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Xu X, Closson J, Marcelino LP, Favaro DC, Silvestrini ML, Solazzo R, Chong LT, Gardner KH. Identification of Small Molecule Ligand Binding Sites On and In the ARNT PAS-B Domain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.03.565595. [PMID: 37961463 PMCID: PMC10635134 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors are generally challenging to target with small molecule inhibitors due to their structural plasticity and lack of catalytic sites. Notable exceptions include several naturally ligand-regulated transcription factors, including our prior work with the heterodimeric HIF-2 transcription factor which showed that small molecule binding within an internal pocket of the HIF-2α PAS-B domain can disrupt its interactions with its dimerization partner, ARNT. Here, we explore the feasibility of similarly targeting small molecules to the analogous ARNT PAS-B domain itself, potentially opening a promising route to simultaneously modulate several ARNT-mediated signaling pathways. Using solution NMR screening of an in-house fragment library, we previously identified several compounds that bind ARNT PAS-B and, in certain cases, antagonize ARNT association with the TACC3 transcriptional coactivator. However, these ligands have only modest binding affinities, complicating characterization of their binding sites. We address this challenge by combining NMR, MD simulations, and ensemble docking to identify ligand-binding 'hotspots' on and within the ARNT PAS-B domain. Our data indicate that the two ARNT/TACC3 inhibitors, KG-548 and KG-655, bind to a β-sheet surface implicated in both HIF-2 dimerization and coactivator recruitment. Furthermore, while KG-548 binds exclusively to the β-sheet surface, KG-655 can additionally bind within a water-accessible internal cavity in ARNT PAS-B. Finally, KG-279, while not a coactivator inhibitor, exemplifies ligands that preferentially bind only to the internal cavity. All three ligands promoted ARNT PAS-B homodimerization, albeit to varying degrees. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive overview of ARNT PAS-B ligand-binding sites and may guide the development of more potent coactivator inhibitors for cellular and functional studies.
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Helmbrecht N, Lackner M, Maricic T, Pääbo S. The modern human aryl hydrocarbon receptor is more active when ancestralized by genome editing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402159121. [PMID: 38739836 PMCID: PMC11145187 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402159121] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that has many functions in mammals. Its best known function is that it binds aromatic hydrocarbons and induces the expression of cytochrome P450 genes, which encode enzymes that metabolize aromatic hydrocarbons and other substrates. All present-day humans carry an amino acid substitution at position 381 in the AHR that occurred after the divergence of modern humans from Neandertals and Denisovans. Previous studies that have expressed the ancestral and modern versions of AHR from expression vectors have yielded conflicting results with regard to their activities. Here, we use genome editing to modify the endogenous AHR gene so that it encodes to the ancestral, Neandertal-like AHR protein in human cells. In the absence of exogenous ligands, the expression of AHR target genes is higher in cells expressing the ancestral AHR than in cells expressing the modern AHR, and similar to the expression in chimpanzee cells. Furthermore, the modern human AHR needs higher doses of three ligands than the ancestral AHR to induce the expression of target genes. Thus, the ability of AHR to induce the expression of many of its target genes is reduced in modern humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Helmbrecht
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, LeipzigD-04103, Germany
| | - Martin Lackner
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, LeipzigD-04103, Germany
| | - Tomislav Maricic
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, LeipzigD-04103, Germany
| | - Svante Pääbo
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, LeipzigD-04103, Germany
- Human Evolutionary Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa904-0495, Japan
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3
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Choi JI, Song WS, Koh DH, Kim EY. In Silico and In Vitro multiple analysis approach for screening naturally derived ligands for red seabream aryl hydrocarbon receptor. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116262. [PMID: 38569320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a key ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates the toxic effects of compounds such as dioxin. Recently, natural ligands of AHR, including flavonoids, have been attracting physiological and toxicological attention as they have been reported to regulate major biological functions such as inflammation and anti-cancer by reducing the toxic effects of dioxin. Additionally, it is known that natural AHR ligands can accumulate in wildlife tissues, such as fish. However, studies in fish have investigated only a few ligands in experimental fish species, and the AHR response of marine fish to natural AHR ligands of various other structures has not been thoroughly investigated. To explore various natural AHR ligands in marine fish, which make up the most fish, it is necessary to develop new screening methods that consider the specificity of marine fish. In this study, we investigated the response of natural ligands by constructing in vitro and in silico experimental systems using red seabream as a model species. We attempted to develop a new predictive model to screen potential ligands that can induce transcriptional activation of red seabream AHR1 and AHR2 (rsAHR1 and rsAHR2). This was achieved through multiple analyses using in silico/ in vitro data and Tox21 big data. First, we constructed an in vitro reporter gene assay of rsAHR1 and rsAHR2 and measured the response of 10 representatives natural AHR ligands in COS-7 cells. The results showed that FICZ, Genistein, Daidzein, I3C, DIM, Quercetin and Baicalin induced the transcriptional activity of rsAHR1 and rsAHR2, while Resveratrol and Retinol did not induce the transcriptional activity of rsAHR isoforms. Comparing the EC50 values of the respective compounds in rsAHR1 and rsAHR2, FICZ, Genistein, and Daidzein exhibited similar isoform responses, but I3C, Baicalin, DIM and Quercetin show the isoform-specific responses. These results suggest that natural AHR ligands have specific profiling and transcriptional activity for each rsAHR isoform. In silico analysis, we constructed homology models of the ligand binding domains (LBDs) of rsAHR1 and rsAHR2 and calculated the docking energies (U_dock values) of natural ligands with measured in vitro transcriptional activity and dioxins reported in previous studies. The results showed a significant correlation (R2=0.74(rsAHR1), R2=0.83(rsAHR2)) between docking energy and transcriptional activity (EC50) value, suggesting that the homology model of rsAHR1 and rsAHR2 can be utilized to predict the potential transactivation of ligands. To broaden the applicability of the homology model to diverse compound structures and validate the correlation with transcriptional activity, we conducted additional analyses utilizing Tox21 big data. We calculated the docking energy values for 1860 chemicals in both rsAHR1 and rsAHR2, which were tested for transcriptional activation in Tox21 data against human AHR. By comparing the U_dock energy values between 775 active compounds and 1085 inactive compounds, a significant difference (p<0.001) was observed between the U_dock energy values in the two groups, suggesting that the U_dock value can be applied to distinguish the activation of compounds. Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation (R2=0.45) between the AC50 of Tox21 database and U_dock values of human AHR model. In conclusion, we calculated equations to translate the results of an in silico prediction model for ligand screening of rsAHR1 and rsAHR2 transactivation. This ligand screening model can be a powerful tool to quantitatively estimate AHR transactivation of major marine agents to which red seabream may be exposed. The study introduces a new screening approach for potential natural AHR ligands in marine fish, based on homology model-docking energy values of rsAHR1 and rsAHR2, with implications for future agonist development and applications bridging in silico and in vitro data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-In Choi
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Seon Song
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Koh
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Shen AL, Moran SM, Glover EN, Lin BC, Carney PR, Bradfield CA. Familial isolated pituitary adenoma is independent of Ahr genotype in a novel mouse model of disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28231. [PMID: 38590848 PMCID: PMC10999881 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) has been linked to germline heterozygous mutations in the gene encoding the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP, also known as ARA9, XAP2, FKBP16, or FKBP37). To investigate the hypothesis that AIP is a pituitary adenoma tumor suppressor via its role in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling, we have compared the pituitary phenotype of our global null Aip (AipΔC) mouse model with that of a conditional null Aip model (Aipfx/fx) carrying the same deletion, as well as pituitary phenotypes of Ahr global null and Arnt conditional null animals. We demonstrate that germline AipΔC heterozygosity results in a high incidence of pituitary tumors in both sexes, primarily somatotropinomas, at 16 months of age. Biallelic deletion of Aip in Pit-1 cells (Aipfx/fx:rGHRHRcre) increased pituitary tumor incidence and also accelerated tumor progression, supporting a loss-of-function/loss-of-heterozygosity model of tumorigenesis. Tumor development exhibited sexual dimorphism in wildtype and Aipfx/fx:rGHRHRcre animals. Despite the role of AHR as a tumor suppressor in other cancers, the observation that animals lacking AHR in all tissues, or ARNT in Pit-1 cells, do not develop somatotropinomas argues against the hypothesis that pituitary tumorigenesis in AIP-associated FIPA is related to decreased activities of either the Ahr or Arnt gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Shen
- The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
| | - Susan M. Moran
- The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
| | - Edward N. Glover
- The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
| | - Bernice C. Lin
- The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
- Current address, Lin-Zhi International, 2945, Oakmead Village Court, Santa Clara, CA, 95051, United States
| | - Patrick R. Carney
- The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
| | - Christopher A. Bradfield
- The McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
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Narita Y, Tamura A, Hatakeyama S, Uemura S, Miura A, Haga A, Tsuji N, Fujie N, Izumi Y, Sugawara T, Otaka M, Okamoto K, Lu P, Okuda S, Suzuki M, Nagata K, Shimizu H, Itoh H. The components of the AhR-molecular chaperone complex differ depending on whether the ligands are toxic or non-toxic. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38605276 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14871] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) forms a complex with the HSP90-XAP2-p23 molecular chaperone when the cells are exposed to toxic compounds. Recently, 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) was reported to be an AhR ligand. Here, we investigated the components of the molecular chaperone complex when DHNA binds to AhR. Proteins eluted from the 3-Methylcolanthrene-affinity column were AhR-HSP90-XAP2-p23 complex. The AhR-molecular chaperone complex did not contain p23 in the eluents from the DHNA-affinity column. In 3-MC-treated cells, AhR formed a complex with HSP90-XAP2-p23 and nuclear translocation occurred within 30 min, while in DHNA-treated cells, AhR formed a complex with AhR-HSP90-XAP2, and translocation was slow from 60 min. Thus, the AhR activation mechanism may differ when DHNA is the ligand compared to toxic ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiko Narita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Arisa Tamura
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Shiori Hatakeyama
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Seiya Uemura
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Atsuko Miura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center, Japan
| | - Asami Haga
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Noriko Tsuji
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Nozomi Fujie
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Yukina Izumi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Taku Sugawara
- Department of Life Science, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center, Japan
| | - Michiro Otaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Okamoto
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peng Lu
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Okuda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Suzuki
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Nagata
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hideaki Itoh
