In-Silico Molecular Characterization of Human TSH? Subunit Protein

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder of endocrine system in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the glands cells. It can affect growth, cellular processes and many other body functions. As more damage accumulates, the risk of hypothyroidism increases. The molecular processes, mutations activating the dominant cellular genes and structure-function relationships of TSH permitted better understanding of the role of specific protein and carbohydrate domains in the synthesis, bioactivity, and clearance of the hormone. TSH subunit is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TSHB gene. Mutations located within the coding region of the TSH subunit gene responsible for hypothyroidism. The normal TSHB gene performs an essential function in normal production of thyroid hormone and the mutation of a TSHB gene is a key step leading to low hormone production. The present investigation was carried out to understand the molecular features of TSH protein through In silico characterization by retrieving the protein sequence information from major protein database, analysis of physicochemical properties, prediction of secondary structural elements of normal and mutated TSH proteins, tertiary structure prediction and structure visualization of normal and mutated TSH. This preliminary analysis forms the base for the detailed understanding of molecular mechanism of TSH subunit and further functional analysis of it can pave a new dimension for the treatment of hypothyroidism via structure based drug designing.