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Pleiotropy

Meaning

Pleiotropy is a fundamental genetic and physiological principle describing a single gene or a single molecular agent, such as a hormone, having multiple, seemingly unrelated effects on an organism’s phenotype or multiple physiological systems. In endocrinology, this concept is critical because many hormones, like thyroid hormone or Vitamin D, bind to receptors that are ubiquitously expressed across diverse cell types, resulting in widespread, systemic effects on metabolism, growth, and neurological function. Understanding pleiotropy is essential for predicting the full spectrum of a hormonal therapy’s impact.