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Greco G, Di Lorenzo R, Ricci L, Di Serio T, Vardaro E, Laneri S. Clinical Studies Using Topical Melatonin. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5167. [PMID: 38791203 PMCID: PMC11121188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is ubiquitously present in all animals and plants, where it exerts a variety of physiological activities thanks to its antioxidant properties and its key role as the first messenger of extracellular signaling functions. Most of the clinical studies on melatonin refer to its widespread oral use as a dietary supplement to improve sleep. A far smaller number of articles describe the clinical applications of topical melatonin to treat or prevent skin disorders by exploiting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on the clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin as a photoprotective, anti-aging, or hair growth-promoting agent. The methodologies and results of such studies are discussed to provide an overall picture of the state of the art in this intriguing field of research. The clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin before exposure to radiation (UV, sunlight, and high-energy beams) were all characterized by an appropriate design (randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled) and strongly support its clinical efficacy in preventing or reducing skin damage such as dermatitis, erythema, and sunburn. Most of the studies examined in this review do not provide a clear demonstration of the efficacy of topical melatonin as a skin anti-aging or as a hair growth-promoting agent owing to limitations in their design and/or to the use of melatonin combined with extra active ingredients, except for one trial that suggests a possible beneficial role of melatonin in treating some forms of alopecia in women. Further research efforts are required to reach definitive conclusions concerning the actual benefits of topical melatonin to counteract skin aging and hair loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (G.G.); (R.D.L.); (L.R.); (T.D.S.); (E.V.)
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2
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Rahu I, Kull M, Kruve A. Predicting the Activity of Unidentified Chemicals in Complementary Bioassays from the HRMS Data to Pinpoint Potential Endocrine Disruptors. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3093-3104. [PMID: 38523265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c02050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The majority of chemicals detected via nontarget liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in environmental samples remain unidentified, challenging the capability of existing machine learning models to pinpoint potential endocrine disruptors (EDs). Here, we predict the activity of unidentified chemicals across 12 bioassays related to EDs within the Tox21 10K dataset. Single- and multi-output models, utilizing various machine learning algorithms and molecular fingerprint features as an input, were trained for this purpose. To evaluate the models under near real-world conditions, Monte Carlo sampling was implemented for the first time. This technique enables the use of probabilistic fingerprint features derived from the experimental HRMS data with SIRIUS+CSI:FingerID as an input for models trained on true binary fingerprint features. Depending on the bioassay, the lowest false-positive rate at 90% recall ranged from 0.251 (sr.mmp, mitochondrial membrane potential) to 0.824 (nr.ar, androgen receptor), which is consistent with the trends observed in the models' performances submitted for the Tox21 Data Challenge. These findings underscore the informativeness of fingerprint features that can be compiled from HRMS in predicting the endocrine-disrupting activity. Moreover, an in-depth SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis unveiled the models' ability to pinpoint structural patterns linked to the modes of action of active chemicals. Despite the superior performance of the single-output models compared to that of the multi-output models, the latter's potential cannot be disregarded for similar tasks in the field of in silico toxicology. This study presents a significant advancement in identifying potentially toxic chemicals within complex mixtures without unambiguous identification and effectively reducing the workload for postprocessing by up to 75% in nontarget HRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Rahu
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Narva mnt 18, Tartu 51009, Estonia
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Meelis Kull
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Narva mnt 18, Tartu 51009, Estonia
| | - Anneli Kruve
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
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Kim K. The Role of Endocrine Disruption Chemical-Regulated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3818. [PMID: 38612627 PMCID: PMC11012155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for regulating fundamental cellular and molecular processes, such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cancer development. Notably, a spectrum of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act as agonists or antagonists of AHR, leading to the dysregulation of pivotal cellular and molecular processes and endocrine system disruption. Accumulating evidence suggests a correlation between EDC exposure and the onset of diverse pancreatic diseases, including diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Despite this association, the mechanistic role of AHR as a linchpin molecule in EDC exposure-related pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer remains unexplored. This review comprehensively examines the involvement of AHR in EDC exposure-mediated regulation of pancreatic pathogenesis, emphasizing AHR as a potential therapeutic target for the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72225, USA
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4
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Griffith BD, Frankel TL. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Impact on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Modulation as a Potential Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:472. [PMID: 38339226 PMCID: PMC10854841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitous nuclear receptor with a broad range of functions, both in tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Activation of AhR has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in a variety of organs, through induction of cellular proliferation and migration, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inhibition of apoptosis, among other functions. However, the impact on immune cell function is more complicated, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles identified. Although targeting AhR in cancer has shown significant promise in pre-clinical studies, there has been limited efficacy in phase III clinical trials to date. With the contrasting roles of AhR activation on immune cell polarization, understanding the impact of AhR activation on the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to guide therapies targeting the AhR. This review article summarizes the state of knowledge of AhR activation on the TME, limitations of current findings, and the potential for modulation of the AhR as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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5
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Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, El-Mahrouk SR, El-Kadi AOS. Differential Modulatory Effects of Methylmercury (MeHg) on Ahr-regulated Genes in Extrahepatic Tissues of C57BL/6 Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-023-04050-y. [PMID: 38197905 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) are potent environmental pollutants implicated in the modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 1 family (CYP1) which is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). However, the co-exposure to MeHg and TCDD raises concerns about their potential combined effects, necessitating thorough investigation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes in mouse extrahepatic tissues. Therefore, C57BL/6 mice were administrated with MeHg (2.5 mg/kg) in the absence and presence of TCDD (15 μg/kg) for 6 and 24 h. The AHR-regulated CYP1 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured in the heart, lung, and kidney, using RT real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Interestingly, treatment with MeHg exhibited mainly inhibitory effect, particularly, it decreased the basal level of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 mRNA and protein, and that was more evident at the 24 h time point in kidney followed by heart. Similarly, when mice were co-exposed, MeHg was able to reduce the TCDD-induced Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 expression, however, MeHg potentiated kidney Cyp1b1 mRNA expression, opposing the observed change on its protein level. Also, MeHg induced antioxidant NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) mRNA and protein in kidney, while heme-oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA was up-regulated in heart and kidney. In conclusion, this study reveals intricate interplay between MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes, with interesting inhibitory effects observed that might be significant for procarcinogen metabolism. Varied responses across tissues highlight the potential implications for environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sara R El-Mahrouk
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada.
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Braun G, Krauss M, Escher BI. Recovery of 400 Chemicals with Three Extraction Methods for Low Volumes of Human Plasma Quantified by Instrumental Analysis and In Vitro Bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19363-19373. [PMID: 37987701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring studies are important for understanding adverse health outcomes caused by exposure to chemicals. Complex mixtures of chemicals detected in blood - the blood exposome - may serve as proxies for systemic exposure. Ideally, several analytical methods are combined with in vitro bioassays to capture chemical mixtures as diverse as possible. How many and which (bio)analyses can be performed is limited by the sample volume and compatibility of extraction and (bio)analytical methods. We compared the extraction efficacy of three extraction methods using pooled human plasma spiked with >400 organic chemicals. Passive equilibrium sampling (PES) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) followed by solid phase extraction (PES + SPE), SPE alone (SPE), and solvent precipitation (SolvPrec) were compared for chemical recovery in LC-HRMS and GC-HRMS as well as effect recovery in four mammalian cell lines (AhR-CALUX, SH-SY5Y, AREc32, PPARγ-BLA). The mean chemical recoveries were 38% for PES + SPE, 27% for SPE, and 61% for SolvPrec. PES + SPE enhanced the mean chemical recovery compared to SPE, especially for neutral hydrophobic chemicals. PES + SPE and SolvPrec had effect recoveries of 100-200% in all four cell lines, outperforming SPE, which had 30-100% effect recovery. Although SolvPrec has the best chemical recoveries, it does not remove matrix like inorganics or lipids, which might pose problems for some (bio)analytical methods. PES + SPE is the most promising method for sample preparation in human biomonitoring as it combines good recoveries with cleanup, enrichment, and potential for high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig 04318, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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Slominski AT, Kim TK, Slominski RM, Song Y, Qayyum S, Placha W, Janjetovic Z, Kleszczyński K, Atigadda V, Song Y, Raman C, Elferink CJ, Hobrath JV, Jetten AM, Reiter RJ. Melatonin and Its Metabolites Can Serve as Agonists on the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15496. [PMID: 37895177 PMCID: PMC10607054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is widely present in Nature. It has pleiotropic activities, in part mediated by interactions with high-affinity G-protein-coupled melatonin type 1 and 2 (MT1 and MT2) receptors or under extreme conditions, e.g., ischemia/reperfusion. In pharmacological concentrations, it is given to counteract the massive damage caused by MT1- and MT2-independent mechanisms. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a perfect candidate for mediating the latter effects because melatonin has structural similarity to its natural ligands, including tryptophan metabolites and indolic compounds. Using a cell-based Human AhR Reporter Assay System, we demonstrated that melatonin and its indolic and kynuric metabolites act as agonists on the AhR with EC50's between 10-4 and 10-6 M. This was further validated via the stimulation of the transcriptional activation of the CYP1A1 promoter. Furthermore, melatonin and its metabolites stimulated AhR translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in human keratinocytes, as demonstrated by ImageStream II cytometry and Western blot (WB) analyses of cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of human keratinocytes. These functional analyses are supported by in silico analyses. We also investigated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ as a potential target for melatonin and metabolites bioregulation. The binding studies using a TR-TFRET kit to assay the interaction of the ligand with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the PPARγ showed agonistic activities of melatonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin and N-acetyl-N-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine with EC50's in the 10-4 M range showing significantly lower affinities that those of rosiglitazone, e.g., a 10-8 M range. These interactions were substantiated by stimulation of the luciferase activity of the construct containing PPARE by melatonin and its metabolites at 10-4 M. As confirmed by the functional assays, binding mode predictions using a homology model of the AhR and a crystal structure of the PPARγ suggest that melatonin and its metabolites, including 6-hydroxymelatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine and N-acetyl-N-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine, are excellent candidates to act on the AhR and PPARγ with docking scores comparable to their corresponding natural ligands. Melatonin and its metabolites were modeled into the same ligand-binding pockets (LBDs) as their natural ligands. Thus, functional assays supported by molecular modeling have shown that melatonin and its indolic and kynuric metabolites can act as agonists on the AhR and they can interact with the PPARγ at high concentrations. This provides a mechanistic explanation for previously reported cytoprotective actions of melatonin and its metabolites that require high local concentrations of the ligands to reduce cellular damage under elevated oxidative stress conditions. It also identifies these compounds as therapeutic agents to be used at pharmacological doses in the prevention or therapy of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
| | - Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
| | - Radomir M. Slominski
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yuwei Song
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Shariq Qayyum
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
- Brigham’s Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wojciech Placha
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, 31-008 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Zorica Janjetovic
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
| | - Konrad Kleszczyński
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48161 Münster, Germany;
| | - Venkatram Atigadda
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
| | - Yuhua Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Chander Raman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Y.S.); (S.Q.); (Z.J.); (V.A.); (C.R.)
