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Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model
Published on: October 6, 2023
991
Thyroid hormone signaling in ocular development and diseases.
Pengbo Zhang1,2, Yan Nie1,2, Nan-Ji Lu1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Biological Research
|July 3, 2025
Summary
Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling is crucial for eye health and development. Understanding its role in ocular diseases like diabetic retinopathy may reveal new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormone (TH) signaling is essential for metabolic homeostasis and ocular development.
- Deviations in TH levels can lead to ophthalmopathy, impacting vision and orbital tissues.
- TH acts via thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and deiodinases (DIOs) for localized effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of TH signaling in ocular physiology and pathology.
- To highlight the involvement of TH in conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal degeneration.
- To identify gaps in knowledge regarding TH's cellular and molecular mechanisms in the eye.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TH signaling in ocular tissues.
- Analysis of evidence linking TH to photoreceptor viability and orbital homeostasis.
- Examination of the roles of TRs and DIOs in ocular TH action.
Main Results:
- TH signaling is critical for proper eye development and function.
- Dysregulated TH signaling is implicated in diabetic retinopathy and retinal degeneration.
- Suppression of TH signaling can protect cone photoreceptors in models of retinal disease.
- TH signaling influences orbital tissue homeostasis, as evidenced by proptosis in thyroid dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- TH signaling is a key factor in ocular health and disease.
- Further research into cell-specific TH mechanisms in the eye is needed.
- Targeting TH signaling pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for ophthalmopathies.
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