Thyroid hormones, mitochondria, aging, and cancer.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate critical physiological processes including metabolism and energy expenditure.
• THs exert effects through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms, involving nuclear receptors, mitochondrial receptors, and cell membrane receptors.
• Mitochondrial function is central to cellular energy production and is implicated in various pathophysiological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of THs and their metabolites on mitochondrial structure and function.
• To explore these effects in the context of aging, stemness, and cancer.
• To investigate the role of non-genomic TH actions on mitochondria in aging and disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on thyroid hormones, mitochondria, aging, stemness, and cancer.
• Analysis of both classical and non-canonical mitochondrial features affected by THs.
• Focus on pathophysiological conditions, particularly aging-associated disorders.

Main Results:

• THs influence mitochondrial structure and function through various mechanisms.
• Non-genomic actions of THs on mitochondria are distinct from their nuclear receptor-mediated effects.
• Alterations in non-genomic TH signaling to mitochondria are observed during aging.

Conclusions:

• Non-genomic TH actions on mitochondria are significantly affected during the aging process.
• Dysregulation of these non-genomic pathways may play a role in the development of cancer and other age-related diseases.
• Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies for aging and cancer.