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Congues F, Wang P, Lee J, Lin D, Shahid A, Xie J, Huang Y. Targeting aryl hydrocarbon receptor to prevent cancer in barrier organs. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116156. [PMID: 38518996 PMCID: PMC11144369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116156] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The skin, lung, and gut are important barrier organs that control how the body reacts to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, air pollutants, dietary components, and microorganisms. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis of barrier organs. AhR was initially discovered as a receptor for environmental chemical carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Activation of AhR pathways by PAHs leads to increased DNA damage and mutations which ultimately lead to carcinogenesis. Ongoing evidence reveals an ever-expanding role of AhR. Recently, AhR has been linked to immune systems by the interaction with the development of natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, as well as the production of immunosuppressive cytokines. However, the role of AhR in carcinogenesis is not as straightforward as we initially thought. Although AhR activation has been shown to promote carcinogenesis in some studies, others suggest that it may act as a tumor suppressor. In this review, we aim to explore the role of AhR in the development of cancer that originates from barrier organs. We also examined the preclinical efficacy data of AhR agonists and antagonists on carcinogenesis to determine whether AhR modulation can be a viable option for cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francoise Congues
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; Department of Stomatology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Joshua Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Daphne Lin
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Ayaz Shahid
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Jianming Xie
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
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2
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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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3
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Chaudhry KA, Jacobi JJ, Gillard BM, Karasik E, Martin JC, da Silva Fernandes T, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Attwood KM, Twist CJ, Smiraglia DJ, Long MD, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a tumor promoter in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells through suppression of differentiation. iScience 2023; 26:108303. [PMID: 38026169 PMCID: PMC10654598 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. MYCN amplification is detected in almost half of high-risk cases and is associated with poorly differentiated tumors, poor patient prognosis and poor response to therapy, including retinoids. We identify the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a transcription factor promoting the growth and suppressing the differentiation of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. A neuroblastoma specific AhR transcriptional signature reveals an inverse correlation of AhR activity with patients' outcome, suggesting AhR activity is critical for disease progression. AhR modulates chromatin structures, reducing accessibility to regions responsive to retinoic acid. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of AhR results in induction of differentiation. Importantly, AhR antagonism with clofazimine synergizes with retinoic acid in inducing differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we propose AhR as a target for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and that its antagonism, combined with current standard-of-care, may result in a more durable response in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanita A. Chaudhry
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Justine J. Jacobi
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bryan M. Gillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Karasik
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Martin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Foundation I.R.C.C.S. Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Milan, Italy
| | - Kristopher M. Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Clare J. Twist
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dominic J. Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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4
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Spencer RK, Jin JQ, Elhage KG, Davis MS, Liao W, Bhutani T. Management of Plaque Psoriasis in Adults: Clinical Utility of Tapinarof Cream. PSORIASIS (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2023; 13:59-69. [PMID: 37905185 PMCID: PMC10613418 DOI: 10.2147/ptt.s393997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Topical medications represent the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of psoriasis. However, topical steroids are mainly limited to short-term or intermittent use, and traditional non-steroidal topicals such as vitamin D analogues, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and topical retinoids are limited by low efficacy and poor local skin tolerability. Tapinarof (GSK2894512, DMVT-505) is a novel, topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, which was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Tapinarof acts to improve psoriasis through diminished IL-17A production by CD4+ T cells, increased barrier gene expression in keratinocytes, and reduced production of reactive oxygen species. Both short-term and long-term efficacy and safety have been evaluated in two Phase II and two Phase III (PSOARING 1 and 2) clinical trials in addition to a long-term extension study (PSOARING 3). Overall, the drug has shown beneficial effects in achieving clear skin in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, good local tolerability, and also a long duration of effect even after discontinuation of the drug. Therefore, this therapy provides a new, highly effective and safe non-steroidal option to add to our psoriasis treatment toolbox for both initial clearance and long-term maintenance of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley K Spencer
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joy Q Jin
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kareem G Elhage
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell S Davis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wilson Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tina Bhutani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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5
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Sondermann NC, Faßbender S, Hartung F, Hätälä AM, Rolfes KM, Vogel CFA, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) beyond the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115371. [PMID: 36528068 PMCID: PMC9884176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses toward exogenous and endogenous signals. Research from various biomedical disciplines has provided compelling evidence that the AHR is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and disorders, including autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases, endocrine disruption, premature aging and cancer. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic measures. However, the ligand-based targeting of AHR is considerably complicated by the fact that the receptor does not always follow the beaten track, i.e. the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Instead, AHR might team up with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to shape gene expression patterns and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions in a ligand-, cell- and micromilieu-dependent manner. Herein, we provide an overview about some of the most important non-canonical functions of AHR, including crosstalk with major signaling pathways involved in controlling cell fate and function, immune responses, adaptation to low oxygen levels and oxidative stress, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Further research on these diverse and exciting yet often ambivalent facets of AHR biology is urgently needed in order to exploit the full potential of AHR modulation for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Faßbender
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederick Hartung
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna M Hätälä
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Therachiyil L, Krishnankutty R, Ahmad F, Mateo JM, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Promotes Cell Growth, Stemness Like Characteristics, and Metastasis in Human Ovarian Cancer via Activation of PI3K/Akt, β-Catenin, and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6395. [PMID: 35742838 PMCID: PMC9223661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks first in cancer-related deaths out of all female reproductive malignancies with high-pitched tumor relapse and chemoresistance. Several reports correlate cancer occurrences with exposure to xenobiotics via induction of a protein receptor named aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). However, the effect of AhR on OC proliferation, expansion, and chemoresistance remains unrevealed. For this purpose, OC cells A2780 and A2780cis cells were treated with AhR activator, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and the effects were determined by Real-Time Cell Analyzer, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, immunoblotting and wound healing assay. Our results showed that activation of AhR by TCDD in A2780 cells induced the PI3K/AKT pathway followed by induction of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-xl, and MCL-1. In addition, a significant increase in stemness marker aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) was observed. This effect was also associated with an accumulation of β-catenin, a Wnt transcription factor. Moreover, we observed induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon AhR activation. In conclusion, the results from the current study confirm that AhR mediates OC progression, stemness characteristics, and metastatic potential via activation of PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and EMT. This study provides a better insight into the modulatory role of AhR that might help in developing novel therapeutic strategies for OC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Roopesh Krishnankutty