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Veroni C, Olla S, Brignone MS, Siguri C, Formato A, Marra M, Manzoli R, Macario MC, Ambrosini E, Moro E, Agresti C. The Antioxidant Drug Edaravone Binds to the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and Promotes the Downstream Signaling Pathway Activation. Biomolecules 2024; 14:443. [PMID: 38672460 PMCID: PMC11047889 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040443] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A considerable effort has been spent in the past decades to develop targeted therapies for the treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Among drugs with free radical scavenging activity and oligodendrocyte protecting effects, Edaravone (Radicava) has recently received increasing attention because of being able to enhance remyelination in experimental in vitro and in vivo disease models. While its beneficial effects are greatly supported by experimental evidence, there is a current paucity of information regarding its mechanism of action and main molecular targets. By using high-throughput RNA-seq and biochemical experiments in murine oligodendrocyte progenitors and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, we here provide evidence that Edaravone triggers the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling by eliciting AHR nuclear translocation and the transcriptional-mediated induction of key cytoprotective gene expression. We also show that an Edaravone-dependent AHR signaling transduction occurs in the zebrafish experimental model, associated with a downstream upregulation of the NRF2 signaling pathway. We finally demonstrate that its rapid cytoprotective and antioxidant actions boost increased expression of the promyelinating Olig2 protein as well as of an Olig2:GFP transgene in vivo. We therefore shed light on a still undescribed potential mechanism of action for this drug, providing further support to its therapeutic potential in the context of debilitating demyelinating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Veroni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.V.); (M.S.B.); (E.A.)
| | - Stefania Olla
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), The National Research Council (CNR), Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.O.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.V.); (M.S.B.); (E.A.)
| | - Chiara Siguri
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), The National Research Council (CNR), Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.O.); (C.S.)
| | - Alessia Formato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Campus Adriano Buzzati Traverso, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy;
| | - Manuela Marra
- Core Facilities Technical-Scientific Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosa Manzoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Maria Carla Macario
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.M.)
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.V.); (M.S.B.); (E.A.)
| | - Enrico Moro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.M.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Cristina Agresti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.V.); (M.S.B.); (E.A.)
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7
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Mosa FES, Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, Barakat K, El-Kadi AOS. Identifying novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulators from clinically approved drugs: In silico screening and In vitro validation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109958. [PMID: 38499054 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functions as a vital ligand-activated transcription factor, governing both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Notably, it responds to xenobiotics, leading to a diverse array of outcomes. In the context of drug repurposing, we present here a combined approach of utilizing structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. This approach aims to identify potential AhR modulators from Drugbank repository of clinically approved drugs. By focusing on the AhR PAS-B binding pocket, our screening protocol included binding affinities calculations, complex stability, and interactions within the binding site as a filtering method. Comprehensive evaluations of all DrugBank small molecule database revealed ten promising hits. This included flibanserin, butoconazole, luliconazole, naftifine, triclabendazole, rosiglitazone, empagliflozin, benperidol, nebivolol, and zucapsaicin. Each exhibiting diverse binding behaviors and remarkably very low binding free energy. Experimental studies further illuminated their modulation of AhR signaling, and showing that they are consistently reducing AhR activity, except for luliconazole, which intriguingly enhances the AhR activity. This work demonstrates the possibility of using computational modelling as a quick screening tool to predict new AhR modulators from extensive drug libraries. Importantly, these findings hold immense therapeutic potential for addressing AhR-associated disorders. Consequently, it offers compelling prospects for innovative interventions through drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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8
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Wang Y, Song J, He J, Zhang X, Lv Z, Dong F, Deng J. hsa_circ_0008500 regulates Benzo(a)pyrene-loaded gypsum-induced inflammation and apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells via activation of Ahr/C-myc pathways. Toxicol Lett 2024; 394:46-56. [PMID: 38408587 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major organic pollutants attached to fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. They induce lung inflammation, asthma, and other lung diseases. Exploring the toxic mechanism of PAHs on lung epithelial cells may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases induced by PAHs. In our study, 16 human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells were exposed to different concentrations of gypsum dust, Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and BaP-loaded gypsum dust for 24 hours. Gypsum dust loaded with BaP significantly increased the cytotoxicity of 16HBE cells, enhanced the production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), induced cell apoptosis, and upregulate the expression of hsa_circ_0008500 (circ_0008500). The mechanism was studied with a BaP-loaded gypsum dust concentration of 1.25 mg/mL. StemRegenin 1 (SR1) pretreat significantly reduced the release of LDH, IL-6, and IL-8 and decreased the protein levels of Ahr、XAP2, C-myc, and p53. Second-generation sequencing indicated that circ_0008500 was highly expressed after 16HBE induced by BaP-loaded gypsum dust. Functional experiments confirmed that circ_0008500 promoted the inflammation and apoptosis of 16HBE cells induced by BaP-loaded gypsum dust by regulating the Ahr signaling pathway. Our study showed that fine particulate matter adsorption of BaP significantly increased the toxic effect of BaP on cells. By activating the Ahr/C-myc pathway, circ_0008500 promoted inflammation and apoptosis of 16HBE cells induced by BaP-loaded gypsum dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical University, Nanchong 637000, China.
| | - Juan Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Santai People's Hospital, Mianyang 621100, China
| | - Jiarui He
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Mianyang404 Hospital, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Zhenzhen Lv
- School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Faqin Dong
- School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Jianjun Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical University, Nanchong 637000, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Mianyang404 Hospital, Mianyang 621010, China.
