USE OF MONOCARBOXYLATE TRANSPORTER PROTEIN FOR THYROID HORMONE TRANSPORT

摘要

The invention provides a use of a monocarboxylate transporter protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof for altering transport of a thyroid hormone or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof across a membrane. Said monocarboxylate transporter protein preferably comprises MCT-8. An isolated molecule capable of specifically binding at least part of an MCT protein, at least part of a ligand of an MCT protein, or a nucleic acid encoding said MCT and/or ligand, is also herewith provided. Regulation of the bioavailability of thyroid hormone in a tissue enables interfering with (metabolic) diseases. Hence, the invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound capable of binding said MCT protein, or capable of influencing the binding or transporting of a ligand of said MCT protein. Methods for diagnosis and/or treatment of a disease such as a disorder of thyroid metabolism, non-thyroidal illness, obesity or cardiovascular illness are also provided, as well as bioassays for identifying or detecting a candidate drug capable of binding to or influencing at least part of said MCT protein.