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Jericha M. Mateo
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.K.); (F.A.); (J.M.M.); (S.U.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Hesham M. Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
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7
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Vogeley C, Rolfes KM, Krutmann J, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Environmentally-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skin. Front Oncol 2022; 12:841721. [PMID: 35311158 PMCID: PMC8927079 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.841721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in humans and academia as well as public authorities expect a further increase of its incidence in the next years. The major risk factor for the development of SCC of the general population is the repeated and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Another important risk factor, in particular with regards to occupational settings, is the chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are formed during incomplete combustion of organic material and thus can be found in coal tar, creosote, bitumen and related working materials. Importantly, both exposomal factors unleash their carcinogenic potential, at least to some extent, by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The AHR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and key regulator in xenobiotic metabolism and immunity. The AHR is expressed in all cutaneous cell-types investigated so far and maintains skin integrity. We and others have reported that in response to a chronic exposure to environmental stressors, in particular UV radiation and PAHs, an activation of AHR and downstream signaling pathways critically contributes to the development of SCC. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about AHR's role in skin carcinogenesis and focus on its impact on defense mechanisms, such as DNA repair, apoptosis and anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, we discuss the possible consequences of a simultaneous exposure to different AHR-stimulating environmental factors for the development of cutaneous SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vogeley
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
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8
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Kim DJ, Iwasaki A, Chien AL, Kang S. UVB-mediated DNA damage induces matrix metalloproteinases to promote photoaging in an AhR- and SP1-dependent manner. JCI Insight 2022; 7:156344. [PMID: 35316219 PMCID: PMC9090247 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.156344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently thought that UVB radiation drives photoaging of the skin primarily by generating ROS. In this model, ROS purportedly activates activator protein-1 to upregulate MMPs 1, 3, and 9, which then degrade collagen and other extracellular matrix components to produce wrinkles. However, these MMPs are expressed at relatively low levels and correlate poorly with wrinkles, suggesting that another mechanism distinct from ROS and MMP1/3/9 may be more directly associated with photoaging. Here we show that MMP2, which degrades type IV collagen, is abundantly expressed in human skin, increases with age in sun-exposed skin, and correlates robustly with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor directly activated by UV-generated photometabolites. Through mechanistic studies with HaCaT human immortalized keratinocytes, we found that AhR, specificity protein 1 (SP1), and other pathways associated with DNA damage are required for the induction of both MMP2 and MMP11 (another MMP implicated in photoaging), but not MMP1/3. Last, we found that topical treatment with AhR antagonists vitamin B12 and folic acid ameliorated UVB-induced wrinkle formation in mice while dampening MMP2 expression in the skin. These results directly implicate DNA damage in photoaging and reveal AhR as a potential target for preventing wrinkles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Kim
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States of America
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States of America
| | - Anna L Chien
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Sewon Kang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
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9
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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: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [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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10
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Rolfes KM, Sondermann NC, Vogeley C, Dairou J, Gilardino V, Wirth R, Meller S, Homey B, Krutmann J, Lang D, Nakamura M, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Inhibition of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole metabolism sensitizes keratinocytes to UVA-induced apoptosis: Implications for vemurafenib-induced phototoxicity. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102110. [PMID: 34418602 PMCID: PMC8379514 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation of keratinocytes results in the formation of the tryptophan photoproduct 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) which is a high-affinity ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The resulting activation of AHR signaling induces the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 which subsequently metabolizes FICZ. Importantly, FICZ is also a nanomolar photosensitizer for UVA radiation. Here, we assess whether a manipulation of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis in human epidermal keratinocytes affects FICZ/UVA-induced phototoxic effects and whether this interaction might be mechanistically relevant for the phototoxicity of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Treatment of keratinocytes with an AHR agonist enhanced the CYP1A1-catalyzed metabolism of FICZ and thus prevented UVA photosensitization, whereas an inhibition of either AHR signaling or CYP1A1 enzyme activity resulted in an accumulation of FICZ and a sensitization to UVA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Exposure of keratinocytes to vemurafenib resulted in the same outcome. Specifically, CYP phenotyping revealed that vemurafenib is primarily metabolized by CYP1A1 and to a lesser degree by CYP2J2 and CYP3A4. Hence, vemurafenib sensitized keratinocytes to UVA-induced apoptosis by interfering with the CYP1A1-mediated oxidative metabolism of FICZ. In contrast to this pro-apoptotic effect, a treatment of UVB-damaged keratinocytes with vemurafenib suppressed apoptosis, a process which might contribute to the skin carcinogenicity of the drug. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for the photosensitizing properties of vemurafenib and deliver novel information about its metabolism which might be relevant regarding potential drug-drug interactions. The data emphasize that the AHR-CYP1A1 axis contributes to the pathogenesis of cutaneous adverse drug reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Vogeley
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julien Dairou
- Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, CNRS, UMR 8601, Université de Paris, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Viola Gilardino
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ragnhild Wirth
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Meller
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernhard Homey
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany; Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Lang
- Bayer AG, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research Center, 42096, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Motoki Nakamura
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Environmental and Geriatric Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
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11
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Ultraviolet Radiation and Chronic Inflammation-Molecules and Mechanisms Involved in Skin Carcinogenesis: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11040326. [PMID: 33917793 PMCID: PMC8068112 DOI: 10.3390/life11040326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of skin carcinogenesis is still not fully understood. Both experimental and epidemiological evidence indicate that chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of microenvironmental-agent-mediated skin cancers and contributes to its development. Maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment is a condition leading to tumor formation. Multiple studies focus on the molecular pathways activating tumorigenesis by inflammation and indicate several biomarkers and factors that can improve diagnostic and prognostic processes in oncology and dermatology. Reactive oxygen species produced by ultraviolet radiation, oxidizers, or metabolic processes can damage cells and initiate pro-inflammatory cascades. Considering the potential role of inflammation in cancer development and metastasis, the identification of early mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis is crucial for clinical practice and scientific research. Moreover, it could lead to the progress of advanced skin cancer therapies. We focus on a comprehensive analysis of available evidence and on understanding how chronic inflammation and ultraviolet radiation can result in skin carcinogenesis. We present the inflammatory environment as complex molecular networks triggering tumorigenesis and constituting therapeutic targets.
