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Deiodinase Enzyme

Meaning

A deiodinase enzyme is a selenoprotein that plays a critical role in thyroid hormone metabolism by catalyzing the removal of iodine atoms from iodothyronines. These enzymes are essential gatekeepers, regulating the concentration of active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3), within specific target tissues. There are three primary forms, D1, D2, and D3, each with a unique role in either the activation or inactivation of the thyroid prohormone, thyroxine (T4). Their activity is a key determinant of an individual’s peripheral thyroid status.