Transthyretin (source code)

= Transthyretin

<Transthyretin> is a secreted transport <protein> that forms a tetramer and carries <thyroid hormones> in <blood plasma> and <cerebrospinal fluid>. It also associates with retinol-binding <protein>, contributing to transport of <vitamin A>. The transported small molecule and the carrier have different roles: binding changes distribution and availability rather than turning the carrier into a <thyroid hormone>. <NCBI Gene by the National Library of Medicine>[Human TTR, Gene ID 7276, Summary: tetrameric carrier and retinol-binding-protein association]{ref}

<Transthyretin> also illustrates the link between assembly and disease. Destabilization and misassembly can produce <amyloid> deposits. Functional transport by a soluble tetramer and accumulation of aggregated material are different molecular states, so detecting the same <protein sequence> does not establish that it remains in its normal assembly.