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12
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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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13
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Wang Z, Snyder M, Kenison JE, Yang K, Lara B, Lydell E, Bennani K, Novikov O, Federico A, Monti S, Sherr DH. How the AHR Became Important in Cancer: The Role of Chronically Active AHR in Cancer Aggression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010387. [PMID: 33396563 PMCID: PMC7795223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was studied for its role in environmental chemical toxicity i.e., as a quirk of nature and a mediator of unintended consequences of human pollution. During that period, it was not certain that the AHR had a “normal” physiological function. However, the ongoing accumulation of data from an ever-expanding variety of studies on cancer, cancer immunity, autoimmunity, organ development, and other areas bears witness to a staggering array of AHR-controlled normal and pathological activities. The objective of this review is to discuss how the AHR has gone from a likely contributor to genotoxic environmental carcinogen-induced cancer to a master regulator of malignant cell progression and cancer aggression. Particular focus is placed on the association between AHR activity and poor cancer outcomes, feedback loops that control chronic AHR activity in cancer, and the role of chronically active AHR in driving cancer cell invasion, migration, cancer stem cell characteristics, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Megan Snyder
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Jessica E. Kenison
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Kangkang Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Brian Lara
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (B.L.); (K.B.)
| | - Emily Lydell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Kawtar Bennani
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (B.L.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Anthony Federico
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Monti
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - David H. Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-358-1707
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14
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Brinkmann V, Schiavi A, Shaik A, Puchta DR, Ventura N. Dietary and environmental factors have opposite AhR-dependent effects on C. elegans healthspan. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:104-133. [PMID: 33349622 PMCID: PMC7835051 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic, dietary, and environmental factors concurrently shape the aging process. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was discovered as a dioxin-binding transcription factor involved in the metabolism of different environmental toxicants in vertebrates. Since then, the variety of pathophysiological processes regulated by the AhR has grown, ranging from immune response, metabolic pathways, and aging. Many modulators of AhR activity may impact on aging and age-associated pathologies, but, whether their effects are AhR-dependent has never been explored. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans, as an elective model organism for aging studies, we show for the first time that lack of CeAHR-1 can have opposite effects on health and lifespan in a context-dependent manner. Using known mammalian AhR modulators we found that, ahr-1 protects against environmental insults (benzo(a)pyrene and UVB light) and identified a new role for AhR-bacterial diet interaction in animal lifespan, stress resistance, and age-associated pathologies. We narrowed down the dietary factor to a bacterially extruded metabolite likely involved in tryptophan metabolism. This is the first study clearly establishing C. elegans as a good model organism to investigate evolutionarily conserved functions of AhR-modulators and -regulated processes, indicating it can be exploited to contribute to the discovery of novel information about AhR in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Brinkmann
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfonso Schiavi
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anjumara Shaik
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Rüdiger Puchta
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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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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16
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Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Environmentally Induced Skin Aging and Skin Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236005. [PMID: 31795255 PMCID: PMC6928879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is constantly exposed to a variety of environmental threats, including solar electromagnetic radiation, microbes, airborne particulate matter, and chemicals. Acute exposure to these environmental factors results in the activation of different signaling pathways that orchestrate adaptive stress responses to maintain cell and tissue homeostasis. Chronic exposure of skin to these factors, however, may lead to the accumulation of damaged macromolecules and loss of cell and tissue integrity, which, over time, may facilitate aging processes and the development of aging-related malignancies. One transcription factor that is expressed in all cutaneous cells and activated by various environmental stressors, including dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and ultraviolet radiation, is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). By regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, epidermal barrier function, melanogenesis, and immunity, a certain degree of AHR activity is critical to maintain skin integrity and to adapt to acute stress situations. In contrast, a chronic activation of cutaneous AHR signaling critically contributes to premature aging and the development of neoplasms by affecting metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, pigmentation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. This article provides an overview of the detrimental effects associated with sustained AHR activity in chronically stressed skin and pinpoints AHR as a promising target for chemoprevention.
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17
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Hidaka T, Fujimura T, Aiba S. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulates Carcinogenesis and Maintenance of Skin Cancers. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:194. [PMID: 31552251 PMCID: PMC6736988 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that responds to a wide range of chemicals, including chemical carcinogens such as dioxins and carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and induces a battery of genes associated with detoxification, proliferation, and immune regulation. Recent reports suggest that AHR plays an important role in carcinogenesis and maintenance of various types of skin cancers. Indeed, AHR is a susceptibility gene for squamous cell carcinoma and a prognostic factor for melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. In addition, the carcinogenic effects of ultraviolet (UV) and chemical carcinogens, both of which are major environmental carcinogenetic factors of skin, are at least partly mediated by AHR, which regulates UV-induced inflammation and apoptosis, the DNA repair system, and metabolic activation of chemical carcinogens. Furthermore, AHR modulates the efficacy of key therapeutic agents in melanoma. AHR activation induces the expression of resistance genes against the inhibitors of V600E mutated B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) in melanoma and upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in tumor-infiltrating T cells surrounding melanoma. Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of AHR in the biology of skin cancers. Development of therapeutic agents that modulate AHR activity is a promising strategy to advance chemoprevention and chemotherapy for skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Hidaka
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Taku Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Setsuya Aiba
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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18
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Pan ZY, Chen J, Wu Q, Hu TT, Lu L, Ju Q. Activation and overexpression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor contribute to cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: an immunohistochemical study. Diagn Pathol 2018; 13:59. [PMID: 30144817 PMCID: PMC6109267 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-018-0740-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro studies showed that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) contributed to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, but supporting clinical data are lacking. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression of AHR, CYP1A1, EGFR, and Ki-67 in 10 actinic keratosis (AK) cases, 10 Bowen disease (BD) cases, 20 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) cases and 20 normal skin samples. H-scores were used to assess the immunoreactivity. Results Weak positive AHR immunoreactivity was found in all normal skin samples, while strong positive AHR immunoreactivity was found in atypical squamous proliferation (AK, BD and cSCC) cases. H-scores and the rate of strong immunostaining of the atypical squamous proliferation cases were higher than those of normal controls (p < 0.01). Nuclear expression of AHR was higher in atypical squamous proliferation cases than in normal controls (p < 0.01). H-scores and the nuclear expression rate of AHR were significantly higher in AK and BD cases than cSCC cases (p < 0.01). CYP1A1 expression was low and showed no differences among the four studied groups (p > 0.05). The H-score of AHR was positively correlated with EGFR expression (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) in atypical squamous proliferation cases but was not correlated with CYP1A1 (r = − 0.17, p = 0.295) and Ki-67 (r = − 0.48, p = 0.222) expression. Conclusion AHR plays a vital role in cSCC pathogenesis. The overexpression and activation of AHR are involved in the early development of skin cancers. AHR expression correlates with EGFR expression and may influence cell proliferation. AHR is a valuable therapeutic target for skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Yan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Pujian Road 160, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Shanghai Skin Diseases Hospital, Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Pujian Road 160, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ting-Ting Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Pujian Road 160, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lingyi Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Ju
- Department of Dermatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Pujian Road 160, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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19
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The AHR represses nucleotide excision repair and apoptosis and contributes to UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:1823-1836. [PMID: 30013037 PMCID: PMC6180092 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces mutagenic DNA photoproducts, in particular cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), in epidermal keratinocytes (KC). To prevent skin carcinogenesis, these DNA photoproducts must be removed by nucleotide excision repair (NER) or apoptosis. Here we report that the UVB-sensitive transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) attenuates the clearance of UVB-induced CPDs in human HaCaT KC and skin from SKH-1 hairless mice. Subsequent RNA interference and inhibitor studies in KC revealed that AHR specifically suppresses global genome but not transcription-coupled NER. In further experiments, we found that the accelerated repair of CPDs in AHR-compromised KC depended on a modulation of the p27 tumor suppressor protein. Accordingly, p27 protein levels were increased in AHR-silenced KC and skin biopsies from AHR−/− mice, and critical for the improvement of NER. Besides increasing NER activity, AHR inhibition was accompanied by an enhanced occurrence of DNA double-strand breaks triggering KC apoptosis at later time points after irradiation. The UVB-activated AHR thus acts as a negative regulator of both early defense systems against carcinogenesis, NER and apoptosis, implying that it exhibits tumorigenic functions in UVB-exposed skin. In fact, AHR−/− mice developed 50% less UVB-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in a chronic photocarcinogenesis study than their AHR+/+ littermates. Taken together, our data reveal that AHR influences DNA damage-dependent responses in UVB-irradiated KC and critically contributes to skin photocarcinogenesis in mice.
