Thyrocyte-specific Gq/G11 deficiency impairs thyroid function and prevents goiter development

The function of the adult thyroid is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which acts through a G protein-coupled receptor. Overactivation of the TSH receptor results in hyperthyroidisin and goiter. The G(s)-mediated stimulation of adenylyl cyclase-dependent cAMP formation has been regarded as the principal intracellular signaling mechanism mediating the action of TSH. Here we show that the G(q)/G(11)-mediated signaling pathway plays an unexpected and essential role in the regulation of thyroid function. Mice lacking the a subunits of G(q) and G(11) specifically in thyroid epithelial cells showed severely reduced iodine organification and thyroid hormone secretion in response to TSH, and many developed hypothyroidism within months after birth. In addition, thyrocyte-specific: G alpha(q)/G alpha(11)-deficient mice lacked the normal proliferative thyroid response to TSH or goitrogenic diet, indicating an essential role of this pathway in the adaptive growth of the thyroid gland. Our data suggest that G(q)/G(11) and their downstream effectors are promising targets to interfere with increased thyroid function and growth.