Olive White (3283)

Title: 

Investigating the Role of Altered Thyroid Hormone Receptor Intracellular Trafficking in Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Syndrome 

Project Description: 

I am researching the intracellular shuttling properties of a mutated TRɑ1 found in Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Syndrome (RTH). RTH was previously thought to only occur when the ligand binding domain of TRβ1 was altered; however, recent studies have shown that is not the case. Therefore, there is little research on RTHɑ and the biological mechanisms of altered TRɑ1.   My project aims to characterize the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling system of mutant TRɑ1 in comparison to wild-type TRɑ1. On a basic biological level, it identifies the role of NES-H12 in nuclear export of TRɑ1 and furthers our understanding of TRɑ1’s multiple pathways of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. On a broader scale, it contributes to defining the role of altered TRɑ1 localization in the pathogenesis of RTHɑ. By having a comprehensive understanding of its molecular mechanisms, researchers and clinicians can work towards improved diagnosis and treatment of RTHɑ. 

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia

Department: Biology

Advisor: Lizabeth Allison

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