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20
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Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) a possible target for the treatment of skin disease. Med Hypotheses 2018; 116:96-100. [PMID: 29857917 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor expressed in all skin cells type. It responds to exogenous and endogenous chemicals by inducing/repressing the expression of several genes with toxic or protective effects in a wide range of species and tissues. In healthy skin, AhR signalling contributes to keratinocytes differentiation, skin barrier function, skin pigmentation, and mediates oxidative stress. In the last years, some studies have shown that AhR seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of some skin diseases, even if the currently available data are contradictory. Indeed, while the blocking the AhR signalling activity could prevent or treat skin cancer, the AhR activation seems to be advantageous for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, for its multifaceted role in skin diseases, AhR seems to be an attractive therapeutic target. Indeed, recently some molecules have been identified for the prevention of skin cancer and the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
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21
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Krzywinska E, Zorawski MD, Taracha A, Kotarba G, Kikulska A, Mlacki M, Kwiatkowska K, Wilanowski T. Threonine 454 phosphorylation in Grainyhead-like 3 is important for its function and regulation by the p38 MAPK pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:1002-1011. [PMID: 29702134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian Grainyhead-like 3 (GRHL3) transcription factor is essential for epithelial development and plays a protective role against squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and of the oral cavity. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GRHL3, rs141193530 (p.P455A), is associated with non-melanoma skin cancer in human patients. Moreover, it is known that this SNP, as well as another variant, rs41268753 (p.T454M), are associated with nonsyndromic cleft palate and that rs41268753 negatively affects GRHL3 transcriptional activity. These SNPs are located in adjacent codons of the GRHL3 gene, and the occurrence of either SNP abolishes a putative threonine-proline phosphorylation motif at T454 in the encoded protein. The role of phosphorylation in regulating mammalian GRHL function is currently unknown. In this work we show that GRHL3 is phosphorylated at several residues in a human keratinocyte cell line, among them at T454. This site is essential for the full transcriptional activity of GRHL3. The T454 residue is phosphorylated by p38 MAPK in vitro and activation of p38 signaling in cells causes an increase in GRHL3 activity. The regulation of GRHL3 function by this pathway is dependent on T454, as the substitution of T454 with methionine inhibits the activation of GRHL3. Taken together, our results show that T454 is one of the phosphorylated residues in GRHL3 in keratinocytes and this residue is important for the upregulation of GRHL3 transcriptional activity by the p38 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Krzywinska
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Dominick Zorawski
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Taracha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kotarba
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kikulska
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Mlacki
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Membrane Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wilanowski
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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22
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Sordillo JE, Kraft P, Wu AC, Asgari MM. Quantifying the Polygenic Contribution to Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 138:1507-1510. [PMID: 29452120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors play an important role in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk. Genome-wide association studies have identified 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk. Yet no studies have attempted to quantify the contribution of heritability to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk by calculating the population attributable risk using a combination of all discovered genetic variants. Using an additive multi-locus linear logistic model, we determined the cumulative association of these 21 genetic regions to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma population attributable risk. We computed a multi-locus population attributable risk of 62%, suggesting that if the effects of all the risk alleles were removed from a population, the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk would drop by 62%. Using stratified analysis, we also examined the impact of sex on polygenic risk score, and found that men have an increased relative risk throughout the spectrum of the polygenic risk score. Quantifying the impact of genetic predisposition on the proportion of cancer cases can guide future research decisions and public health policy planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Sordillo
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Center, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Kraft
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ann Chen Wu
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Center, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maryam M Asgari
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Center, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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23
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Smith KJ, Murray IA, Boyer JA, Perdew GH. Allelic variants of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor differentially influence UVB-mediated skin inflammatory responses in SKH1 mice. Toxicology 2017; 394:27-34. [PMID: 29197551 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The mouse strain SKH1 is widely used in skin research due to its hairless phenotype and intact immune system. Due to the complex nature of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) function in the skin, the development of additional in vivo models is necessary to study its role in cutaneous homeostasis and pathology. Variants of the Ah allele, exist among different mouse strains. The Ahb-1 and Ahd alleles express high and low affinity ligand binding forms of the AHR, respectively. The outbred SKH1 mice express the Ahb-2 and/or Ahd alleles. SKH1 mice were crossed with C57BL/6J mice, which harbor the Ahb-1 allele, to create useful models for studying endogenous AHR function. SKH1 mice were bred to be homozygous for either the Ahb-1 or Ahd allele to establish strains for use in comparative studies of the effects of differential ligand-mediated activation through gene expression changes upon UVB exposure. Ahb-1 or Ahd allelic status was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. We tested the hypothesis that SKH1-Ahb-1 mice would display enhanced inflammatory signaling upon UVB exposure compared to SKH1-Ahd mice. Differential basal AHR activation between the strains was determined by assessing Cyp1a1 expression levels in the small intestine, liver, and skin of the SKH1-Ahb-1 mice compared to SKH1-Ahd mice. To determine whether SKH1-Ahb-1 mice are more prone to a pro-inflammatory phenotype in response to UVB, gene expression of inflammatory mediators was analyzed. SKH1-Ahb-1 mice expressed enhanced gene expression of the chemotactic factors Cxcl5, Cxcl1, and Ccl20, as well as the inflammatory signaling factors S100a9 and Ptgs2, compared to SKH1-Ahd mice in skin. These data supports a role for AHR activation and enhanced inflammatory signaling in skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Smith
- The Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Iain A Murray
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16802, United States; Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Jacob A Boyer
- Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16802, United States; Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16802, United States.
