Iodotyrosine deiodinase (IYD), also known as iodotyrosine dehalogenase 1, is a crucial enzyme involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. This enzyme is responsible for scavenging iodide by removing it from iodinated tyrosine residues in the thyroid gland . The iodide recovered by IYD is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play a significant role in regulating metabolic rate, protein expression, and body temperature .
IYD is a type of deiodinase enzyme that catalyzes the reductive dehalogenation of iodinated tyrosines, specifically monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and diiodotyrosine (DIT) . These iodinated tyrosines are byproducts of thyroid hormone biosynthesis. The enzyme’s activity ensures that iodide is efficiently recycled within the thyroid gland, maintaining a balance of iodide and thyroid hormones .
IYD is predominantly expressed in the thyroid gland, where it plays a vital role in thyroid hormone homeostasis . However, its expression is not limited to the thyroid; it is also found in other tissues such as the liver, kidney, and various parts of the gastrointestinal tract . This widespread distribution suggests that IYD may have additional roles beyond thyroid hormone metabolism.
The primary function of IYD is to facilitate the recycling of iodide, which is crucial for the continuous production of thyroid hormones . Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are essential for various physiological processes such as growth, development, and metabolism . By ensuring the availability of iodide, IYD helps maintain the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the overall endocrine system.
IYD operates through a mechanism known as reductive dehalogenation, which is distinct from the oxidative and hydrolytic dehalogenation processes observed in other aerobic organisms . This unique mode of action allows IYD to efficiently remove iodide from MIT and DIT, facilitating their conversion back into usable iodide for thyroid hormone synthesis .
The activity of IYD is tightly regulated to ensure optimal thyroid hormone levels. Various factors, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and dietary iodide intake, influence the expression and activity of IYD . Additionally, feedback mechanisms involving thyroid hormones themselves help modulate IYD activity, maintaining a delicate balance within the thyroid gland .