roles of Transthyretin (TTR) in health and disease.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate TTR measurement in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid for understanding neurological disorders.
- To underscore the significance of TTR in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) and its treatment.
Summary:
- Transthyretin (TTR) is a crucial plasma protein involved in transport and nutrition, but also implicated in neurological conditions.
- Mutated TTR forms are linked to familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a condition treated by liver transplantation.
- TTR's role in central nervous system disorders like Alzheimer's and depression necessitates precise quantification.
Impact:
- Accurate TTR measurement is vital for diagnosing and understanding neurological diseases.
- Understanding TTR's function aids in developing targeted therapies for FAP and other TTR-related disorders.
- This research supports the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for a range of conditions.