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24
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Hirano A, Goto M, Mitsui T, Hashimoto-Hachiya A, Tsuji G, Furue M. Antioxidant Artemisia princeps Extract Enhances the Expression of Filaggrin and Loricrin via the AHR/OVOL1 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091948. [PMID: 28892018 PMCID: PMC5618597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Japanese mugwort, Artemisia princeps (yomogi in Japanese), has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Skin care products containing Artemisia princeps extract (APE) are known to improve dry skin symptoms in atopic dermatitis. Atopic dry skin is associated with a marked reduction of skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR). Recently, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), and its downstream transcription factor OVO-like 1 (OVOL1), have been shown to regulate the gene expression of FLG and LOR. The focus of this paper is to evaluate the effects of APE on the AHR/OVOL1/FLG or LOR pathway since they have remained unknown to this point. We first demonstrated that non-cytotoxic concentrations of APE significantly upregulated antioxidant enzymes, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 and heme oxygenase 1, in human keratinocytes. Even at these low concentrations, APE induced nuclear translocation of AHR and significantly upregulated CYP1A1 (a specific target gene for AHR activation), FLG, and LOR expression. AHR knockdown downregulated OVOL1 expression. The APE-induced upregulation of FLG and LOR was canceled in keratinocytes with AHR or OVOL1 knockdown. In conclusion, antioxidant APE is a potent phytoextract that upregulates FLG and LOR expression in an AHR/OVOL1-dependent manner and this may underpin the barrier-repairing effects of APE in treating atopic dry skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Hirano
- Beauty Care R&D, Health & Beauty Company, Sunstar Group, Kamihamuro 5-30-1, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1044, Japan.
| | - Masashi Goto
- Beauty Care R&D, Health & Beauty Company, Sunstar Group, Kamihamuro 5-30-1, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1044, Japan.
| | - Tsukasa Mitsui
- Beauty Care R&D, Health & Beauty Company, Sunstar Group, Kamihamuro 5-30-1, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1044, Japan.
| | - Akiko Hashimoto-Hachiya
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Gaku Tsuji
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Masutaka Furue
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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25
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Yang ZG, Awan FM, Du WW, Zeng Y, Lyu J, Wu D, Gupta S, Yang W, Yang BB. The Circular RNA Interacts with STAT3, Increasing Its Nuclear Translocation and Wound Repair by Modulating Dnmt3a and miR-17 Function. Mol Ther 2017; 25:2062-2074. [PMID: 28676341 PMCID: PMC5589065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed or impaired wound healing is a major health issue worldwide, especially in patients with diabetes and atherosclerosis. Here we show that expression of the circular RNA circ-Amotl1 accelerated healing process in a mouse excisional wound model. Further studies showed that ectopic circ-Amotl1 increased protein levels of Stat3 and Dnmt3a. The increased Dnmt3a then methylated the promoter of microRNA miR-17, decreasing miR-17-5p levels but increasing fibronectin expression. We found that Stat3, similar to Dnmt3a and fibronectin, was a target of miR-17-5p. Decreased miR-17-5p levels would increase expression of fibronectin, Dnmt3a, and Stat3. All of these led to increased cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival, and wound repair. Furthermore, we found that circ-Amotl1 not only increased Stat3 expression but also facilitated Stat3 nuclear translocation. Thus, the ectopic expressed circ-Amotl1 and Stat3 were mainly translocated to nucleus. In the presence of circ-Amotl1, Stat3 interacted with Dnmt3a promoter with increased affinity, facilitating Dnmt3a transcription. Ectopic application of circ-Amotl1 accelerating wound repair may shed light on skin wound healing clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Guo Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Faryal Mehwish Awan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - William W Du
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yan Zeng
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Ren-Min Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China
| | - Juanjuan Lyu
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - De Wu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan, China
| | - Shaan Gupta
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Weining Yang
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Burton B Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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26
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Hsu SH, Wang LT, Chai CY, Wu CC, Hsi E, Chiou SS, Wang SN. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis by targeting intestine-specific homeobox expression. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2167-2177. [PMID: 28398627 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a major chemical sensor, is thought to play a role in various biological contexts, including cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We propose herein a novel mechanism through which AHR promotes tumorigenesis by targeting expression of the oncogene intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared to paired tumor-adjacent tissues and non-HCC tumors, HCCs exhibited an increased and hierarchical pattern of AHR expression. Patients exhibiting high AHR expression had a significantly shorter survival duration, compared to those with low and medium expression. Functionally, AHR was found to target the newly discovered proto-oncogene, ISX, resulting in the increased expression of this gene and its downstream targets, CCND1 and E2F1. Ablation of AHR or ISX in hepatoma cells suppressed cell growth, whereas overexpression promoted cell proliferation and led to enhanced tumorigenic activity in vitro and in vivo. These results provide evidence to support a critical role for the AHR/ISX axis in HCC tumorigenesis and suggest its potential utility as a new therapeutic and prognostic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Yin Chai
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Edward Hsi
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Nien Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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27
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Villa M, Gialitakis M, Tolaini M, Ahlfors H, Henderson CJ, Wolf CR, Brink R, Stockinger B. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is required for optimal B-cell proliferation. EMBO J 2017; 36:116-128. [PMID: 27875245 PMCID: PMC5210087 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor known for mediating xenobiotic toxicity, is expressed in B cells, which are known targets for environmental pollutants. However, it is unclear what the physiological functions of AhR in B cells are. We show here that expression of Ahr in B cells is up-regulated upon B-cell receptor (BCR) engagement and IL-4 treatment. Addition of a natural ligand of AhR, FICZ, induces AhR translocation to the nucleus and transcription of the AhR target gene Cyp1a1, showing that the AhR pathway is functional in B cells. AhR-deficient (Ahr-/-) B cells proliferate less than AhR-sufficient (Ahr+/+) cells following in vitro BCR stimulation and in vivo adoptive transfer models confirmed that Ahr-/- B cells are outcompeted by Ahr+/+ cells. Transcriptome comparison of AhR-deficient and AhR-sufficient B cells identified cyclin O (Ccno), a direct target of AhR, as a top candidate affected by AhR deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Villa
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London, UK
| | | | - Mauro Tolaini
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Helena Ahlfors
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Colin J Henderson
- Division of Cancer Research, University of Dundee Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - C Roland Wolf
- Division of Cancer Research, University of Dundee Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Robert Brink
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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28
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Abstract
