The correct spelling of the word "Thyroxine Receptors" is [θaɪˈrɒksiːn rɪˈseptəz]. The first part of the word, "thyroxine," is pronounced with the voiceless dental fricative [θ], followed by the long vowel sound [aɪ]. The second part, "receptors," is pronounced with the voiced alveolar fricative [z] and the schwa vowel sound [ə]. Overall, the word refers to proteins in the body that bind with the hormone thyroxine, which plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolic processes.
Thyroxine receptors, also known as thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), are a type of nuclear hormone receptor that bind to the thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These receptors play a crucial role in mediating the effects of thyroid hormones throughout the body.
Thyroxine receptors are found in various tissues and organs, including the brain, heart, liver, and skeletal muscles, among others. They are primarily located in the nucleus of cells, where they exert their biological actions. Once the thyroid hormones enter the cells, they bind to thyroxine receptors and form a hormone-receptor complex.
The hormone-receptor complex serves as a transcription factor, meaning it can regulate gene expression. By binding to specific DNA sequences called thyroid hormone response elements (TREs), the thyroxine receptors modulate the activity of target genes. This process can either enhance or suppress the expression of these genes, depending on the specific tissue and target gene involved.
The activation of thyroxine receptors by thyroid hormones regulates a wide range of physiological processes. These include metabolism, growth and development, energy balance, thermogenesis, cardiac function, and brain functions like cognition and mood regulation.
In summary, thyroxine receptors are nuclear hormone receptors that bind to thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine and triiodothyronine. They act as transcription factors, modulating the expression of target genes to regulate numerous physiological processes throughout the body.
The word "thyroxine receptors" has its etymology rooted in the following:
1. Thyroxine: The word "thyroxine" originates from the combination of the Greek words "thyrus" meaning "shield-shaped" and "toksos" meaning "poison". Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which has a shield-shaped structure.
2. Receptors: The term "receptors" is derived from the Latin word "receptus", which means "received". In the context of biology, receptors are molecules or structures located on the surface of cells or within cells that are responsive to specific stimuli, such as hormones.
When combined, "thyroxine receptors" refers to the molecular structures present in cells that can receive and interact with thyroxine hormone, thereby influencing various physiological processes.