| | - Cornelis J. Elferink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 79567, USA;
| | | | - Anton M. Jetten
- Cell Biology Section, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
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Valdehita A, Fernández-Cruz ML, Navas JM. The Potentiating Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Arylhydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)-Cytochrome P4501A (Cyp1A) System Activated by Benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF) in Rainbow Trout Cell Line. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2501. [PMID: 37764529 PMCID: PMC10534689 DOI: 10.3390/nano13182501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of graphene oxide (GO) will result in its release into the environment; therefore, it is essential to determine its final fate and possible metabolism by organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the possible role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent cytochrome P4501A (Cyp1A) detoxification activities on the catabolism of GO. Our hypothesis is that GO cannot initially interact with the AhR, but that after an initial degradation caused by other mechanisms, small fractions of GO could activate the AhR, inducing Cyp1A. The environmental pollutant benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF) was used for the initial activation of the AhR in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cell line RTL-W1. Pre-, co-, and post-exposure experiments with GO were performed and Cyp1A induction was monitored. The strong stimulation of Cyp1A observed in cells after exposure to GO, when BkF levels were not detected in the system, suggests a direct action of GO. The role of the AhR was confirmed by a blockage of the observed effects in co-treatment experiments with αNF (an AhR antagonist). These results suggest a possible role for the AhR and Cyp1A system in the cellular metabolism of GO and that GO could modulate the toxicity of environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José M. Navas
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), CSIC, Carretera de la Coruña Km 7,5, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (M.L.F.-C.)
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Mandal A, Biswas N, Alam MN. Implications of xenobiotic-response element(s) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor in health and diseases. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1638-1655. [PMID: 37329424 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The effect of air pollution on public health is severely detrimental. In humans; the physiological response against pollutants is mainly elicited via the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It acts as a prime sensor of xenobiotic chemicals, also functioning as a transcription factor regulating a variety of gene expressions. Along with AhR, another pivotal element of the pollution stress pathway is Xenobiotic Response Elements (XREs). XRE, as studied are some conserved sequences in the DNA, responsible for the physiological response against pollutants. XRE is present at the upstream of the inducible target genes of AhR and it regulates the function of the AhR. XRE(s) are highly conserved in species as it has only eight specific sequences found so far in humans, mice, and rats. Inhalation of toxicants like dioxins, gaseous industrial effluents, and smoke from burning fuel and tobacco leads to predominant damage to the lungs. However, scientists are exploring the involvement of AhR in chronic diseases for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and also other lethal diseases like lung cancer. In this review, we summarise what is known at this time about the roles played by the XRE and AhR in our molecular systems that have a defined control in the normal maintenance of homeostasis as well as dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Mandal
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Nabendu Biswas
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Md Nur Alam
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, India.
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10
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Lim HJ, Jang WB, Rethineswaran VK, Choi J, Lee EJ, Park S, Jeong Y, Ha JS, Yun J, Choi YJ, Hong YJ, Kwon SM. StemRegenin-1 Attenuates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Senescence by Regulating the AhR Pathway-Mediated CYP1A1 and ROS Generation. Cells 2023; 12:2005. [PMID: 37566085 PMCID: PMC10417434 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-based stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases. However, continuous in vitro expansion for clinical studies induces the loss of EPC functionality due to aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of StemRegenin-1 (SR-1), an antagonist of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), on replicative senescence in EPCs. We found that SR-1 maintained the expression of EPC surface markers, including stem cell markers, such as CD34, c-Kit, and CXCR4. Moreover, SR-1 long-term-treated EPCs preserved their characteristics. Subsequently, we demonstrated that SR-1 showed that aging phenotypes were reduced through senescence-associated phenotypes, such as β-galactosidase activity, SMP30, p21, p53, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). SR-1 treatment also increased the proliferation, migration, and tube-forming capacity of senescent EPCs. SR-1 inhibited the AhR-mediated cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 expression, reactive-oxygen species (ROS) production, and DNA damage under oxidative stress conditions in EPCs. Furthermore, as a result of CYP1A1-induced ROS inhibition, it was found that accumulated intracellular ROS were decreased in senescent EPCs. Finally, an in vivo Matrigel plug assay demonstrated drastically enhanced blood vessel formation via SR-1-treated EPCs. In summary, our results suggest that SR-1 contributes to the protection of EPCs against cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ji Lim
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Bi Jang
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Vinoth Kumar Rethineswaran
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmi Park
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeoreum Jeong
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Ha
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Yun
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jin Choi
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea;
| | - Young Joon Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University School of Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mo Kwon
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (W.B.J.); (V.K.R.); (J.C.); (E.J.L.); (S.P.); (Y.J.); (J.S.H.); (J.Y.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
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11
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Yang L, Cheng T, Shao J. Perspective on receptor-associated immune response to Candida albicans single and mixed infections: Implications for therapeutics in oropharyngeal candidiasis. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad077. [PMID: 37533203 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), commonly known as 'thrush', is an oral infection that usually dismantles oral mucosal integrity and malfunctions local innate and adaptive immunities in compromised individuals. The major pathogen responsible for the occurrence and progression of OPC is the dimorphic opportunistic commensal Candida albicans. However, the incidence induced by non-albicans Candida species including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei are increasing in company with several oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, S. gordonii, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. In this review, the microbiological and infection features of C. albicans and its co-contributors in the pathogenesis of OPC are outlined. Since the invasion and concomitant immune response lie firstly on the recognition of oral pathogens through diverse cellular surface receptors, we subsequently emphasize the roles of epidermal growth factor receptor, ephrin-type receptor 2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor located on oral epithelial cells to delineate the underlying mechanism by which host immune recognition to oral pathogens is mediated. Based on these observations, the therapeutic approaches to OPC comprising conventional and non-conventional antifungal agents, fungal vaccines, cytokine and antibody therapies, and antimicrobial peptide therapy are finally overviewed. In the face of newly emerging life-threatening microbes (C. auris and SARS-CoV-2), risks (biofilm formation and interconnected translocation among diverse organs), and complicated clinical settings (HIV and oropharyngeal cancer), the research on OPC is still a challenging task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Laboratory of Anti-infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, P. R. China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Laboratory of Anti-infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, P. R. China
| | - Jing Shao
- Laboratory of Anti-infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, P. R. China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, P. R. China
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12
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Castel R, Tassistro V, Claeys-Bruno M, Malleret L, Orsière T. In Vitro Genotoxicity Evaluation of PAHs in Mixtures Using Experimental Design. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050470. [PMID: 37235284 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Settled dusts are sinks for environmental pollutants, including Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are ubiquitous, persistent, and carcinogenic. To assess their toxicity in mixtures, Toxic Equivalent Factors (TEFs) are routinely used and based on the hypothesis of additive effects, although PAH interactions may occur and remain an open issue. This study investigated genotoxic binary interaction effects for six PAHs in mixtures using two in vitro assays and estimated Genotoxic Equivalent Factors (GEFs) to roughly predict the genotoxicity of PAH in mixtures. The Design of the Experiment approach was used with the micronucleus assay for cytostasis and micronuclei frequency and the alkaline comet assay for DNA damage. GEFs were determined for each PAH independently and in a mixture. For the cytostasis endpoint, no PAHs interaction was noted. BbF and BaP had a synergistic effect on DNA damage. All the PAH interacted between them regarding chromosomal damage. Although the calculated GEFs were similar to the TEFs, the latter may underestimate the genotoxic potential of a PAH mixture. GEFs calculated for PAH alone were lower than GEFs for PAHs in mixtures; thus, mixtures induce greater DNA/chromosomal damage than expected. This research helps to advance the challenging issue of contaminant mixtures' effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Castel
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie, Aix Marseille University, Avignon University, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FR ECCOREV, ITEM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Laboratoire Chimie Environnement, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LCE, FR ECCOREV, ITEM, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Virginie Tassistro
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie, Aix Marseille University, Avignon University, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FR ECCOREV, ITEM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Magalie Claeys-Bruno
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie, Aix Marseille University, Avignon University, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FR ECCOREV, ITEM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Laure Malleret
- Laboratoire Chimie Environnement, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LCE, FR ECCOREV, ITEM, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Thierry Orsière
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie, Aix Marseille University, Avignon University, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, FR ECCOREV, ITEM, 13005 Marseille, France
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13
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Yin Y, Xu K. Modulating AHR function offers exciting therapeutic potential in gut immunity and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:85. [PMID: 37179416 PMCID: PMC10182712 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a classical exogenous synthetic ligand of AHR that has significant immunotoxic effects. Activation of AHR has beneficial effects on intestinal immune responses, but inactivation or overactivation of AHR can lead to intestinal immune dysregulation and even intestinal diseases. Sustained potent activation of AHR by TCDD results in impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, currently, AHR research has been more focused on elucidating physiologic AHR function than on dioxin toxicity. The appropriate level of AHR activation plays a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation. Therefore, AHR offers a crucial target to modulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the relationship between AHR and intestinal immunity, the ways in which AHR affects intestinal immunity and inflammation, the effects of AHR activity on intestinal immunity and inflammation, and the effect of dietary habits on intestinal health through AHR. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic role of AHR in maintaining gut homeostasis and relieving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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14