The signaling pathway of the evolutionary old transcription factor AhR is inducible by a number of small molecular weight chemicals, including toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bacterial toxic pigments, and physiological compounds such as tryptophan derivatives or dietary indoles. AhR activation is of immunological importance, but at the same time mediates toxicity of environmental pollutants, such as immunosuppression by dioxins. Measuring AhR activity and identification of ligands is thus of great interest for a variety of research fields. In this chapter, I briefly introduce the AhR signaling pathway, its role in immunology, and the tools and assays needed to analyze AhR signaling. Both are also needed when therapeutic applications are envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Esser
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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29
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Yin J, Sheng B, Qiu Y, Yang K, Xiao W, Yang H. Role of AhR in positive regulation of cell proliferation and survival. Cell Prolif 2016; 49:554-60. [PMID: 27523394 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an important nuclear transcription factor that is best known for mediating toxic responses by adjusting numbers of metabolism-related enzymes, including CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Previous findings have revealed that, in addition to negatively regulating cell proliferation and survival, AhR may also positively regulate these pathways. Here, we review these findings and summarize distinct mechanisms by which AhR promotes cell proliferation and survival, including modulation of receptor expression, growth factor signalling and apoptosis, regulating the cell cycle and promoting cytokine expression. This review will aid better understanding the role of AhR in positive regulation of cell proliferation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuheng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Baifa Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Kunqiu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Weidong Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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30
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Genome-wide association study identifies novel susceptibility loci for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12048. [PMID: 27424798 PMCID: PMC4960294 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma represents the second most common cutaneous malignancy, affecting 7–11% of Caucasians in the United States. The genetic determinants of susceptibility to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma remain largely unknown. Here we report the results of a two-stage genome-wide association study of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, totalling 7,404 cases and 292,076 controls. Eleven loci reached genome-wide significance (P<5 × 10−8) including seven previously confirmed pigmentation-related loci: MC1R, ASIP, TYR, SLC45A2, OCA2, IRF4 and BNC2. We identify an additional four susceptibility loci: 11q23.3 CADM1, a metastasis suppressor gene involved in modifying tumour interaction with cell-mediated immunity; 2p22.3; 7p21.1 AHR, the dioxin receptor involved in anti-apoptotic pathways and melanoma progression; and 9q34.3 SEC16A, a putative oncogene with roles in secretion and cellular proliferation. These susceptibility loci provide deeper insight into the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. In this genome-wide association study, which includes over 7,000 cases, the authors identify 4 new susceptibility loci for this cancer and also provide independent replication of 9 previously reported susceptibility loci.
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31
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Mulero-Navarro S, Fernandez-Salguero PM. New Trends in Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:45. [PMID: 27243009 PMCID: PMC4863130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally considered as a critical intermediate in the toxic and carcinogenic response to dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TCDD), the Aryl hydrocarbon/Dioxin receptor (AhR) has proven to be also an important regulator of cell physiology and organ homeostasis. AhR has become an interesting and actual area of research mainly boosted by a significant number of recent studies analyzing its contribution to the proper functioning of the immune, hepatic, cardiovascular, vascular and reproductive systems. At the cellular level, AhR establishes functional interactions with signaling pathways governing cell proliferation and cell cycle, cell morphology, cell adhesion and cell migration. Two exciting new aspects in AhR biology deal with its implication in the control of cell differentiation and its more than likely involvement in cell pluripotency and stemness. In fact, it is possible that AhR could help modulate the balance between differentiation and pluripotency in normal and transformed tumor cells. At the molecular level, AhR regulates an increasingly large array of physiologically relevant genes either by traditional transcription-dependent mechanisms or by unforeseen processes involving genomic insulators, chromatin dynamics and the transcription of mobile genetic elements. AhR is also closely related to epigenetics, not only from the point of view of target gene expression but also with respect to its own regulation by promoter methylation. It is reasonable to consider that deregulation of these many functions could have a causative role, or at least contribute to, human disease. Consequently, several laboratories have proposed that AhR could be a valuable tool as diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target in human pathologies. An additional point of interest is the possibility of regulating AhR activity by endogenous non-toxic low weight molecules agonist or antagonist molecules that could be present or included in the diet. In this review, we will address these molecular and functional features of AhR biology within physiological and pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Mulero-Navarro
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura Badajoz, Spain
| | - Pedro M Fernandez-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura Badajoz, Spain
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32
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Potential anti-cancer effect of N-hydroxy-7-(2-naphthylthio) heptanomide (HNHA), a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, for the treatment of thyroid cancer. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:1003. [PMID: 26698299 PMCID: PMC4690331 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1982-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid cancer has been indicated to have a higher global proportion of DNA methylation and a decreased level of histone acetylation. Previous studies showed that histone gene reviser and epigenetic changes role significant parts in papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer tumorigenesis. The goal of this research was to study the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated actions of the dominant histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, N-hydroxy-7-(2-naphthylthio) hepatonomide (HNHA), in thyroid cancer and to explore its effects on apoptotic cell death pathways. Methods Experiments were achieved to conclude the effects of HNHA in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cell lines and xenografts, as compared with two other established HDAC inhibitors (SAHA; suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and TSA; trichostatin A). Results Apoptosis, which was induced by all HDAC inhibitors, was particularly significant in HNHA-treated cells, where noticeable B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) suppression and caspase activation were observed both in vitro and in vivo. HNHA increased Ca2+ release from the ER to the cytoplasm. ER stress-dependent apoptosis was induced by HNHA, suggesting that it induced caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death in PTC and ATC. PTC and ATC xenograft studies demonstrated that the antitumor and pro-apoptotic effects of HNHA were greater than those of the established HDAC inhibitors. These HNHA activities reflected its induction of caspase-dependent and ER stress-dependent apoptosis on thyroid cancer cells. Conclusions The present study indicated that HNHA possibly provide a new clinical approach to thyroid cancers, including ATC.
