Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
Published on: October 6, 2023
Thyroid hormone action during brain development: more questions than answers.
1Leibniz Institute for Age Research/Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
Thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development, especially the cerebellum. This review explores the impacts of thyroid hormone deficiency and highlights knowledge gaps in its cell-specific actions during brain maturation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormone is vital for neurodevelopmental processes including neuronal migration, differentiation, myelination, and synaptogenesis.
- The cerebellum is a key target of thyroid hormone action during brain maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the consequences of thyroid hormone deficiency on brain development, with a focus on the cerebellum.
- To discuss the roles of deiodinases and transporters in regulating local thyroid hormone levels.
- To explore thyroid hormone receptors and target genes in brain maturation and identify knowledge gaps.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on thyroid hormone's role in brain development.
- Analysis of research on iodothyronine deiodinases and thyroid hormone transporters.
- Examination of current knowledge on thyroid hormone receptors and their target genes.
Main Results:
- Thyroid hormone deficiency significantly impacts brain development, particularly cerebellar maturation.
- Deiodinases and transporters are critical for modulating local thyroid hormone availability.
- Thyroid hormone receptors and their target genes play essential roles in brain maturation.
Conclusions:
- While significant progress has been made, the precise molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone's cell-specific effects in the brain remain largely unknown.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of thyroid hormone in brain development and address remaining open questions.
Related Concept Videos
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

