Insights on the role of thyroid hormone transport in neurosensory organs and implication for the Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome

Abstract

Thyroid hormones play an important role during the development and functioning of the different sensory systems. In order to exert their actions, thyroid hormones need to access their target cells through transmembrane transporter proteins, among which the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) stands out for its pathophysiological relevance. Mutations in the gene encoding for MCT8 lead to the Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS), a rare disease characterised by severe neuromotor and cognitive impairments. The impact of MCT8 deficiency in the neurosensory capacity of AHDS patients is less clear, with only a few patients displaying visual and auditory impairments. In this review we aim to gather data from different animal models regarding thyroid hormone transport and action in the different neurosensory systems that could aid to identify potential neurosensorial alterations in MCT8-deficient patients.