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33
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Giamboi-Miraglia A, Cianfarani F, Cattani C, Lena AM, Serra V, Campione E, Terrinoni A, Zambruno G, Odorisio T, Di Daniele N, Melino G, Candi E. The E3 ligase Itch knockout mice show hyperproliferation and wound healing alteration. FEBS J 2015; 282:4435-49. [PMID: 26361888 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch is absent in the non-agouti-lethal 18H or Itchy mice, which develop a severe immunological disease. Several of the known Itch substrates are relevant for epidermal development and homeostasis, such as p63, Notch, c-Jun and JunB. By analysing Itchy mice before the onset of immunological alterations, we investigated the contribution of Itch in skin development and wound healing. Itchy newborn mice manifested hyperplastic epidermis, which is not present in adulthood. Itch(-/-) cultured keratinocytes showed overexpression of proliferating markers and increased capability to proliferate, migrate and to repair a scratch injury in vitro. These data correlated with improved in vivo wound healing in Itchy mice, at late time points of the repair process when Itch is physiologically upregulated. Despite healing acceleration, epidermal remodelling was delayed in the scars of Itch(-/-) mice, as indicated by enhanced epidermal thickening, keratinocyte proliferation and keratin 6 expression, and retarded keratin 14 polarization to the basal layer. Itch(-/-) keratinocyte prolonged activation was not associated with increased immune cell persistence in the scars. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicate that Itch plays a role in epidermal homeostasis and remodelling and this feature does not seem to depend on immunological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Cianfarani
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cattani
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Lena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Department of Dermatology, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Terrinoni
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Odorisio
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Department of Systems Medicine, Hypertension and Nephrology Unit, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester, UK
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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34
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Esser C, Rannug A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor in barrier organ physiology, immunology, and toxicology. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:259-79. [PMID: 25657351 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an evolutionarily old transcription factor belonging to the Per-ARNT-Sim-basic helix-loop-helix protein family. AhR translocates into the nucleus upon binding of various small molecules into the pocket of its single-ligand binding domain. AhR binding to both xenobiotic and endogenous ligands results in highly cell-specific transcriptome changes and in changes in cellular functions. We discuss here the role of AhR for immune cells of the barrier organs: skin, gut, and lung. Both adaptive and innate immune cells require AhR signaling at critical checkpoints. We also discuss the current two prevailing views-namely, 1) AhR as a promiscuous sensor for small chemicals and 2) a role for AhR as a balancing factor for cell differentiation and function, which is controlled by levels of endogenous high-affinity ligands. AhR signaling is considered a promising drug and preventive target, particularly for cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, understanding its biology is of great importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Esser
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany (C.E.); and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (A.R.)
| | - Agneta Rannug
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany (C.E.); and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (A.R.)
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35
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Haarmann-Stemmann T, Esser C, Krutmann J. The Janus-Faced Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling in the Skin: Consequences for Prevention and Treatment of Skin Disorders. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:2572-2576. [PMID: 26269144 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor expressed in all skin cell types, which is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of skin diseases and thus represents a potential therapeutic target. Recent studies indicate that blocking AHR activation is desirable in some skin conditions, whereas the opposite, i.e., stimulation of AHR activation, is beneficial in another group of skin disorders. We here propose a model based on qualitative differences in canonical versus non-canonical AHR signaling to reconcile these seemingly contradictory observations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany; Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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36
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent disruption of contact inhibition in rat liver WB-F344 epithelial cells is linked with induction of survivin, but not with inhibition of apoptosis. Toxicology 2015; 333:37-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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37
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Bekki K, Vogel H, Li W, Ito T, Sweeney C, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Matsumura F, Vogel CFA. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates resistance to apoptosis induced in breast cancer cells. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 120:5-13. [PMID: 25987214 PMCID: PMC4438266 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is well known as a ligand binding transcription factor regulating various biological effects. Previously we have shown that long-term exposure to estrogen in breast cancer cells caused not only down regulation of estrogen receptor (ER) but also overexpression of AhR. The AhR interacts with several cell signaling pathways associated with induction of tyrosine kinases, cytokines and growth factors which may support the survival roles of AhR escaping from apoptosis elicited by a variety of apoptosis inducing agents in breast cancer. In this study, we studied the anti-apoptotic role of AhR in different breast cancer cells when apoptosis was induced by exposure to UV light and chemotherapeutic agents. Activation of AhR by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in AhR overexpressing breast cancer cells effectively suppressed the apoptotic response induced by UV-irradiation, doxorubicin, lapatinib and paclitaxel. The anti-apoptotic response of TCDD was uniformly antagonized by the treatment with 3'methoxy-4'nitroflavone (MNF), a specific antagonist of AhR. TCDD's survival action of apoptosis was accompanied with the induction of well-known inflammatory genes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and NF-κB subunit RelB. Moreover, TCDD increased the activity of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), which metabolizes tryptophan to kynurenine (Kyn) and mediates tumor immunity. Kyn also acts as an AhR ligand like TCDD, and kyn induced an anti-apoptotic response in breast cancer cells. Accordingly, our present study suggests that AhR plays a pivotal role in the development of breast cancer via the suppression of apoptosis, and provides an idea that the use of AhR antagonists with chemotherapeutic agents may effectively synergize the elimination of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Bekki
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Helena Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Wen Li
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Tomohiro Ito
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Cancer Research Center, Basic Science Research, Medical School, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fumio Matsumura
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Locke WJ, Zotenko E, Stirzaker C, Robinson MD, Hinshelwood RA, Stone A, Reddel RR, Huschtscha LI, Clark SJ. Coordinated epigenetic remodelling of transcriptional networks occurs during early breast carcinogenesis. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:52. [PMID: 25960784 PMCID: PMC4424562 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of the epigenome is a common event in malignancy; however, deciphering the earliest cancer-associated epigenetic events remains a challenge. Cancer epigenome studies to date have primarily utilised cancer cell lines or clinical samples, where it is difficult to identify the initial epigenetic lesions from those that occur over time. Here, we analysed the epigenome of human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) and a matched variant cell population (vHMEC) that have spontaneously escaped senescence and undergone partial carcinogenic transformation. Using this model of basal-like breast carcinogenesis, we provide striking new insights into the very first epigenetic changes that occur during the initial stages of malignancy. Results The first phase of malignancy is defined by coordinated changes in the epigenome. At the chromatin level, this is embodied in long-range epigenetic deregulation, which involves the concomitant but atypical acquisition or loss of active and repressive histone modifications across large regional blocks. Changes in DNA methylation also occurs in a highly coordinated manner. We identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the very earliest passages of vHMECs. Notably, we find that differential methylation targets loci regulated by key transcription factors including p53, AHR and E2F family members suggesting that epigenetic deregulation of transcription factor binding is a key event in breast carcinogenesis. Interestingly, DMRs identified in vHMEC are extensively methylated in breast cancer, with hypermethylation frequently encroaching into neighbouring regions. A subset of vHMEC DMRs exhibited a strong basal-like cancer specific hypermethylation. Conclusions Here, we generated epigenome-wide maps of the earliest phase of breast malignancy and show long-range epigenetic deregulation and coordinated DNA hypermethylation targets loci regulated by key transcription factors. These findings support a model where induction of breast cancer occurs through epigenetic disruption of transcription factor binding leading to deregulation of cancer-associated transcriptional networks. With their stability and very early occurrence, vHMECs hypermethylated loci could serve as excellent biomarkers for the initial detection of basal breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-015-0086-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warwick J Locke