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9
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Kazzaz SA, Tawil J, Harhaj EW. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein in cancer and immunity: Beyond a chaperone protein for the dioxin receptor. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107157. [PMID: 38479600 PMCID: PMC11002312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-interacting protein (AIP) is a ubiquitously expressed, immunophilin-like protein best known for its role as a co-chaperone in the AhR-AIP-Hsp90 cytoplasmic complex. In addition to regulating AhR and the xenobiotic response, AIP has been linked to various aspects of cancer and immunity that will be the focus of this review article. Loss-of-function AIP mutations are associated with pituitary adenomas, suggesting that AIP acts as a tumor suppressor in the pituitary gland. However, the tumor suppressor mechanisms of AIP remain unclear, and AIP can exert oncogenic functions in other tissues. While global deletion of AIP in mice yields embryonically lethal cardiac malformations, heterozygote, and tissue-specific conditional AIP knockout mice have revealed various physiological roles of AIP. Emerging studies have established the regulatory roles of AIP in both innate and adaptive immunity. AIP interacts with and inhibits the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor IRF7 to inhibit type I interferon production. AIP also interacts with the CARMA1-BCL10-MALT1 complex in T cells to enhance IKK/NF-κB signaling and T cell activation. Taken together, AIP has diverse functions that vary considerably depending on the client protein, the tissue, and the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Kazzaz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Tawil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward W Harhaj
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
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10
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Abduh MS, Alwassil OI, Aldaqal SM, Alfwuaires MA, Farhan M, Hanieh H. A pyrazolopyridine as a novel AhR signaling activator with anti-breast cancer properties in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116079. [PMID: 38402910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the main causes of malignancy-related deaths globally and has a significant impact on women's quality of life. Despite significant therapeutic advances, there is a medical need for targeted therapies in breast cancer. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor mediates responses to environment stimuli, is emerging as a unique pleiotropic target. Herein, a combined molecular simulation and in vitro investigations identified 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (3FPP) as a novel AhR ligand in T47D and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Its agonistic effects induced formation of the AhR-AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) heterodimer and prompted its binding to the penta-nucleotide sequence, called xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE) motif. Moreover, 3FPP augmented the promoter-driven luciferase activities and expression of AhR-regulated genes encoding cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and microRNA (miR)-212/132 cluster. It reduced cell viability, migration, and invasion of both cell lines through AhR signaling. These anticancer properties were concomitant with reduced levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), SRY-related HMG-box4 (SOX4), snail family zinc finger 2 (SNAI2), and cadherin 2 (CDH2). In vivo, 3FPP suppressed tumor growth and activated AhR signaling in an orthotopic mouse model. In conclusion, our results introduce the fused pyrazolopyridine 3FPP as a novel AhR agonist with AhR-specific anti-breast cancer potential in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa S Abduh
- Immune Responses in Different Diseases Research Group, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Osama I Alwassil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Saleh M Aldaqal
- Immune Responses in Different Diseases Research Group, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Manal A Alfwuaires
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan; Drug Development Department, UniTechPharma, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Hamza Hanieh
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan; Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
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11
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Kim K. The Role of Endocrine Disruption Chemical-Regulated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3818. [PMID: 38612627 PMCID: PMC11012155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for regulating fundamental cellular and molecular processes, such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cancer development. Notably, a spectrum of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act as agonists or antagonists of AHR, leading to the dysregulation of pivotal cellular and molecular processes and endocrine system disruption. Accumulating evidence suggests a correlation between EDC exposure and the onset of diverse pancreatic diseases, including diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Despite this association, the mechanistic role of AHR as a linchpin molecule in EDC exposure-related pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer remains unexplored. This review comprehensively examines the involvement of AHR in EDC exposure-mediated regulation of pancreatic pathogenesis, emphasizing AHR as a potential therapeutic target for the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72225, USA
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12
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Mosa FES, AlRawashdeh S, El-Kadi AOS, Barakat K. Investigating the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist/Antagonist Conformational Switch Using Well-Tempered Metadynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2021-2034. [PMID: 38457778 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates biological signals to control various complicated cellular functions. It plays a crucial role in environmental sensing and xenobiotic metabolism. Dysregulation of AhR is associated with health concerns, including cancer and immune system disorders. Upon binding to AhR ligands, AhR, along with heat shock protein 90 and other partner proteins undergoes a transformation in the nucleus, heterodimerizes with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), and mediates numerous biological functions by inducing the transcription of various AhR-responsive genes. In this manuscript, the 3-dimensional structure of the entire human AhR is obtained using an artificial intelligence tool, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study different structural conformations. These conformations provide insights into the protein's function and movement in response to ligand binding. Understanding the dynamic behavior of AhR will contribute to the development of targeted therapies for associated health conditions. Therefore, we employ well-tempered metadynamics (WTE-metaD) simulations to explore the conformational landscape of AhR and obtain a better understanding of its functional behavior. Our computational results are in excellent agreement with previous experimental findings, revealing the closed and open states of helix α1 in the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH domain) in the cytoplasm at the atomic level. We also predict the inactive form of AhR and identify Arginine 42 as a key residue that regulates switching between closed and open conformations in existing AhR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sara AlRawashdeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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13
