The spelling of the word "c erbA beta" can be confusing due to the use of a lowercase "c" followed by a space before "erbA." However, this is intentional and reflects the proper nomenclature in molecular biology. The "c" represents a truncated form of the gene and is intended to differentiate it from the full-length version. The phonetic transcription of "c erbA beta" is /si ˈɜrbə ˈbiːtə/, with the emphasis on the second syllable of "erbA."
c-erbA beta, also known as thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ), is a protein that functions as a thyroid hormone receptor. It is encoded by the gene called c-erbAβ, which is located on chromosome 3 in humans. c-erbA beta is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and is primarily expressed in tissues and organs that are targets of thyroid hormone action.
As a thyroid hormone receptor, c-erbA beta modulates the transcription of target genes by binding to specific DNA sequences known as thyroid hormone response elements (TREs). It forms a complex with co-repressors or co-activators depending on the availability of thyroid hormone. When the levels of thyroid hormone are low, c-erbA beta represses gene expression by recruiting co-repressors that inhibit transcriptional activity. Conversely, in the presence of high levels of thyroid hormone, c-erbA beta dissociates from the co-repressors and forms a complex with co-activators, leading to enhanced gene expression.
c-erbA beta is involved in various physiological processes, including growth, development, and metabolism. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of thyroid hormone signaling pathway by influencing the sensitivity of target tissues to thyroid hormone. Mutations in the c-erbAβ gene can lead to altered thyroid hormone signaling, leading to thyroid hormone resistance syndrome, a condition characterized by reduced responsiveness of tissues to thyroid hormones.
In conclusion, c-erbA beta is a thyroid hormone receptor that regulates gene transcription by binding to specific DNA sequences. It is essential for the proper functioning of various physiological processes and dysregulation of c-erbA beta can lead to thyroid hormone resistance syndrome.