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Updated: Dec 1, 2025

An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development
Published on: June 6, 2014
The Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in the Thyroid-2020 Update
Christina Thanas1, Panos G Ziros1, Dionysios V Chartoumpekis1,2
1Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
The thyroid gland uniquely produces and defends against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway is crucial for thyroid homeostasis and is implicated in various thyroid diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- The thyroid gland has a dual role concerning reactive oxygen species (ROS): it defends against them and produces them for hormone synthesis.
- Maintaining thyroid homeostasis requires robust antioxidant defense systems due to continuous self-exposure to ROS.
- The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, inhibited by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), is a key endogenous antioxidant system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the role of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in thyroid physiology.
- To explore the involvement of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in various thyroid pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies.
- Analysis of research linking Keap1/Nrf2 signaling to thyroid function and disease.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence highlights significant links between the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and thyroid physiology.
- The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway is implicated in thyroid conditions such as autoimmunity, goiter, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and cancer.
Conclusions:
- The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway plays a critical role in regulating thyroid homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling is associated with the development and progression of thyroid diseases.
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