Thyroid hormones act on almost every tissue, playing an essential role in the metabolism, growth and maturation of the human body. Thyroid diseases are one of the most common endocrine disorders and therefore represent an important public health problem (approximately 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime). The most common thyroid diseases are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer and nodular goiter. Circulating thyroid hormone and antibody concentrations are under prominent genetic control and influenced by environmental factors. Thyroid disorders have also been shown to have a high genetic impact. However, genetic variants underlying thyroid function as well as those involved in thyroid disorders are not fully established. Genome-wide association studies, meta-analyses and prediction analyses have become powerful methods for identifying genetic variants in the background of complex traits and complex diseases. Great progress has also been made in identifying genetic changes in thyroid tumors.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to collect original research articles, case reports (according to the guidelines provided in the scope of the section) review and opinion articles that analyse genetic factors underlying thyroid function and thyroid disorders. The publication of papers that can contribute to the elucidation of the genetic background of thyroid function and pathology is encouraged.
The following topics that will be covered in this Research Topic are:
1. Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with thyroid hormones and antibody levels
2. Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with thyroid disorders
3. Gene-environment interactions underlying the pathology of thyroid diseases
4. Gene and biological pathways associated with thyroid carcinoma
5. Advanced bioinformatic techniques used for understanding thyroid gland genetics
6. GWA studies using novel traits to understand the background of thyroid gland genetics
7. In vivo and in vitro studies analysing genes involved in normal and pathological functioning of the thyroid gland
Thyroid hormones act on almost every tissue, playing an essential role in the metabolism, growth and maturation of the human body. Thyroid diseases are one of the most common endocrine disorders and therefore represent an important public health problem (approximately 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime). The most common thyroid diseases are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer and nodular goiter. Circulating thyroid hormone and antibody concentrations are under prominent genetic control and influenced by environmental factors. Thyroid disorders have also been shown to have a high genetic impact. However, genetic variants underlying thyroid function as well as those involved in thyroid disorders are not fully established. Genome-wide association studies, meta-analyses and prediction analyses have become powerful methods for identifying genetic variants in the background of complex traits and complex diseases. Great progress has also been made in identifying genetic changes in thyroid tumors.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to collect original research articles, case reports (according to the guidelines provided in the scope of the section) review and opinion articles that analyse genetic factors underlying thyroid function and thyroid disorders. The publication of papers that can contribute to the elucidation of the genetic background of thyroid function and pathology is encouraged.
The following topics that will be covered in this Research Topic are:
1. Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with thyroid hormones and antibody levels
2. Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with thyroid disorders
3. Gene-environment interactions underlying the pathology of thyroid diseases
4. Gene and biological pathways associated with thyroid carcinoma
5. Advanced bioinformatic techniques used for understanding thyroid gland genetics
6. GWA studies using novel traits to understand the background of thyroid gland genetics
7. In vivo and in vitro studies analysing genes involved in normal and pathological functioning of the thyroid gland