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Grishanova AY, Klyushova LS, Perepechaeva ML. AhR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways and Their Interplay. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3848-3876. [PMID: 37232717 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As evolutionarily conserved signaling cascades, AhR and Wnt signaling pathways play a critical role in the control over numerous vital embryonic and somatic processes. AhR performs many endogenous functions by integrating its signaling pathway into organ homeostasis and into the maintenance of crucial cellular functions and biological processes. The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and many other phenomena, and this regulation is important for embryonic development and the dynamic balance of adult tissues. AhR and Wnt are the main signaling pathways participating in the control of cell fate and function. They occupy a central position in a variety of processes linked with development and various pathological conditions. Given the importance of these two signaling cascades, it would be interesting to elucidate the biological implications of their interaction. Functional connections between AhR and Wnt signals take place in cases of crosstalk or interplay, about which quite a lot of information has been accumulated in recent years. This review is focused on recent studies about the mutual interactions of key mediators of AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and on the assessment of the complexity of the crosstalk between the AhR signaling cascade and the canonical Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alevtina Y Grishanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Lyubov S Klyushova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Maria L Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
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15
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Vorontsova JE, Akishina AA, Cherezov RO, Simonova OB. A new insight into the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/cytochrome 450 signaling pathway in MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS cell lines. Biochimie 2023; 207:102-112. [PMID: 36332717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of bone, with rapid progressive growth, early distant metastases, and frequent recurrence after surgical treatment. Osteosarcoma is characterized by changes in the ratio and expression of different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms that can affect the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. The inducible expression of CYP1 genes depends on the ligand-dependent functionality of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). In this study, we examined the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway in four osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS) induced by the known AHR ligands: indirubin, indole-3-carbinol, and beta-naphthoflavone. Using qPCR and Western blot analysis, we explored the effects of these ligands on the expression of the CYP1 genes and studied the correlation between these responses and the changes in the mRNA and protein levels of AHR and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) in these osteosarcoma cell lines. The results show that the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway retains its function only in MG63 and HOS cells, and is impaired in SAOS2 and U2OS cells. Our data should be taken into account when recommending new strategies for the treatment of osteosarcoma and when evaluating new drugs against osteosarcoma in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Vorontsova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Angelina A Akishina
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman O Cherezov
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga B Simonova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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16
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Degrelle SA, Ferecatu I, Fournier T. Novel fluorescent and secreted transcriptional reporters for quantifying activity of the xenobiotic sensor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107545. [PMID: 36179647 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a critical role in diverse biological processes, including xenobiotic metabolism, carcinogenesis, and physiological functions such as regulation of the immune system and cell differentiation. To improve studies of AHR activity, we constructed two new reporter genes: a fluorescent GFP-tagged histone 2B (XRE-H2B-eGFP) and a secreted nanoluciferase (XRE-pNL1.3[secNluc]). Here, we demonstrate how these reporters can be used to monitor AHR activity in different types of cells, including human primary trophoblasts and cell lines, following incubation with a strong AHR ligand, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), or an AHR inhibitor (CH223191). Compared to vehicle control cells, a significant increase in AHR activity was observed in cells treated with 0.5 and/or 2 µM B[a]P and a significant decrease was detected in response to treatment with 3 µM CH223191. These new plasmids have great potential for use in a variety of applications, such as screening for endogenous or exogenous ligands of AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine A Degrelle
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S1139 Physiopathologie et Pharmacotoxicologie Placentaire Humaine, Microbiote pré et post-natal (3PHM), Paris F-75006, France; Inovarion, Paris F-75005, France.
| | - Ioana Ferecatu
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S1139 Physiopathologie et Pharmacotoxicologie Placentaire Humaine, Microbiote pré et post-natal (3PHM), Paris F-75006, France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S1139 Physiopathologie et Pharmacotoxicologie Placentaire Humaine, Microbiote pré et post-natal (3PHM), Paris F-75006, France
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17
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Paris A, Tardif N, Baietti FM, Berra C, Leclair HM, Leucci E, Galibert M, Corre S. The AhR-SRC axis as a therapeutic vulnerability in BRAFi-resistant melanoma. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15677. [PMID: 36305167 PMCID: PMC9728058 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nongenetic mechanisms required to control tumor phenotypic plasticity and shape drug-resistance remain unclear. We show here that the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) transcription factor directly regulates the gene expression program associated with the acquisition of resistance to BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) in melanoma. In addition, we show in melanoma cells that canonical activation of AhR mediates the activation of the SRC pathway and promotes the acquisition of an invasive and aggressive resistant phenotype to front-line BRAFi treatment in melanoma. This nongenetic reprogramming identifies a clinically compatible approach to reverse BRAFi resistance in melanoma. Using a preclinical BRAFi-resistant PDX melanoma model, we demonstrate that SRC inhibition with dasatinib significantly re-sensitizes melanoma cells to BRAFi. Together we identify the AhR/SRC axis as a new therapeutic vulnerability to trigger resistance and warrant the introduction of SRC inhibitors during the course of the treatment in combination with front-line therapeutics to delay BRAFi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Paris
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Nina Tardif
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Francesca M Baietti
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Trace PDX Platform, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Cyrille Berra
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance,Department of Molecular Genetics and GenomicsHospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes)RennesFrance
| | - Héloïse M Leclair
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Eleonora Leucci
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Trace PDX Platform, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Marie‐Dominique Galibert
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance,Department of Molecular Genetics and GenomicsHospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes)RennesFrance
| | - Sébastien Corre
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
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18
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Faiad W, Soukkarieh C, Murphy DJ, Hanano A. Effects of dioxins on animal spermatogenesis: A state-of-the-art review. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1009090. [PMID: 36339774 PMCID: PMC9634422 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1009090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The male reproductive system is especially affected by dioxins, a group of persistent environmental pollutants, resulting in irreversible abnormalities including effects on sexual function and fertility in adult males and possibly on the development of male offspring. The reproductive toxicity caused by dioxins is mostly mediated by an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In animals, spermatogenesis is a highly sensitive and dynamic process that includes proliferation and maturation of germ cells. Spermatogenesis is subject to multiple endogenous and exogenous regulatory factors, including a wide range of environmental toxicants such as dioxins. This review discusses the toxicological effects of dioxins on spermatogenesis and their relevance to male infertility. After a detailed categorization of the environmental contaminants affecting the spermatogenesis, the exposure pathways and bioavailability of dioxins in animals was briefly reviewed. The effects of dioxins on spermatogenesis are then outlined in detail. The endocrine-disrupting effects of dioxins in animals and humans are discussed with a particular focus on their effects on the expression of spermatogenesis-related genes. Finally, the impacts of dioxins on the ratio of X and Y chromosomes, the status of serum sex hormones, the quality and fertility of sperm, and the transgenerational effects of dioxins on male reproduction are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Faiad
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus, Damascus, Syria
| | - Chadi Soukkarieh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Damascus, Damascus, Syria
| | - Denis J. Murphy
- School of Applied Sciences, University of South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulsamie Hanano
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), Damascus, Syria,Correspondence: Abdulsamie Hanano
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19
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Perez-Castro L, Venkateswaran N, Garcia R, Hao YH, Lafita-Navarro MC, Kim J, Segal D, Saponzik E, Chang BJ, Fiolka R, Danuser G, Xu L, Brabletz T, Conacci-Sorrell M. The AHR target gene scinderin activates the WNT pathway by facilitating the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260028. [PMID: 36148682 PMCID: PMC10658791 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) regulates cellular detoxification, proliferation and immune evasion in a range of cell types and tissues, including cancer cells. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing to identify the signature of the AHR target genes regulated by the pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) and the endogenous ligand kynurenine (Kyn), a tryptophan-derived metabolite. This approach identified a signature of six genes (CYP1A1, ALDH1A3, ABCG2, ADGRF1 and SCIN) as commonly activated by endogenous or exogenous ligands of AHR in multiple colon cancer cell lines. Among these, the actin-severing protein scinderin (SCIN) was necessary for cell proliferation; SCIN downregulation limited cell proliferation and its expression increased it. SCIN expression was elevated in a subset of colon cancer patient samples, which also contained elevated β-catenin levels. Remarkably, SCIN expression promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin and activates the WNT pathway. Our study identifies a new mechanism for adhesion-mediated signaling in which SCIN, likely via its ability to alter the actin cytoskeleton, facilitates the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizbeth Perez-Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Roy Garcia
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yi-Heng Hao
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - M. C. Lafita-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Dagan Segal
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Etai Saponzik
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bo-Jui Chang
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Reto Fiolka
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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20
