The ecological function of thyroid hormones.
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci
; 379(1898): 20220511, 2024 Mar 25.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38310932
ABSTRACT
Thyroid hormones (TH) are central hormonal regulators, orchestrating gene expression and complex biological processes vital for growth and reproduction in variable environments by triggering specific developmental processes in response to external cues. TH serve distinct roles in different species inducing metamorphosis in amphibians or teleost fishes, governing metabolic processes in mammals, and acting as effectors of seasonality. These multifaceted roles raise questions about the underlying mechanisms of TH action. Recent evidence suggests a shared ecological role of TH across vertebrates, potentially extending to a significant portion of bilaterian species. According to this model, TH ensure that ontogenetic transitions align with environmental conditions, particularly in terms of energy expenditure, helping animals to match their ontogenetic transition with available resources. This alignment spans post-embryonic developmental transitions common to all vertebrates and more subtle adjustments during seasonal changes. The underlying logic of TH function is to synchronize transitions with the environment. This review briefly outlines the fundamental mechanisms of thyroid signalling and shows various ways in which animals use this hormonal system in natural environments. Lastly, we propose a model linking TH signalling, environmental conditions, ontogenetic trajectory and metabolism. This article is part of the theme issue 'Endocrine responses to environmental variation conceptual approaches and recent developments'.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Hormonas Tiroideas
/
Receptores de Hormona Tiroidea
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Japón