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Tomkiewicz C, Coumoul X, Nioche P, Barouki R, Blanc EB. Costs of molecular adaptation to the chemical exposome: a focus on xenobiotic metabolism pathways. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220510. [PMID: 38310928 PMCID: PMC10838638 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Organisms adapt to their environment through different pathways. In vertebrates, xenobiotics are detected, metabolized and eliminated through the inducible xenobiotic-metabolizing pathways (XMP) which can also generate reactive toxic intermediates. In this review, we will discuss the impacts of the chemical exposome complexity on the balance between detoxication and side effects. There is a large discrepancy between the limited number of proteins involved in these pathways (few dozens) and the diversity and complexity of the chemical exposome (tens of thousands of chemicals). Several XMP proteins have a low specificity which allows them to bind and/or metabolize a large number of chemicals. This leads to undesired consequences, such as cross-inhibition, inefficient metabolism, release of toxic intermediates, etc. Furthermore, several XMP proteins have endogenous functions that may be disrupted upon exposure to exogenous chemicals. The gut microbiome produces a very large number of metabolites that enter the body and are part of the chemical exposome. It can metabolize xenobiotics and either eliminate them or lead to toxic derivatives. The complex interactions between chemicals of different origins will be illustrated by the diverse roles of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor which binds and transduces the signals of a large number of xenobiotics, microbiome metabolites, dietary chemicals and endogenous compounds. This article is part of the theme issue 'Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm unit UMRS 1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Nioche
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm unit UMRS 1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm unit UMRS 1124, 75006 Paris, France
- Hôpital Necker Enfants malades, AP-HP, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Etienne B. Blanc
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm unit UMRS 1124, 75006 Paris, France
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14
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Xie H, Yang N, Yu C, Lu L. Uremic toxins mediate kidney diseases: the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:38. [PMID: 38491448 PMCID: PMC10943832 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00550-4] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was originally identified as an environmental sensor that responds to pollutants. Subsequent research has revealed that AhR recognizes multiple exogenous and endogenous molecules, including uremic toxins retained in the body due to the decline in renal function. Therefore, AhR is also considered to be a uremic toxin receptor. As a ligand-activated transcriptional factor, the activation of AhR is involved in cell differentiation and senescence, lipid metabolism and fibrogenesis. The accumulation of uremic toxins in the body is hazardous to all tissues and organs. The identification of the endogenous uremic toxin receptor opens the door to investigating the precise role and molecular mechanism of tissue and organ damage induced by uremic toxins. This review focuses on summarizing recent findings on the role of AhR activation induced by uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy and acute kidney injury. Furthermore, potential clinical approaches to mitigate the effects of uremic toxins are explored herein, such as enhancing uremic toxin clearance through dialysis, reducing uremic toxin production through dietary interventions or microbial manipulation, and manipulating metabolic pathways induced by uremic toxins through controlling AhR signaling. This information may also shed light on the mechanism of uremic toxin-induced injury to other organs, and provide insights into clinical approaches to manipulate the accumulated uremic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ninghao Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Limin Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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15
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Tian H, Wang L, Hardy R, Kozhaya L, Placek L, Fleming E, Oh J, Unutmaz D, Yao X. Bioassay-Driven, Fractionation-Empowered, Focused Metabolomics for Discovering Bacterial Activators of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:518-526. [PMID: 38308645 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that regulates gene expression upon ligand activation, enabling microbiota-dependent induction, training, and function of the host immune system. A spectrum of metabolites, encompassing indole and tryptophan derivatives, have been recognized as activators. This work introduces an integrated, mass spectrometry-centric workflow that employs a bioassay-guided, fractionation-based methodology for the identification of AhR activators derived from human bacterial isolates. By leveraging the workflow efficiency, the complexities inherent in metabolomics profiling are significantly reduced, paving the way for an in-depth and focused mass spectrometry analysis of bioactive fractions isolated from bacterial culture supernatants. Validation of AhR activator candidates used multiple criteria─MS/MS of the synthetic reference compound, bioassay of AhR activity, and elution time confirmation using a C-13 isotopic reference─and was demonstrated for N-formylkynurenine (NFK). The workflow reported provides a roadmap update for improved efficiency of identifying bioactive metabolites using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Mass spectrometry datasets are accessible at the National Metabolomics Data Repository (PR001479, Project DOI: 10.21228/M8JM7Q).