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Sun L, Sun Z, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Jia Z. Role of nuclear receptor PXR in immune cells and inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:969399. [PMID: 36119030 PMCID: PMC9481241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.969399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2), a prototypical member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been implicated in various processes including metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. The immune system is made up of many interdependent parts, including lymphoid organs, cells, and cytokines, which play important roles in identifying, repelling, and eliminating pathogens and other foreign chemicals. An impaired immune system could contribute to various physical dysfunction, including severe infections, allergic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory diseases. Recent studies revealed the involvement of PXR in the pathogenesis of immune disorders and inflammatory responses. Thus, the aim of this work is to review and discuss the advances in research associated with PXR on immunity and inflammatory diseases and to provide insights into the development of therapeutic interventions of immune disorders and inflammatory diseases by targeting PXR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Sun
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Sun
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yue Zhang, ; Zhanjun Jia,
| | - Zhanjun Jia
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yue Zhang, ; Zhanjun Jia,
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Fernandes AR, Kilanowicz A, Stragierowicz J, Klimczak M, Falandysz J. The toxicological profile of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155764. [PMID: 35545163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The legacy of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) manufactured during the last century continues to persist in the environment, food and humans. Metrological advances have improved characterisation of these occurrences, enabling studies on the effects of exposure to focus on congener groups and individual PCNs. Liver and adipose tissue show the highest retention but significant levels of PCNs are also retained by the brain and nervous system. Molecular configuration appears to influence tissue disposition as well as retention, favouring the higher chlorinated (≥ four chlorines) PCNs while most lower chlorinated molecules readily undergo hydroxylation and excretion through the renal system. Exposure to PCNs reportedly provokes a wide spectrum of adverse effects that range from hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity and immune response suppression along with endocrine disruption leading to reproductive disorders and embryotoxicity. A number of PCNs, particularly hexachloronaphthalene congeners, elicit AhR mediated responses that are similar to, and occur within similar potency ranges as most dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and some chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), suggesting a relationship based on molecular size and configuration between these contaminants. Most toxicological responses generally appear to be associated with higher chlorinated PCNs. The most profound effects such as serious and sometimes fatal liver disease, chloracne, and wasting syndrome resulted either from earlier episodes of occupational exposure in humans or from acute experimental dosing of animals at levels that reflected these exposures. However, since the restriction of manufacture and controls on inadvertent production (during combustion processes), the principal route of human and animal exposure is likely to be dietary intake. Therefore, further investigations should include the effects of chronic lower level intake of higher chlorinated PCN congeners that persist in the human diet and subsequently in human and animal tissues. PCNs in the diet should be evaluated cumulatively with other similarly occurring dioxin-like contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alwyn R Fernandes
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Anna Kilanowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-15 Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Stragierowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-15 Łódź, Poland
| | - Michał Klimczak
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-15 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jerzy Falandysz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-15 Łódź, Poland
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22
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Qiu Z, Zhu Z, Liu X, Chen B, Yin H, Gu C, Fang X, Zhu R, Yu T, Mi W, Zhou H, Zhou Y, Yao X, Li W. A dysregulated sebum-microbial metabolite-IL-33 axis initiates skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213396. [PMID: 35977109 PMCID: PMC9375142 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial dysbiosis in the skin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD); however, whether and how changes in the skin microbiome initiate skin inflammation, or vice versa, remains poorly understood. Here, we report that the levels of sebum and its microbial metabolite, propionate, were lower on the skin surface of AD patients compared with those of healthy individuals. Topical propionate application attenuated skin inflammation in mice with MC903-induced AD-like dermatitis by inhibiting IL-33 production in keratinocytes, an effect that was mediated through inhibition of HDAC and regulation of the AhR signaling pathway. Mice lacking sebum spontaneously developed AD-like dermatitis, which was improved by topical propionate application. A proof-of-concept clinical study further demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effects of topical propionate application in AD patients. In summary, we have uncovered that the dysregulated sebum-microbial metabolite-IL-33 axis might play an initiating role in AD-related skin inflammation, thereby highlighting novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqiong Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhenlai Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, PR China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Baichao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, PR China,Department of Dermatology, Kaifeng People’s Hospital, Kaifeng, PR China
| | - Huibin Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chaoying Gu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiaokai Fang
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Ronghui Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Tianze Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wenli Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yufeng Zhou
- Children’s Hospital and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xu Yao
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, PR China,Xu Yao:
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China,Correspondence to Wei Li:
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Development and Applications of a Zebrafish (Danio rerio) CYP1A-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody (CRC4) with Reactivity across Vertebrate Taxa: Evidence for a Conserved CYP1A Epitope. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070404. [PMID: 35878309 PMCID: PMC9320060 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CYP1A is a heme-thiolate enzyme associated with the cytochrome P4501A1 monooxygenase system and is inducible by a wide variety of xenobiotics and endogenous ligands that bind and activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The AHR-CYP1A axis is important for detoxification of certain xenobiotics and for homeostatic balance of endogenous sex hormones, amine hormones, vitamins, fatty acids, and phospholipids. Herein, we generated and described applications of a zebrafish CYP1A-targeted monoclonal antibody (mAb CRC4) that fortuitously recognizes induced CYP1A across vertebrate taxa, including fish, chicken, mouse, rat, and human. We then demonstrated that mAb CRC4 targets a highly conserved epitope signature of vertebrate CYP1A. The unique complimentary determining region (CDR) sequences of heavy and light chains were determined, and these Ig sequences will allow for the expression of recombinant mAb CRC4, thus superseding the need for long-term hybridoma maintenance. This antibody works well for immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as whole-mounted IHC in zebrafish embryos. Monoclonal antibody CRC4 may be particularly useful for studying the AHR-CYP1A axis in multiple vertebrate species and within the context of Oceans and Human Health research. By using archived samples, when possible, we actively promoted efforts to reduce, replace, and refine studies involving live animals.
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Mukherjee Das A, Gogia A, Garg M, Elaiyaraja A, Arambam P, Mathur S, Babu-Rajendran R, Deo SVS, Kumar L, Das BC, Janardhanan R. Urinary concentration of endocrine-disrupting phthalates and breast cancer risk in Indian women: A case-control study with a focus on mutations in phthalate-responsive genes. Cancer Epidemiol 2022; 79:102188. [PMID: 35688051 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals used indiscriminately as constituents in consumer products including food processing, and packaging, cosmetics, personal care and household items. Although, few studies have assessed the risk of breast cancer on exposure to phthalates, their association with breast cancer risk in Indian women have not yet been evaluated. METHODS We conducted a case-control study involving 171 participants. Urinary concentrations of six phthalate dieters; DMP (Dimethyl phthalate), DEP (Diethyl phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), BBP (benzyl butyl phthalate), DEHP (Di-2-ethyl-hexyl phthalate), DINOP (Di-n-octyl phthalate) were estimated by GC-MS and geometric means were calculated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess breast cancer risk on exposure to phthalates. Genes responsive to phthalates were identified through literature search and matched with NGS data, and gene-enrichment analysis was performed. RESULTS Significant associations were observed between urinary phthalate concentrations and increased risk of breast cancer for di-butyl phthalate (OR=1.5, 95% CI; 1.06, 2.11, p = 0.002) and di-2-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (>median vs ≤ median; OR=2.97, 95% CI; 1.18, 7.47, p = 0.005) in multivariable analyses. We also found several phthalate-responsive gene mutations in paired breast tumor tissues, which include PTPRD (76.19%), AR (42.86%), CYP1A1 (42.86%), CYP19A1 (23.81%), AHRR (19.05%), PIK3CA (19.05%), CYP1B1 (9.52%), RB1 (9.52%) and MMP9 (9.52%). Gene-enrichment analysis revealed that these genes form a major part of ER/PR, PPAR and HIF-1α-TGF-β signaling cascades involved in breast cancer CONCLUSION: Although the sample size is small, in this first case-control study from India, DBP and DEHP were found to be associated with increased risk of invasive breast cancer and tumor tissues revealed mutations in several phthalate-responsive genes. It is, therefore suggested that human biomonitoring in India and larger studies evaluating the early life genetic and epigenetic alterations on phthalates exposure are required to establish their role in breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankan Mukherjee Das
- Laboratory of Disease Dynamics and Molecular Epidemiology, Amity Institute of Public Health, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Ajay Gogia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Lab, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Arun Elaiyaraja
- Ecotoxicology and Toxicogenomics Lab, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priyadarshini Arambam
- Laboratory of Disease Dynamics and Molecular Epidemiology, Amity Institute of Public Health, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India; Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Mathur
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramaswamy Babu-Rajendran
- Ecotoxicology and Toxicogenomics Lab, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S V S Deo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Lalit Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhudev C Das
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Lab, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
| | - Rajiv Janardhanan
- Laboratory of Disease Dynamics and Molecular Epidemiology, Amity Institute of Public Health, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
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Unbalanced IDO1/IDO2 Endothelial Expression and Skewed Keynurenine Pathway in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061332. [PMID: 35740354 PMCID: PMC9220124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense investigation, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the newly defined long COVID-19 syndrome are not fully understood. Increasing evidence has been provided of metabolic alterations characterizing this group of disorders, with particular relevance of an activated tryptophan/kynurenine pathway as described in this review. Recent histological studies have documented that, in COVID-19 patients, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzymes are differentially expressed in the pulmonary blood vessels, i.e., IDO1 prevails in early/mild pneumonia and in lung tissues from patients suffering from long COVID-19, whereas IDO2 is predominant in severe/fatal cases. We hypothesize that IDO1 is necessary for a correct control of the vascular tone of pulmonary vessels, and its deficiency in COVID-19 might be related to the syndrome’s evolution toward vascular dysfunction. The complexity of this scenario is discussed in light of possible therapeutic manipulations of the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.
