Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
Targeting the thyrotropin receptor in thyroid disease
1Specialized Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Dabab Street, P.O. Box 59046, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia. skaissi@hotmail.com
Introduction:
The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) is essential for thyroid growth and for the production of thyroid hormones. It is unique among the glycoprotein hormone receptors, in that some of the TSHRs undergo cleavage and shedding of the alpha subunit.
Areas Covered:
This review discusses the structure and function of the TSHR, followed by an evaluation of its role in thyroid disease. Possible limitations of the TSHR as a therapeutic target are also discussed.
Expert Opinion:
The TSHR is involved in a number of hereditary and acquired disorders of the thyroid making it of potential importance as a therapeutic target in thyroid disease. Expression of the TSHR in several non-thyroidal tissues and the development of systemic manifestations of thyroid disease suggest that the TSHR is also of interest as a therapeutic target outside the thyroid.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

