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Published on: April 3, 2014
Function of thyroid hormone transporters in the central nervous system
Ulrich Schweizer1, Josef Köhrle
1Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. ulrich.schweizer@charite.de
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|August 15, 2012
Summary
Thyroid hormone transporters, like monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), are crucial for brain development. Genetic defects in these transporters can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting their importance in brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormones (iodothyronines) are essential for brain development and cell differentiation.
- Their charged nature prevents passive diffusion across cell membranes.
- Integral membrane proteins facilitate thyroid hormone transport into and within the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of thyroid hormone transport into the brain and brain cells.
- To highlight key thyroid hormone transmembrane transporters and their expression patterns.
- To focus on monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) and its role in neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on thyroid hormone transport.
- Presentation of data on transporter gene families and expression patterns.
- Detailed discussion of monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) and associated genetic disorders.
Main Results:
- Thyroid hormone transporters exhibit developmental and cell-type-specific expression.
- Specific transporters regulate thyroid hormone entry into different brain regions and cells.
- Mutations in MCT8 cause Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, an X-linked mental retardation disorder.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid hormone transport across biological membranes involves sequential steps and specific transporters.
- Deficiencies in thyroid hormone transporters can lead to neurodevelopmental derangements.
- Further research into transporters may reveal roles in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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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...
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01:44The Significance of Membrane Transport
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01:23The Thyroid Gland
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01:14Active Transport
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