A1 Journal article (refereed)
Mitochondrial function is enhanced by thyroid hormones during zebra finch development (2024)

Oefele, M., Hau, M., Ruuskanen, S., & Casagrande, S. (2024). Mitochondrial function is enhanced by thyroid hormones during zebra finch development. Royal Society Open Science, 11, Article 240417. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.240417

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Oefele, Marlene; Hau, Michaela; Ruuskanen, Suvi; Casagrande, Stefania

Journal or series: Royal Society Open Science

eISSN: 2054-5703

Publication year: 2024

Volume: 11

Article number: 240417

Publisher: The Royal Society

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.240417

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/96650

Abstract

An organism’s response to its environment is largely determined by changes in the energy supplied by aerobic mitochondrial metabolism via adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is especially important under energy-demanding conditions, such as during rapid growth. It is currently poorly understood how environmental factors influence energy metabolism and mitochondrial functioning, but recent studies suggest the role of thyroid hormones (TH). TH are key regulators of growth and metabolism and can be flexibly adjusted to environmental conditions, such as environmental temperature or food availability. To test whether TH enhancement is causally linked to mitochondrial function and growth, we provided TH orally at physiological concentrations during the main growth phase in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) nestlings reared in a challenging environment. TH treatment accelerated maximal mitochondrial working capacity—a trait that reflects mitochondrial ATP production, without affecting growth. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the regulation of mitochondria by TH during development in a semi-naturalistic context and to address implications for fitness-related traits, such as growth.

Keywords: metabolism; growth; mitochondria; thyrotropin

Free keywords: mitochondria; thyroid hormones; cellularrespiration; growth; metabolism

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1