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26
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Molecular and structural basis of interactions of vitamin D3 hydroxyderivatives with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR): An integrated experimental and computational study. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1111-1123. [PMID: 35421413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the molecular and structural basis underlying the interaction of vitamin D3 hydroxyderivatives with AhR, molecular simulation was used to probe the binding of 1,20(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, 20,23(OH)2D3 and 20(OH)D3 to AhR. qPCR showed that vitamin D3 derivatives stimulate expression of cyp1A1 and cyp1B1 genes that are downstream targets of AhR signaling. These secosteroids stimulated the translocation of the AhR to the nucleus, as measured by flow cytometry and western blotting. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to model the binding of vitamin D3 derivatives to AhR to examine their influence on the structure, conformation and dynamics of the AhR ligand binding domain (LBD). Binding thermodynamics, conformation, secondary structure, dynamical motion and electrostatic potential of AhR were analyzed. The molecular docking scores and binding free energy were all favorable for the binding of D3 derivatives to the AhR. These established ligands and the D3 derivatives are predicted to have different patterns of hydrogen bond formation with the AhR, and varied residue conformational fluctuations and dynamical motion for the LBD. These changes could alter the shape, size and electrostatic potential distribution of the ligand binding pocket, contributing to the different binding affinities of AhR for the natural ligands and D3 derivatives.
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27
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Tsuboi Y, Yamada H, Munetsuna E, Fujii R, Yamazaki M, Ando Y, Mizuno G, Hattori Y, Ishikawa H, Ohashi K, Hashimoto S, Hamajima N, Suzuki K. Increased risk of cancer mortality by smoking-induced aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor DNA hypomethylation in Japanese population: A long-term cohort study. Cancer Epidemiol 2022; 78:102162. [PMID: 35461154 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking is well known to be a major risk factor for cancer, and to decrease the levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) DNA methylation. AHRR is a key regulator for AHR signaling, which is involved in chemical metabolism and cancer development. Therefore, smoking-induced AHRR DNA hypomethylation may be associated with cancer development. However, it has not been reported that association between AHHR DNA methylation and cancer mortality in Asian population. Hence, we examined whether AHRR DNA methylation levels were associated with cancer mortality in a Japanese population. METHODS This study was conducted with 812 participants (aged 38-80 years) who received a health check-up in 1990, and did not have a clinical histories. We followed up the participants until the end of 2019 (median: 27.8 years), and 100 participants died from cancer. The AHRR DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by the pyrosequencing method. We calculated the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cancer mortality according to the baseline levels of AHRR DNA methylation. RESULTS We found that AHRR DNA hypomethylation was associated with a higher risk of all cancer mortality, especially smoking related cancers and lung cancer. (all cancer: HR, 1.28, 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; smoking-related cancers: HR, 1.35, 95% CI, 1.12-1.62; lung cancer: HR, 1.68, 95% CI, 1.24-2.26). CONCLUSIONS Smoking-induced AHRR DNA hypomethylation in PBMCs was associated with the risk of cancer mortality in Japanese population; therefore, hypomethylation of AHRR may be a useful biomarker of cancer mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Tsuboi
- Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Hiroya Yamada
- Department of Hygiene, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Eiji Munetsuna
- Department of Biochemistry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Fujii
- Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Mirai Yamazaki
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0123, Japan.
| | - Yoshitaka Ando
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Genki Mizuno
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Yuji Hattori
- Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Ishikawa
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Koji Ohashi
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Shuji Hashimoto
- Department of Hygiene, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Nobuyuki Hamajima
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Koji Suzuki
- Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
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Joshi AD, Thinakaran G, Elferink C. Cinnabarinic Acid-Induced Stanniocalcin 2 Confers Cytoprotection against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:1-11. [PMID: 35078862 PMCID: PMC8998678 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified upregulation of a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2), by an endogenous AhR agonist, cinnabarinic acid (CA). STC2 is a disulfide-linked homodimeric secreted glycoprotein that plays a role in various physiologic processes, including cell metabolism, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, calcium regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Our previous studies have confirmed that CA-induced AhR-dependent STC2 expression was able to confer cytoprotection both in vitro and in vivo in response to injury induced by variety of ER/oxidative insults. Here, we used mouse models of chronic and acute ethanol feeding and demonstrated that upregulation of STC2 by CA was critical for cytoprotection. In STC2 knockout mice (STC2-/-), CA failed to protect against both acute as well as chronic-plus-binge ethanol-induced liver injury, whereas re-expression of STC2 in the liver using in vivo gene delivery restored cytoprotection against injury based on measures of apoptosis and serum levels of liver enzymes, underlining STC2's indispensable function in cell survival. In conclusion, the identification of STC2 as an AhR target gene receptive to CA-mediated endogenous AhR signaling and STC2's role in providing cytoprotection against liver injury represents a key finding with potentially significant therapeutic implications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We recently identified stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) as a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) target gene regulated by endogenous AhR agonist and tryptophan metabolite, cinnabarinic acid (CA). Here, we showed that CA-induced STC2 expression conferred cytoprotection against apoptosis, steatosis, and liver injury in chronic as well as acute models of ethanol feeding. Therefore, this study will prove instrumental in developing CA as a promising lead compound for future drug development against hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
| | - Cornelis Elferink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (A.D.J.); Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (G.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (C.E.)
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29
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Brinkmann V, Romeo M, Larigot L, Hemmers A, Tschage L, Kleinjohann J, Schiavi A, Steinwachs S, Esser C, Menzel R, Giani Tagliabue S, Bonati L, Cox F, Ale-Agha N, Jakobs P, Altschmied J, Haendeler J, Coumoul X, Ventura N. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Dependent and -Independent Pathways Mediate Curcumin Anti-Aging Effects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:613. [PMID: 35453298 PMCID: PMC9024831 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor whose activity can be modulated by polyphenols, such as curcumin. AhR and curcumin have evolutionarily conserved effects on aging. Here, we investigated whether and how the AhR mediates the anti-aging effects of curcumin across species. Using a combination of in vivo, in vitro, and in silico analyses, we demonstrated that curcumin has AhR-dependent or -independent effects in a context-specific manner. We found that in Caenorhabditis elegans, AhR mediates curcumin-induced lifespan extension, most likely through a ligand-independent inhibitory mechanism related to its antioxidant activity. Curcumin also showed AhR-independent anti-aging activities, such as protection against aggregation-prone proteins and oxidative stress in C. elegans and promotion of the migratory capacity of human primary endothelial cells. These AhR-independent effects are largely mediated by the Nrf2/SKN-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Brinkmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Lucie Larigot
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université de Paris, 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, F-75006 Paris, France; (L.L.); (X.C.)
| | - Anne Hemmers
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Lisa Tschage
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Jennifer Kleinjohann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Alfonso Schiavi
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Swantje Steinwachs
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Ralph Menzel
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-University Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Sara Giani Tagliabue
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (S.G.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Laura Bonati
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (S.G.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Fiona Cox
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niloofar Ale-Agha
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
| | - Philipp Jakobs
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
| | - Joachim Altschmied
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Judith Haendeler
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université de Paris, 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, F-75006 Paris, France; (L.L.); (X.C.)
| | - Natascia Ventura
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (V.B.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (F.C.); (N.A.-A.); (P.J.); (J.A.); (J.H.)
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (A.H.); (L.T.); (J.K.); (S.S.); (C.E.)
