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Zinc and Thyroid Receptors

Meaning

Zinc and Thyroid Receptors describes the critical, functional interdependency between the essential trace mineral zinc and the nuclear receptors for thyroid hormone (TRs) in mediating systemic metabolism and gene expression. Zinc is an indispensable structural component of the thyroid receptor protein, being required for the formation of its “zinc finger” motif. This motif is the specific molecular domain that allows the receptor to physically bind to DNA and regulate the transcription of thyroid-responsive genes. Zinc deficiency directly impairs thyroid hormone action at the cellular level, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal circulating hormone levels.