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidi Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Rachel Hardy
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States
| | - Lina Kozhaya
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States
| | - Lindsey Placek
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States
| | - Elizabeth Fleming
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States
| | - Julia Oh
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- The Jackson Laboratory, 10 Discovery Drive, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, United States
| | - Xudong Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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16
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Finci LI, Chakrabarti M, Gulten G, Finney J, Grose C, Fox T, Yang R, Nissley DV, McCormick F, Esposito D, Balius TE, Simanshu DK. Structural dynamics of RAF1-HSP90-CDC37 and HSP90 complexes reveal asymmetric client interactions and key structural elements. Commun Biol 2024; 7:260. [PMID: 38431713 PMCID: PMC10908828 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05959-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
RAF kinases are integral to the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway, and proper RAF1 folding relies on its interaction with the chaperone HSP90 and the cochaperone CDC37. Understanding the intricate molecular interactions governing RAF1 folding is crucial for comprehending this process. Here, we present a cryo-EM structure of the closed-state RAF1-HSP90-CDC37 complex, where the C-lobe of the RAF1 kinase domain binds to one side of the HSP90 dimer, and an unfolded N-lobe segment of the RAF1 kinase domain threads through the center of the HSP90 dimer. CDC37 binds to the kinase C-lobe, mimicking the N-lobe with its HxNI motif. We also describe structures of HSP90 dimers without RAF1 and CDC37, displaying only N-terminal and middle domains, which we term the semi-open state. Employing 1 μs atomistic simulations, energetic decomposition, and comparative structural analysis, we elucidate the dynamics and interactions within these complexes. Our quantitative analysis reveals that CDC37 bridges the HSP90-RAF1 interaction, RAF1 binds HSP90 asymmetrically, and that HSP90 structural elements engage RAF1's unfolded region. Additionally, N- and C-terminal interactions stabilize HSP90 dimers, and molecular interactions in HSP90 dimers rearrange between the closed and semi-open states. Our findings provide valuable insight into the contributions of HSP90 and CDC37 in mediating client folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo I Finci
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Mayukh Chakrabarti
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Gulcin Gulten
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Finney
- National Cryo-EM Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Carissa Grose
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Tara Fox
- National Cryo-EM Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Renbin Yang
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Trent E Balius
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
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17
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Zhuang J, Shang Q, Rastinejad F, Wu D. Decoding Allosteric Control in Hypoxia-Inducible Factors. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168352. [PMID: 37935255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168352] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian family of basic helix-loop-helix-PER-ARNT-SIM (bHLH-PAS) transcription factors possess the ability to sense and respond to diverse environmental and physiological cues. These proteins all share a common structural framework, comprising a bHLH domain, two PAS domains, and transcriptional activation or repression domain. To function effectively as transcription factors, members of the family must form dimers, bringing together bHLH segments to create a functional unit that allows for DNA response element binding. The significance of bHLH-PAS family is underscored by their involvement in many major human diseases, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. Notably, the clear identification of ligand-binding cavities within their PAS domains enables the development of targeted small molecules. Two examples are Belzutifan, targeting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α, and Tapinarof, targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), both of which have gained regulatory approval recently. Here, we focus on the HIF subfamily. The crystal structures of all three HIF-α proteins have been elucidated, revealing their bHLH and tandem PAS domains are used to engage their dimerization partner aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT, also called HIF-1β). A broad range of recent findings point to a shared allosteric modulation mechanism among these proteins, whereby small-molecules at the PAS-B domains exert direct influence over the HIF-α transcriptional functions. As our understanding of the architectural and allosteric mechanisms of bHLH-PAS proteins continues to advance, the possibility of discovering new therapeutic drugs becomes increasingly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhuang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China; Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qinghong Shang
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
| | - Dalei Wu
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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18
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Rojas BL, Vazquez-Rivera E, Partch CL, Bradfield CA. Dimerization Rules of Mammalian PAS Proteins. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168406. [PMID: 38109992 PMCID: PMC10922841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The PAS (PER, ARNT, SIM) protein family plays a vital role in mammalian biology and human disease. This analysis arose from an interest in the signaling mechanics by the Ah receptor (AHR) and the Ah receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT). After more than fifty years by studying this and related mammalian sensor systems, describing the role of PAS domains in signal transduction is still challenging. In this perspective, we attempt to interpret recent studies of mammalian PAS protein structure and consider how this new insight might explain how these domains are employed in human signal transduction with an eye towards developing strategies to target and engineer these molecules for a new generation of therapeutics. Our approach is to integrate our understanding of PAS protein history, cell biology, and molecular biology with recent structural discoveries to help explain the mechanics of mammalian PAS protein signaling. As a learning set, we focus on sequences and crystal structures of mammalian PAS protein dimers that can be visualized using readily available software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda L Rojas
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, USA
| | | | - Carrie L Partch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Christopher A Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, USA; McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research. University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
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19
