The Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS): Molecular Physiology and Preclinical and Clinical Applications

Active iodide (I-) transport in both the thyroid and some extrathyroidal tissues is mediated by the Na+/I- symporter (NIS). In the thyroid, NIS-mediated I- uptake plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone (TH) biosynthesis. THs are key during embryonic and postembryonic development and critical for cell metabolism at all stages of life. The molecular characterization of NIS in 1996 and the use of radioactive I- isotopes have led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and provide the molecular basis for studies aimed at extending the use of radioiodide treatment in extrathyroidal malignancies. This review focuses on the most recent findings on I- homeostasis and I- transport deficiency-causing NIS mutations, as well as current knowledge of the structure/function properties of NIS and NIS regulatory mechanisms. We also discuss employing NIS as a reporter gene using viral vectors and stem cells in imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.