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Zaragoza-Ojeda M, Torres-Flores U, Rodríguez-Leviz A, Arenas-Huertero F. Benzo[ghi]perylene induces cellular dormancy signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress in NL-20 human bronchial epithelial cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 439:115925. [PMID: 35182551 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP) is produced by the incomplete combustion of gasoline and it is a marker of high vehicular flow in big cities. Nowadays, it is known that BghiP functions as ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which can cause several molecular responses. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro effects of the exposure to BghiP, specifically, the induction of cellular dormancy and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) in NL-20 human cells. Our results proved that a 24 h exposure of BghiP, increased the expression of NR2F1 (p < 0.05). NR2F1 is the main activator of cell dormancy, therefore, we analyzed the expression of its target genes SOX9 and p27 showing an increase of the transcripts (p < 0.05), suggesting a pathway that could produce a cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, this effect was only observed with BghiP exposure, and not with a classic AhR ligand: benzo[a]pyrene. Moreover, in the presence of the AhR antagonist, CH223191, or when the expression of AhR was knock-down using dsiRNAs, the cellular dormancy signaling pathway was blocked. Morphological and ultrastructure analysis demonstrated that BghiP also induces ER stress, characterized by the dilated ER cisternae and the overexpression of PERK and CHOP genes (p < 0.05). Moreover, the halt of cell proliferation and the ER stress are both associated to the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) and the cell survival in response to microenvironmental cues. These responses induced by BghiP on bronchial cells open new horizons on the research of other biological effects induced by environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Zaragoza-Ojeda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ulises Torres-Flores
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rodríguez-Leviz
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Patología Clínica y Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Francisco Arenas-Huertero
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico.
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Han Z, Gong C, Li J, Guo H, Chen X, Jin Y, Gao S, Tai Z. Immunologically modified enzyme-responsive micelles regulate the tumor microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy. Mater Today Bio 2021; 13:100170. [PMID: 34938989 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has been proven to have great therapeutic potential and has revolutionized the treatment of tumors. However, various limitations remain, including the low response rate of exhausted T cells and mutual regulation of multiple immunosuppressive cell types that compromise the effect of single-target therapy. Nano-delivery systems can be used to regulate the tumor immune microenvironment in favor of immunotherapy. In this study, we constructed a polypeptide-based micellar system that encapsulates an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor (CH223191) conjugated to T cell activator anti-CD28. The inhibition of AhR activation downregulates the fraction of immunosuppressive cells and effectively inhibits tumor cell metastasis. In addition, the combination with co-stimulatory antibodies improves T-cell activation and synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of AhR inhibitors. The micellar system developed in this study represents a novel and effective tumor immunotherapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Han
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunai Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Huanhuan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xinlu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yangli Jin
- Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315192, China
| | - Shen Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Inflammatory Chronic Skin Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123559. [PMID: 34944067 PMCID: PMC8700074 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is an evolutionary transcription factor which acts as a crucial sensor of different exogenous and endogenous molecules Recent data indicate that AhR is implicated in several physiological processes such as cell physiology, host defense, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, and detoxification. Moreover, AhR involvement has been reported in the development and maintenance of several pathological conditions. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have accumulated highlighting the regulatory role of AhR in the physiology of the skin. However, there is evidence of both beneficial and harmful effects of AHR signaling. At present, most of the evidence concerns inflammatory skin diseases, in particular atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa. This review exam-ines the role of AhR in skin homeostasis and the therapeutic implication of its pharmacological modulation in these cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
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Sahebnasagh A, Hashemi J, Khoshi A, Saghafi F, Avan R, Faramarzi F, Azimi S, Habtemariam S, Sureda A, Khayatkashani M, Safdari M, Rezai Ghaleno H, Soltani H, Khayat Kashani HR. Aromatic hydrocarbon receptors in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Mitochondrion 2021; 61:85-101. [PMID: 34600156 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are ubiquitous membrane-bound organelles that not only play a key role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and metabolism but also in signaling and apoptosis. Aryl hydrocarbons receptors (AhRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that recognize a wide variety of xenobiotics, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins, and activate diverse detoxification pathways. These receptors are also activated by natural dietary compounds and endogenous metabolites. In addition, AhRs can modulate the expression of a diverse array of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The aim of the present review is to analyze scientific data available on the AhR signaling pathway and its interaction with the intracellular signaling pathways involved in mitochondrial functions, especially those related to cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Various evidence have reported the crosstalk between the AhR signaling pathway and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tyrosine kinase receptor signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The AhR signaling pathway seems to promote cell cycle progression in the absence of exogenous ligands, whereas the presence of exogenous ligands induces cell cycle arrest. However, its effects on apoptosis are controversial since activation or overexpression of AhR has been observed to induce or inhibit apoptosis depending on the cell type. Regarding the mitochondria, although activation by endogenous ligands is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, the effects of endogenous ligands are not well understood but point towards antiapoptotic effects and inducers of mitochondrial biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeleh Sahebnasagh
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Javad Hashemi
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Khoshi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saghafi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Razieh Avan
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faramarzi
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Azimi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services, School of Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands and Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maryam Khayatkashani
- School of Iranian Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14155-6559 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Safdari
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezai Ghaleno
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hosseinali Soltani
- Department of General Surgery, Imam Ali Hospital, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khayat Kashani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor that is a member of the PER-ARNT-SIM superfamily of environmental sensors. This receptor has been a molecule of interest for many years in the field of toxicology, as it was originally discovered to mediate the toxic effects of certain environmental pollutants like benzo(a)pyrene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. While all animals express this protein, there is naturally occurring variability in receptor size and responsiveness to ligand. This naturally occurring variation, particularly in mice, has been an essential tool in the discovery and early characterization of the AHR. Genetic models including congenic mice and induced mutations at the Ahr locus have proven invaluable in further understanding the role of the AHR in adaptive metabolism and TCDD-induced toxicity. The creation and examination of Ahr null mice revealed an important physiological role for the AHR in vascular and hepatic development and mediation of the immune system. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview to many of the AHR models that have aided in the understanding of AHR biology thus far. We describe the naturally occurring polymorphisms, congenic models, induced mutations at the Ahr locus and at the binding partner Ah Receptor Nuclear Translocator and chaperone, Ah receptor associated 9 loci in mice, with a brief description of naturally occurring and induced mutations in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Wilson
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christopher A Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Mo Z, Li P, Cao Z, Zhang S. A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of 33 Human Cancers Reveals the Immunotherapeutic Value of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Front Immunol 2021; 12:564948. [PMID: 34290693 PMCID: PMC8287657 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.564948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported the potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in cancer immunotherapy. However, the mechanisms underpinning its therapeutic value have yet to be comprehensively investigated. Thus, this research aimed to explore the underlying association between AhR and cancer immunotherapy in 33 human cancers. Methods The gene expression data and clinical characteristics of 33 cancers were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The immunotherapeutic cohorts included GSE67501 and GSE78220 as well as IMvigor210, which were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and included in a previously published study respectively. Clinical parameters, including patient age, gender, survival, and tumor stage were analyzed to assess the prognostic value of AhR. The activity of AhR was generated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis and used to evaluate the difference between the AhR transcriptome and protein expression level. To better understand the role of AhR in cancer immunotherapy, the correlation between AhR and tumor microenvironment, as well as its relation to immune processes/elements, such as immune cell infiltration, immune inhibitors and stimulators, and the major histocompatibility complex were analyzed. The relevant underlying pathways associated with AhR signaling in cancer were also explored. Furthermore, the correlation between AhR and two immunotherapeutic biomarkers (tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability) was investigated. Finally, the relationship between AhR and immunotherapeutic response was explored using three independent immunotherapeutic cohorts. Results Although AhR was not closely associated with age (5/33), gender (3/33), or tumor stage (3/21) in any of the studied human cancers, it exhibited potential prognostic value for predicting patient survival. Consistency has been observed between AhR activity and expression in some cancers (7/33). Generally, AhR presented a robust correlation with immune cell infiltration, immune modulators, and immunotherapeutic markers. Moreover, high AhR expression was significantly related to immune-relevant pathways. However, no significant correlation was observed between AhR and the immunotherapeutic response. Conclusions This research investigated the immunotherapeutic value of AhR in 33 human cancers, providing evidence regarding the function of AhR and its role in clinical treatment. However, considering that a bioinformatics approach was adopted, the current results are preliminary and require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuomao Mo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhirui Cao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Jia Y, Guo J, Zhao Y, Zhang Z, Shi L, Fang Y, Wu D, Wu L, Chang C. AHR signaling pathway reshapes the metabolism of AML/MDS cells and potentially leads to cytarabine resistance. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:492-500. [PMID: 33709099 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) promotes the initiation, invasion, progression, and metastasis of cancer cells. However, its effects in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) remain undefined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of AHR activation on malignant cells in patients with MDS/AML. We found that AHR was expressed aberrantly in patients with MDS/AML. Further studies demonstrated that inhibiting AHR decreased the mitochondrial dehydrogenase content and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in MDS/AML cells. Activating AHR with L-kynurenine (Kyn) increased AHR expression, which was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial dehydrogenase content and MMP in MDS/AML cells. Moreover, the expression level of mitochondria-associated mitochondrial transcription factor A was increased after activating AHR with L-Kyn when compared with that in the control group but decreased after inhibiting the AHR signal. Activating AHR in MDS/AML cells enhanced the resistance to cytarabine. These findings indicated that activating the AHR signaling pathway reshaped the metabolism in MDS/AML cells, thus contributing to the resistance to cytarabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Juan Guo
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Youshan Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Lingyun Wu
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Chunkang Chang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
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Trajectory Shifts in Interdisciplinary Research of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-A Personal Perspective on Thymus and Skin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041844. [PMID: 33673338 PMCID: PMC7918350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying historical trajectories is a useful exercise in research, as it helps clarify important, perhaps even “paradigmatic”, shifts in thinking and moving forward in science. In this review, the development of research regarding the role of the transcription factor “aryl hydrocarbon receptor” (AHR) as a mediator of the toxicity of environmental pollution towards a link between the environment and a healthy adaptive response of the immune system and the skin is discussed. From this fascinating development, the opportunities for targeting the AHR in the therapy of many diseases become clear.
