Viral Effects on Thyroid Function

This project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) contributes to thyroid dysfunction and thyroid cancer. Although SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated in a wide spectrum of thyroid disorders, including subacute thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and thyrotoxicosis, the underlying molecular signaling events remain poorly defined. In addition, the viral impact on thyroid cancer is unknown. The proposed work will examine the effects of key viral genes (S, N, M, etc.) in normal thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells, using vector-mediated overexpression, gene and protein expression profiling, and functional assays. Parallel studies in immunocompromised and normal mice will further delineate in vivo effects.

The expected outcome is the identification of deregulated signaling pathways and molecular markers that mediate virus-induced thyroid dysfunction. This knowledge will provide a foundation for novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and precision medicine strategies for managing COVID-19–associated thyroid diseases.