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Elena Zotenko
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Clare Stirzaker
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, and Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich, CH-8057 Switzerland
| | - Rebecca A Hinshelwood
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; Sydney West Cancer Trials Centre, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Westmead Hospital, Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Andrew Stone
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Roger R Reddel
- Cancer Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, 2145 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia ; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Lily I Huschtscha
- Cancer Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, 2145 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Susan J Clark
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetic Division, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 5 deLacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
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Nakamura M, Morita A, Seité S, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Grether-Beck S, Krutmann J. Environment-induced lentigines: formation of solar lentigines beyond ultraviolet radiation. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:407-11. [PMID: 25777082 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is no doubt that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes to the generation of acquired lentigines in human skin, as indicated by the term solar lentigo. A growing number of recent epidemiological and mechanistic studies, however, strongly suggest that in addition to UVR, other environmental factors contribute to lentigines' formation as well. We therefore here introduce the term 'environment-induced lentigo' (EIL) to refer to acquired pigment spots of human skin. In this view point, we (i) summarize the existing evidence to support a role of environmental toxicants other than UVR in the pathogenesis of EILs, (ii) we argue that activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling by UVR and environmental toxicants is critically involved in triggering and sustaining a crosstalk between melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which then causes the development and persistence of EILs in human skin, and (iii) we discuss clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of EILs resulting from this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Nakamura
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Environmental and Geriatric Dermatology, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akimichi Morita
- Department of Environmental and Geriatric Dermatology, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | - Susanne Grether-Beck
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Liu G, Asanoma K, Takao T, Tsukimori K, Uchi H, Furue M, Kato K, Wake N. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor SNP -130 C/T associates with dioxins susceptibility through regulating its receptor activity and downstream effectors including interleukin 24. Toxicol Lett 2014; 232:384-92. [PMID: 25445724 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dioxins are persistent environmental pollutants that cause multiple adverse health effects in humans, mainly through binding to the ligand-activated transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Genetic variation in AhR may modulate the susceptibility to dioxins. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -130 C/T in the AhR promoter on dioxin-inducible gene transcription, and to investigate interleukin-24 (IL-24) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as proxies for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure. Using primary human chorionic stromal cells, we found that cells with the TT genotype showed higher AhR mRNA and protein levels than did those of the CC genotype. Microarray was carried out to analyze the gene expression profiles of cells (CC and TT genotype) after exposing the cells to TCDD. Several genes associated with human disorders were more highly up-regulated in cells of the TT genotype. Higher up-regulation of IL-24 and IL-1β mRNA in cells with the TT genotype was observed. Furthermore, blood samples from 64 Yusho patients who were accidentally exposed to high concentrations of dioxins were analyzed for the genotype, dioxins concentrations and serum levels of IL-24 and IL-1β. We observed higher serum IL-24 levels and lower serum IL-1β levels in Yusho patients with the TT genotype than in those with the CC genotype. AhR SNP -130 C/T affects serum IL-24 and IL-1β levels, independently of serum dioxins concentrations in Yusho patients. Our observations demonstrate that SNP -130 C/T modulates AhR expression and expression levels of IL-24 and IL-1β, and suggest an association of AhR SNP -130 C/T with the susceptibility to dioxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Liu
- Department of Genomic Epidemiology, Research Center for Environment and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Asanoma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoka Takao
- Department of Genomic Epidemiology, Research Center for Environment and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Tsukimori
- Department of Obstetrics, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxins, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masutaka Furue
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxins, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Norio Wake
- Department of Genomic Epidemiology, Research Center for Environment and Developmental Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Frauenstein K, Tigges J, Soshilov AA, Kado S, Raab N, Fritsche E, Haendeler J, Denison MS, Vogel CFA, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by the widely used Src family kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(dimethylethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2). Arch Toxicol 2014; 89:1329-36. [PMID: 25082669 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small molecular weight protein kinase inhibitors are frequently used tools to unravel the complex network of cellular signal transduction under certain physiological and pathophysiological conditions. 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(dimethylethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) is a widely used compound to block the activity of Src family kinases, the major group of non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which trigger multiple cellular signaling pathways. Here, we show that PP2 induces cytochrome P450 1A1 mRNA expression and enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner in human HepG2 hepatoma cells and NCTC 2544 keratinocytes. By means of reporter gene assays, RNA interference, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and competitive ligand-binding assay, we further demonstrate that PP2 is a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), an intracellular chemosensor that regulates xenobiotic metabolism, environmental stress responses, and immune functions. Upon ligand-dependent activation, the AHR translocates into the nucleus and dimerizes with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) to modulate the expression of its target genes. In addition, AHR activation is frequently accompanied by an activation of the tyrosine kinase c-Src, resulting in stimulation of cell-surface receptors and downstream signal transduction. As PP2 activates the AHR/ARNT pathway by simultaneously blocking c-Src-mediated alternative signaling routes, this compound may be a suitable tool to study the contribution of the different AHR-dependent signaling pathways to biological processes and adverse outcomes. On the other hand, the unexpected property of PP2 to stimulate AHR/ARNT signaling should be carefully taken into account in future investigations in order to avoid a false interpretation of experimental results and molecular interrelations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Frauenstein
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Role of AhR/ARNT system in skin homeostasis. Arch Dermatol Res 2014; 306:769-79. [PMID: 24966027 PMCID: PMC4220966 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-014-1481-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that binds to structurally diverse synthetic and naturally occurring chemicals including dioxins, flavonoids, tryptophan photoproducts, and Malassezia metabolites. Upon binding to its ligands, cytoplasmic AhR translocates to the nucleus, heterodimerizes with aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), and mediates numerous biological and toxicological effects by inducing the transcription of various AhR-responsive genes. AhR ligation controls oxidation/antioxidation, epidermal barrier function, photo-induced response, melanogenesis, and innate immunity. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of skin homeostasis mediated by the AhR/ARNT system.
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