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38
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Meyer-Alert H, Wiseman S, Tang S, Hecker M, Hollert H. Identification of molecular toxicity pathways across early life-stages of zebrafish exposed to PCB126 using a whole transcriptomics approach. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111716. [PMID: 33396047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although withdrawn from the market in the 1980s, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are still found ubiquitously in the aquatic environment and pose a serious risk to biota due to their teratogenic potential. In fish, early life-stages are often considered most sensitive with regard to their exposure to PCBs and other dioxin-like compounds. However, little is known about the molecular drivers of the frequently observed teratogenic effects. Therefore, the aims of our study were to: (1) characterize the baseline transcriptome profiles at different embryonic life-stages in zebrafish (Danio rerio); and (2) to identify the molecular response to PCB exposure and life-stage specific-effects of the chemical on associated processes. For both objectives, embryos were sampled at 12, 48, and 96 h post-fertilization (hpf) and subjected to Illumina sequence-by-synthesis and RNAseq analysis. Results revealed that with increasing age more genes and related pathways were upregulated both in terms of number and magnitude. Yet, other transcripts followed an opposite pattern with greater transcript abundance at the earlier time points. Additionally, embryos were exposed to PCB126, a potent agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). ClueGO network analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes associated with basic cell metabolism, communication, and homeostasis as well as eye development, muscle formation, and skeletal formation. We selected eight genes involved in the affected pathways for an in-depth characterization of their regulation throughout normal embryogenesis and after exposure to PCB126 by quantification of transcript abundances every 12 h until 118 hpf. Among these, fgf7 and c9 stood out because of their strong upregulation by PCB126 exposure at 48 and 96 hpf, respectively. Cyp2aa12 was upregulated from 84 hpf on. Fabp10ab, myhz1.1, col8a1a, sulf1, and opn1sw1 displayed specific regulation depending on the developmental stage. Overall, we demonstrate that (1) the developmental transcriptome of zebrafish is highly dynamic, and (2) dysregulation of gene expression by exposure to PCB126 was significant and in several cases not directly connected to AHR-signaling. Hence, this study improves the understanding of linkages between molecular events and apical outcomes that are of regulatory relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Meyer-Alert
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Steve Wiseman
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences and Water Institute for Sustainable Environments (WISE), University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Song Tang
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada; National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu, China
| | - Markus Hecker
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Henner Hollert
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Abney KK, Galipeau J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mesenchymal stromal cells: new frontiers in AhR biology. FEBS J 2020; 288:3962-3972. [PMID: 33064873 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic cells that have been clinically explored as investigational cellular therapeutics for tissue injury regeneration and immune-mediated diseases. Their pharmaceutical properties arise from activation of endogenous receptors and transcription factors leading to a paracrine effect which mirror the biology of progenitors from which they arise. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as an environmental sensor for xenobiotics, but recent findings suggest it can modulate immunological functions. Both genetic and pharmacological investigations revealed that MSCs express AhR and that it plays roles in inflammation, immunomodulation, and mesodermal plasticity of endogenous MSCs. Further, AhR has been shown to interact with key signaling cascades associated with these conditions. Therefore, AhR has potential to be an attractive target in both endogenous and culture-adapted MSCs for novel therapeutics to treat inflammation and other age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher K Abney
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacques Galipeau
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA
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Ye M, Xu M, Fan S, Zhang M, Zhou B, Yang S, Wei W, Ji C, Ji J, Ji F. Protective effects of three propolis-abundant flavonoids against ethanol-induced injuries in HepG2 cells involving the inhibition of ERK1/2-AHR-CYP1A1 signaling pathways. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Bekins BA, Brennan JC, Tillitt DE, Cozzarelli IM, Illig JM, Martinović-Weigelt D. Biological Effects of Hydrocarbon Degradation Intermediates: Is the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Analytical Method Adequate for Risk Assessment? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11396-11404. [PMID: 32790354 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In crude oil contaminant plumes, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is mainly hydrocarbon degradation intermediates only partly quantified by the diesel range total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHd) method. To understand potential biological effects of degradation intermediates, we tested three fractions of DOC: (1) solid-phase extract (HLB); (2) dichloromethane (DCM-total) extract used in TPHd; and (3) DCM extract with hydrocarbons isolated by silica gel cleanup (DCM-SGC). Bioactivity of extracts from five wells spanning a range of DOC was tested using an in vitro multiplex reporter system that evaluates modulation of the activity of 46 transcription factors; extracts were evaluated at concentrations equivalent to the well water samples. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) transcription factors showed the greatest upregulation, with HLB exceeding DCM-total, and no upregulation in the hydrocarbon fraction (DCM-SGC). The HLB extracts were further studied with HepG2 chemically activated luciferase expression (CALUX) in vitro assays at nine concentrations ranging from 40 to 0.01 times the well water concentrations. Responses decreased with distance from the source but were still present at two wells without detectable hydrocarbons. Thus, our in vitro assay results indicate that risks associated with degradation intermediates of hydrocarbons in groundwater will be underestimated when protocols that remove these chemicals are employed.
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Koh DH, Hwang JH, Park JG, Song WS, Iwata H, Kim EY. The AHR1-ARNT1 dimerization pair is a major regulator of the response to natural ligands, but not to TCDD, in the chicken. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 201:110835. [PMID: 32563159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) occurs through the binding of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) or natural ligands. In this pathway, the AHR-ARNT (AHR nuclear translocator) heterodimer serves to regulate critical physiological functions, such as immune responses and the metabolism of xenobiotics. Birds have three AHR isoforms (AHR1, AHR1β, and AHR2) and two ARNT isoforms (ARNT1 and ARNT2). However, how AHR and ARNT dimerization pair in birds regulates the AHR signaling pathway in an isoform-specific manner remains unknown. In this study, we initially sought to clarify the major chicken AHR-ARNT (ckAHR-ckARNT) pairs by estimating the mRNA tissue distributions of various ckAHR and ckARNT isoforms. Our results indicated that the ckAHR1-ckARNT1 represented the major dimerization pair in most tissues except the brain. We then measured the transactivation potencies of various ckAHR-ckARNT pairs by natural ligands and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), in in vitro reporter gene assays using COS-7 and LMH cell lines. Our results from the in vitro assays demonstrated that the ckAHR1-ckARNT1 pair was strongly activated by the five natural ligands, namely, 6-formylindolo [3,2-b]carbazole, L-kynurenin, kynurenic acid, indoxyl-3-sulfate, and 1,3,7-tribromodibenzo-p-dioxin, but not by TCDD. In in silico ligand docking simulations with ckAHR1 homology models, all the natural ligands showed a interaction pattern that was distinct from that observed with anthropogenic DLCs, including TCDD. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the ckAHR1-ckARNT1 may be the most important dimerization pair in most tissues for regulating the physiological functions driven by natural ligands, although it was less reactive to TCDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hee Koh
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Hwang
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea
| | - Jae-Gon Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea
| | - Woo-Seon Song
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea
| | - Hisato Iwata
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea; Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-701, South Korea.
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Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with a novel set of triarylmethanes. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112777. [PMID: 32971427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a chemical sensor upregulating the transcription of responsive genes associated with endocrine homeostasis, oxidative balance and diverse metabolic, immunological and inflammatory processes, which have raised the pharmacological interest on its modulation. Herein, a novel set of 32 unsymmetrical triarylmethane (TAM) class of structures has been synthesized, characterized and their AhR transcriptional activity evaluated using a cell-based assay. Eight of the assayed TAM compounds (14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 28) exhibited AhR agonism but none of them showed antagonist effects. TAMs bearing benzotrifluoride, naphthol or heteroaromatic (indole, quinoline or thiophene) rings seem to be prone to AhR activation unlike phenyl substituted or benzotriazole derivatives. A molecular docking analysis with the AhR ligand binding domain (LBD) showed similarities in the binding mode and in the interactions of the most potent TAM identified 4-(pyridin-2-yl (thiophen-2-yl)methyl)phenol (22) compared to the endogenous AhR agonist 5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]carbazole-12-carbaldehyde (FICZ). Finally, in silico predictions of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties for the most potent agonistic compounds were performed and these exhibited acceptable druglikeness and good ADME profiles. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the AhR modulatory effects of unsymmetrical TAM class of compounds.