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Bonati L, Motta S, Callea L. The AhR Signaling Mechanism: A Structural Point of View. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168296. [PMID: 37797832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a well-known sensor of xenobiotics; moreover, it is considered a promising drug target as it is involved in the regulation of many patho-physiological processes. For these reasons the study of its ligand-activated transcription mechanism has stimulated several studies for over twenty years. In this review we highlight the key role of molecular structural information in understanding the different steps of the signaling mechanism. The architecture of the AhR cytosolic complex, encompassing the hsp90 chaperone protein and the XAP2 and p23 co-chaperones, has become available in the last year thanks to Cryo-EM experiments. The structure of the AhR ligand-binding (PAS-B) domain has remained elusive for a long time; it has been predicted by homology modelling, based on known PAS systems, and its ligand-bound forms were modelled through ligand molecular docking. Although very recently some structural information on this domain has become available, considerable efforts are still needed to determine the binding geometries of the AhR key ligands by experimental high-resolution studies. On the other hand, the dimeric structure of AhR with the ARNT protein, bound to the specific DNA responsive element, was partially determined by X-ray crystallography and it was completed by homology modelling. On the whole the current structural knowledge of the main protein complexes that form over the AhR mechanism opens the way to confirm and further investigate the main steps of the proposed ligand-activated transcription mechanism of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonati
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Lara Callea
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
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20
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Daffern N, Radhakrishnan I. Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) Domains in Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH)-PAS Transcription Factors and Coactivators: Structures and Mechanisms. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168370. [PMID: 37992889 PMCID: PMC10922228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168370] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PAS domains are ubiquitous in biology. They perform critically important roles in sensing and transducing a wide variety of environmental signals, and through their ability to bind small-molecule ligands, have emerged as targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss our current understanding of PAS domain structure and function in the context of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PAS transcription factors and coactivators. Unlike the bHLH-PAS domains of transcription factors, those of the steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family are poorly characterized. Recent progress for this family and for the broader bHLH-PAS proteins suggest that these domains are ripe for deeper structural and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Daffern
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Ishwar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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21
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Kwong HS, Paloni M, Grandvuillemin L, Sirounian S, Ancelin A, Lai-Kee-Him J, Grimaldi M, Carivenc C, Lancey C, Ragan TJ, Hesketh EL, Balaguer P, Barducci A, Gruszczyk J, Bourguet W. Structural Insights into the Activation of Human Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by the Environmental Contaminant Benzo[a]pyrene and Structurally Related Compounds. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168411. [PMID: 38135181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor belonging to the bHLH/PAS protein family and responding to hundreds of natural and chemical substances. It is primarily involved in the defense against chemical insults and bacterial infections or in the adaptive immune response, but also in the development of pathological conditions ranging from inflammatory to neoplastic disorders. Despite its prominent roles in many (patho)physiological processes, the lack of high-resolution structural data has precluded for thirty years an in-depth understanding of the structural mechanisms underlying ligand-binding specificity, promiscuity and activation of AHR. We recently reported a cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of human AHR bound to the natural ligand indirubin, the chaperone Hsp90 and the co-chaperone XAP2 that provided the first experimental visualization of its ligand-binding PAS-B domain. Here, we report a 2.75 Å resolution structure of the AHR complex bound to the environmental pollutant benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The structure substantiates the existence of a bipartite PAS-B ligand-binding pocket with a geometrically constrained primary binding site controlling ligand binding specificity and affinity, and a secondary binding site contributing to the binding promiscuity of AHR. We also report a docking study of B[a]P congeners that validates the B[a]P-bound PAS-B structure as a suitable model for accurate computational ligand binding assessment. Finally, comparison of our agonist-bound complex with the recently reported structures of mouse and fruit fly AHR PAS-B in different activation states suggests a ligand-induced loop conformational change potentially involved in the regulation of AHR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hok-Sau Kwong
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Matteo Paloni
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Loïc Grandvuillemin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Savannah Sirounian
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie Ancelin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Josephine Lai-Kee-Him
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Marina Grimaldi
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Coralie Carivenc
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Claudia Lancey
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Timothy J Ragan
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Emma L Hesketh
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Alessandro Barducci
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Jakub Gruszczyk
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - William Bourguet
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
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22
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Zheng L, Shi S, Sun X, Lu M, Liao Y, Zhu S, Zhang H, Pan Z, Fang P, Zeng Z, Li H, Li Z, Xue W, Zhu F. MoDAFold: a strategy for predicting the structure of missense mutant protein based on AlphaFold2 and molecular dynamics. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae006. [PMID: 38305456 PMCID: PMC10835750 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae006] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein structure prediction is a longstanding issue crucial for identifying new drug targets and providing a mechanistic understanding of protein functions. To enhance the progress in this field, a spectrum of computational methodologies has been cultivated. AlphaFold2 has exhibited exceptional precision in predicting wild-type protein structures, with performance exceeding that of other methods. However, predicting the structures of missense mutant proteins using AlphaFold2 remains challenging due to the intricate and substantial structural alterations caused by minor sequence variations in the mutant proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) has been validated for precisely capturing changes in amino acid interactions attributed to protein mutations. Therefore, for the first time, a strategy entitled 'MoDAFold' was proposed to improve the accuracy and reliability of missense mutant protein structure prediction by combining AlphaFold2 with MD. Multiple case studies have confirmed the superior performance of MoDAFold compared to other methods, particularly AlphaFold2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Zheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Shuiyang Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiuna Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Mingkun Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Yang Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sisi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hongning Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ziqi Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pan Fang
