NCBI Summary:
This gene encodes an integral membrane protein that functions as a transporter of thyroid hormone. The encoded protein facilitates the cellular importation of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and diidothyronine (T2). This gene is expressed in many tissues and likely plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system. Loss of function mutations in this gene are associated with psychomotor retardation in males while females exhibit no neurological defects and more moderate thyroid-deficient phenotypes. This gene is subject to X-chromosome inactivation. Mutations in this gene are the cause of Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2012]
General function
Channel/transport protein
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Cellular localization
Plasma membrane
Comment
Ovarian function
Comment
Expression regulated by
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Ovarian localization
Granulosa, Theca, Luteal cells
Comment
Differential expression and immunoreactivity of thyroid hormone transporters MCT8 and OATP1C1 in rat ovary. Luis E et al. (2019) Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate several physiological processes in female mammals, many of which are related to reproduction such as steroidogenesis in the ovary, oocyte and granulosa cells maturation, follicular development and differentiation, and ovulation. THs actions require the presence of THs transporters to facilitate their cellular uptake and efflux. MCT8 and OATP1C1 are the principal THs transporters. The aim of the present study was to determine the gene expression and cellular localization of MCT8 and OATP1C1 in the rat ovary during the diestrus-II cycle phase. Ovaries of virgin adult rats were histologically processed. Reverse Transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses for MCT8 and OATP1C1 were done. MCT8 gene expression level was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) than that of OATP1C1 in the rat ovary. MCT8 and OATP1C1 were found in all types of ovarian cells but with different immunoreactivity. MCT8 showed stronger immunoreactivity in tertiary and Graafian follicles, corpus luteum and blood vessels, whereas OATP1C1's immunoreactivity was stronger in stroma cells, tunica albuginea, and blood vessels. Our results provide evidence that THs and their transporters are both necessary for ovarian function and that any alteration in these transporters could interfere with reproductive processes such as ovulation and steroidogenesis, compromising fertility.//////////////////