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Phelan-Dickinson SJ, Palmer BC, Chen Y, DeLouise LA. The UVR Filter Octinoxate Modulates Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling in Keratinocytes via Inhibition of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Toxicol Sci 2020; 177:188-201. [PMID: 32603427 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a consistent part of the environment that has both beneficial and harmful effects on human health. UVR filters in the form of commercial sunscreens have been widely used to reduce the negative health effects of UVR exposure. Despite their benefit, literature suggests that some filters can penetrate skin and have off-target biological effects. We noted that many organic filters are hydrophobic and contain aromatic rings, making them potential modulators of Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) signaling. We hypothesized that some filters may be able to act as agonists or antagonists on the AhR. Using a luciferase reporter cell line, we observed that the UVR filter octinoxate potentiated the ability of the known AhR ligand, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), to activate the AhR. Cotreatments of keratinocytes with octinoxate and FICZ lead to increased levels of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and P4501B1 (CYP1B1) mRNA transcripts, in an AhR-dependent fashion. Mechanistic studies revealed that octinoxate is an inhibitor of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, with IC50 values at approximately 1 µM and 586 nM, respectively. In vivo topical application of octinoxate and FICZ also elevated CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA levels in mouse skin. Our results show that octinoxate is able to indirectly modulate AhR signaling by inhibiting CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 enzyme function, which may have important downstream consequences for the metabolism of various compounds and skin integrity. It is important to continue studying the off-target effects of octinoxate and other UVR filters, because they are used on skin on a daily basis world-wide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian C Palmer
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14642
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627
| | - Lisa A DeLouise
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14642.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627.,Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642
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Oncology Therapeutics Targeting the Metabolism of Amino Acids. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081904. [PMID: 32824193 PMCID: PMC7463463 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival by supporting building block synthesis, producing reducing agents to mitigate oxidative stress, and generating immunosuppressive metabolites for immune evasion. Malignant cells rewire amino acid metabolism to maximize their access to nutrients. Amino acid transporter expression is upregulated to acquire amino acids from the extracellular environment. Under nutrient depleted conditions, macropinocytosis can be activated where proteins from the extracellular environment are engulfed and degraded into the constituent amino acids. The demand for non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) can be met through de novo synthesis pathways. Cancer cells can alter various signaling pathways to boost amino acid usage for the generation of nucleotides, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging molecules, and oncometabolites. The importance of amino acid metabolism in cancer proliferation makes it a potential target for therapeutic intervention, including via small molecules and antibodies. In this review, we will delineate the targets related to amino acid metabolism and promising therapeutic approaches.
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Assessing the receptor-mediated activity of PAHs using AhR-, ERα- and PPARγ- CALUX bioassays. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 145:111602. [PMID: 32738369 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a complex group of organic compounds, consisting of at least three fused aromatic rings, which are formed during combustion of organic matter. While some PAHs have been reported to have carcinogenic and/or mutagenic properties, another possible negative health impact is their endocrine disrupting potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine both the agonistic and antagonistic endocrine activity of 9 environmentally relevant PAHs using three different CALUX bioassays: The AhR-CALUX, The ERα-CALUX and PPARγ-CALUX. For the PPARγ-CALUX anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene and fluorene showed weak agonistic activity, whilst benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) was the only one exhibiting weak antagonistic activity. For the AhR-CALUX, chrysene was the only PAH that showed relatively strong agonist activity (except for B(a)P which was used as a standard). Pyrene, anthracene and fluoranthene showed weak AhR agonist activity. In the ERα-CALUX bioassay, fluoranthene had agonistic activity whilst B(a)P exhibited both agonistic and antagonistic activity (lowering E2 activity by 30%). Phenanthrene and anthracene had weak ERα agonist activities. These results indicate that certain PAHs have multiple modes of action and can activate/inhibit multiple receptor signaling pathways known to play critical roles in mediating endocrine disruption.
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Leclair HM, Tardif N, Paris A, Galibert MD, Corre S. Role of Flavonoids in the Prevention of AhR-Dependent Resistance During Treatment with BRAF Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145025. [PMID: 32708687 PMCID: PMC7404066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi and MEKi) are the standard of care for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in patients with BRAFV600E mutations, greatly improving progression-free survival. However, the acquisition of resistance to BRAFi and MEKi remains a difficult clinical challenge, with limited therapeutic options available for these patients. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of natural flavonoids as specific AhR (Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor) transcription factor antagonists in combination with BRAFi. Experimental Design: Experiments were performed in vitro and in vivo with various human melanoma cell lines (mutated for BRAFV600E) sensitive or resistant to BRAFi. We evaluated the role of various flavonoids on cell sensitivity to BRAFi and their ability to counteract resistance and the invasive phenotype of melanoma. Results: Flavonoids were highly effective in potentiating BRAFi therapy in human melanoma cell lines by increasing sensitivity and delaying the pool of resistant cells that arise during treatment. As AhR antagonists, flavonoids counteracted a gene expression program associated with the acquisition of resistance and phenotype switching that leads to an invasive and EMT-like phenotype. Conclusions: The use of natural flavonoids opens new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of patients with BRAF-resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse M. Leclair
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, University Rennes–UMR6290, F-35000 Rennes, France; (H.M.L.); (N.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Nina Tardif
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, University Rennes–UMR6290, F-35000 Rennes, France; (H.M.L.); (N.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Anaïs Paris
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, University Rennes–UMR6290, F-35000 Rennes, France; (H.M.L.); (N.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Marie-Dominique Galibert
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, University Rennes–UMR6290, F-35000 Rennes, France; (H.M.L.); (N.T.); (A.P.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Hospital University of Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Correspondence: (M.-D.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Sébastien Corre
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, University Rennes–UMR6290, F-35000 Rennes, France; (H.M.L.); (N.T.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.-D.G.); (S.C.)
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48
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Gao M, Zheng A, Chen L, Dang F, Liu X, Gao J. Benzo(a)pyrene affects proliferation with reference to metabolic genes and ROS/HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling in A549 and MCF-7 cancer cells. Drug Chem Toxicol 2020; 45:741-749. [PMID: 32506967 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2020.1774602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound, which has been implicated in cancer initiation and promotion. Although BaP is one of the most extensively studied pollutants, the underlying mechanisms through which BaP affects reactive oxygen species (ROS)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) signaling during lung or breast carcinogenesis are not yet fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of 0 (control), 1, 5, or 25 µM BaP exposure on A549 and MCF-7 cancer cells, by evaluating cell viability, cell cycle, and regulatory protein expression, metabolic gene expression, and ROS/HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling. Cell viability increased following exposure to 1 and 5 µM BaP in A549 cells but decreased following exposure to all concentrations of BaP in MCF-7 cells. BaP significantly increased the proportions of cells in S and G2/M phases, with concomitant reductions in the proportions of cells in G0/G1 phase, following 5 and 25 µM exposure, which was accompanied by the upregulation of the regulatory proteins cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)1, and CDK2. The subsequent upregulation of cytochrome p450 (CYP)1A1, CYP1B1, CYP3A4, epoxide hydrolase (EH), aldo-keto reductase (AKRC1) expression, and the attenuation of multi-drug resistance protein 4 (MRP4), glutathione-S-transferase (GST)1A1, and GST1B1 were also observed in both cell lines. Moreover, the induction of ROS and the modulation of HIF-1α and HO-1 were observed after BaP exposure. Taken together, these findings suggest that BaP affects proliferation with reference to metabolic genes and ROS/HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling in A549 and MCF-7 cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Gao
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.,Key laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Colleague of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Aqun Zheng
- School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Lan Chen
- Center of Shared Experimental Facilities, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fan Dang
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Key laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Colleague of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jianghong Gao
- Key laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Colleague of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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Establishment of a primary human hepatocyte spheroid system for evaluating metabolic toxicity using dacarbazine under conditions of CYP1A2 induction. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2020; 35:201-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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50
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Meyer-Alert H, Larsson M, Hollert H, Keiter SH. Benzo[a]pyrene and 2,3-benzofuran induce divergent temporal patterns of AhR-regulated responses in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 183:109505. [PMID: 31394372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biotests like the fish embryo toxicity test have become increasingly popular in risk assessment and evaluation of chemicals found in the environment. The large range of possible endpoints is a big advantage when researching on the mode of action of a certain substance. Here, we utilized the frequently used model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) to examine regulative mechanisms in the pathway of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in early development. We exposed embryos to representatives of two chemical classes known to elicit dioxin-like activity: benzo[a]pyrene for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2,3-benzofuran for polar O-substituted heterocycles as a member of heterocyclic compounds in general (N-, S-, O-heterocycles; NSO-hets). We measured gene transcription of the induced P450 cytochromes (cyp1), their formation of protein and biotransformation activity throughout the whole embryonic development until 5 days after fertilization. The results show a very specific time course of transcription depending on the chemical properties (e.g. halogenation, planarity, Kow), the physical decay and the biodegradability of the tested compound. However, although this temporal pattern was not precisely transferable onto the protein level, significant regulation in enzymatic activity over time could be detected. We conclude, that a careful choice of time and end point as well as consideration of the chemical properties of a substance are fairly important when planning, conducting and especially evaluating biotests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Meyer-Alert
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, ABBt - Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
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