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DIO1

Meaning

DIO1, or Deiodinase Type 1, is an essential enzyme within the human endocrine system responsible for regulating the local and systemic availability of active thyroid hormone. Specifically, this enzyme catalyzes the outer-ring deiodination of thyroxine (T4) to produce the biologically potent triiodothyronine (T3), and also catalyzes the inner-ring deiodination of T4 and T3 to produce inactive metabolites, reverse T3 (rT3) and T2, respectively. DIO1 is predominantly expressed in the liver, kidney, and thyroid gland, contributing significantly to circulating T3 levels. Its activity is a crucial determinant of overall thyroid status and metabolic rate.