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Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta

Meaning

Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta (TRβ) is one of the two main nuclear receptor isoforms for thyroid hormones, specifically binding triiodothyronine (T3) to regulate gene expression in target cells. This receptor acts as a ligand-activated transcription factor, forming a complex that binds to specific DNA sequences, known as thyroid hormone response elements, to either activate or repress the transcription of genes. TRβ is predominantly expressed in the liver, kidney, inner ear, and pituitary gland, playing a critical role in metabolic regulation, cholesterol homeostasis, and the negative feedback control of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) release. Genetic mutations in the TRβ gene lead to Resistance to Thyroid Hormone (RTH), a condition characterized by elevated thyroid hormones with non-suppressed TSH.