R. Thomas Zoeller
Professor
Biology
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
United States of America
Biography
Thyroid hormone is essential for normal brain development. The main focus of research in the laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanism(s) by which thyroid hormone affects brain development and brain function. We pursue this goal within the context of two large projects. First, we are cloning genes expressed in the fetal brain that are regulated by maternal thyroid hormone. These genes have led us to examine the effect of thyroid hormone on cortical cell proliferation, differentiation and fate specification. Second, we are examining the mechanisms by which thyroid hormone action can be disrupted by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These chemicals are structurally similar to thyroid hormone. PCBs are known to affect neural development and they can alter circulating levels of thyroid hormone.
Research Interest
Thyroid Hormone Action on Brain Development and Environmental Disruption of Thyroid Hormone Action
Publications
-
Zoeller, R.T. Environmental chemicals targeting thyroid. Hormones (Athens), 2010 Jan-Mar; 9(1): 28-40.
-
Zoeller, R.T., Brown, T.R., Doan, L.L., Gore, A.C., Skakkebaek, N.E., Soto, A.M., et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and public health protection: a statement of principles from the endocrine society. Endocrinology, 2012 Sep; 153(9): 4097-110.
-
Dong, H., You, S-H, Williams, A., Wade, M.G., Yauk, C.L., Thomas Zoeller, R. Transient Maternal Hypothyroxinemia Potentiates the Transcriptional Response to Exogenous Thyroid Hormone in the Fetal Cerebral Cortex Before the Onset of Fetal Thyroid Function: A Messenger and MicroRNA Profiling Study. Cereb Cortex, 2014, January 15, 2014.
