Thyroid hormones (TH) are essential for normal tissue homeostasis since they orchestrate many cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and mitochondrial activity. Both TH deficiency (hypothyroidism) and TH excess (hyperthyroidism) result in a vast array of clinical manifestations indicating that proper brain, liver and heart functions are compromised. Current treatment strategies aim to normalise circulating TH levels in affected patients. Yet, recent discoveries have highlighted the importance of local mechanisms in controlling the organ-specific TH status. Among these local components are i. TH transporters acting as cellular gate-keepers, ii. TH metabolizing enzymes that locally (in)activate TH, and iii. different modes of TH signalling.

Within our CRC/TR 296 “Local Control of Thyroid Hormone Action” (Locotact) we aim to dissect how these local control mechanisms are organised using mouse models, patients´ samples and a human organoid platform. Moreover, we aim to address whether a local modulation of TH action exerts beneficial effects in certain pathologies such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, myocardial infarction or stroke. For this, we will evaluate the impact of a cell-specific TH modulation using novel pharmacological tools, genetic model systems and targeted viral gene therapy. iRTG 296's framework offers PhD students a most supportive environment in basic/translational endocrine research at interfaces with neurology, cardiology and hepatology.

CRC 296 Web Site

PLEASE NOTE: Admission to the collaborative research centre/transregio 296 is closed and any enquiries or applications concerning this programme should be addressed directly to its respective speaker or its coordinator and not to the Graduate School of Biomedical Science. 

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