To bind or not to bind – how to down-regulate target genes by liganded thyroid hormone receptor?
2008
How thyroid hormone receptors down-regulate target genes
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Weitzel Joachim M
Primary Institution: Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Charité University Medicine Berlin
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms by which thyroid hormone receptors down-regulate target gene expression?
Conclusion
Thyroid hormone receptors may down-regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including direct binding to DNA or through protein-protein interactions.
Supporting Evidence
- Thyroid hormone receptors can bind to negative thyroid hormone response elements.
- Different models exist to explain how thyroid hormone receptors regulate gene expression negatively.
- Some studies suggest that thyroid hormone receptors may not need to bind directly to DNA to exert their effects.
Takeaway
Thyroid hormones can turn off certain genes, but scientists are still figuring out exactly how this happens.
Limitations
No single model has been definitively proven to explain the mechanisms of negative gene regulation by thyroid hormones.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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