ScienceAugust 25, 2026
transthyretin
tranz-THY-ruh-tin
Definition
A transport protein found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid that carries the thyroid hormone thyroxine and retinol, which can cause disease if it misfolds and clumps.
Etymology
The word is a compound derived from 'trans-' (across), 'thy' (from thyroxine), and 'retin' (from retinol). It was named for its functional role as a carrier protein for both thyroxine and retinol.
In the news
The article mentions transthyretin in the context of amyloid polyneuropathy, a condition resulting from the misfolding of this specific protein. Kelly's research into this protein was instrumental in developing life-saving therapies.
Scripps Research professor Jeffery Kelly elected to the European Academy of Engineering
Read the full article ↗Scripps Research