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Zhenyu Zeng
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Honglin Li
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Industry Solutions Research and Development, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Hangzhou 330110, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
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23
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Kazzaz SA, Shaikh KA, White J, Zhou Q, Powell WH, Harhaj EW. Phosphorylation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein by TBK1 negatively regulates IRF7 and the type I interferon response. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105525. [PMID: 38043800 PMCID: PMC10792245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105525] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate antiviral response to RNA viruses is initiated by sensing of viral RNAs by RIG-I-like receptors and elicits type I interferon (IFN) production, which stimulates the expression of IFN-stimulated genes that orchestrate the antiviral response to prevent systemic infection. Negative regulation of type I IFN and its master regulator, transcription factor IRF7, is essential to maintain immune homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that AIP (aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein) functions as a negative regulator of the innate antiviral immune response by binding to and sequestering IRF7 in the cytoplasm, thereby preventing IRF7 transcriptional activation and type I IFN production. However, it remains unknown how AIP inhibition of IRF7 is regulated. We show here that the kinase TBK1 phosphorylates AIP and Thr40 serves as the primary target for TBK1 phosphorylation. AIP Thr40 plays critical roles in regulating AIP stability and mediating its interaction with IRF7. The AIP phosphomimetic T40E exhibited increased proteasomal degradation and enhanced interaction with IRF7 compared with wildtype AIP. AIP T40E also blocked IRF7 nuclear translocation, which resulted in reduced type I IFN production and increased viral replication. In sharp contrast, AIP phosphonull mutant T40A had impaired IRF7 binding, and stable expression of AIP T40A in AIP-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts elicited a heightened type I IFN response and diminished RNA virus replication. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TBK1-mediated phosphorylation of AIP at Thr40 functions as a molecular switch that enables AIP to interact with and inhibit IRF7, thus preventing overactivation of type I IFN genes by IRF7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Kazzaz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kashif A Shaikh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jesse White
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qinjie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, The University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wade H Powell
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA
| | - Edward W Harhaj
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
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24
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Singh S, Srivastava D, Boyd K, Artemyev NO. Reconstitution of the phosphodiesterase 6 maturation process important for photoreceptor cell function. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105576. [PMID: 38110033 PMCID: PMC10819763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105576] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The sixth family phosphodiesterases (PDE6) are principal effector enzymes of the phototransduction cascade in rods and cones. Maturation of nascent PDE6 protein into a functional enzyme relies on a coordinated action of ubiquitous chaperone HSP90, its specialized cochaperone aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1), and the regulatory Pγ-subunit of PDE6. Deficits in PDE6 maturation and function underlie severe visual disorders and blindness. Here, to elucidate the roles of HSP90, AIPL1, and Pγ in the maturation process, we developed the heterologous expression system of human cone PDE6C in insect cells allowing characterization of the purified enzyme. We demonstrate that in the absence of Pγ, HSP90, and AIPL1 convert the inactive and aggregating PDE6C species into dimeric PDE6C that is predominantly misassembled. Nonetheless, a small fraction of PDE6C is properly assembled and fully functional. From the analysis of mutant mice that lack both rod Pγ and PDE6C, we conclude that, in contrast to the cone enzyme, no maturation of rod PDE6AB occurs in the absence of Pγ. Co-expression of PDE6C with AIPL1 and Pγ in insect cells leads to a fully mature enzyme that is equivalent to retinal PDE6. Lastly, using immature PDE6C and purified chaperone components, we reconstituted the process of the client maturation in vitro. Based on this analysis we propose a scheme for the PDE6 maturation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Singh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Dhiraj Srivastava
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kimberly Boyd
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Nikolai O Artemyev
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
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25
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Silverberg JI, Boguniewicz M, Quintana FJ, Clark RA, Gross L, Hirano I, Tallman AM, Brown PM, Fredericks D, Rubenstein DS, McHale KA. Tapinarof validates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a therapeutic target: A clinical review. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023:S0091-6749(23)02547-2. [PMID: 38154665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.12.013] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that has wide-ranging roles, including regulation of inflammation and homeostasis. AhR is not a cell surface receptor; rather, it exists in a cytoplasmic complex that responds to a wide variety of structurally dissimilar endogenous, microbial, and environmental ligands. The ubiquitous expression of AhR, its ability to be activated by a wide range of ligands, and its capacity to act as a master regulator for gene expression and homeostasis make it a promising new therapeutic target. Clinical trials of tapinarof cream have now validated AhR agonism as a therapeutic approach that can deliver significant efficacy for treating inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Tapinarof 1% cream is a first-in-class, nonsteroidal, topical, AhR agonist with a pharmacokinetic profile that results in localized exposure at sites of disease, avoiding systemic safety concerns, drug interactions, or off-target effects. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis both involve epidermal inflammation, cellular immune responses, dysregulation of skin barrier protein expression, and oxidative stress. On the basis of the clinical effectiveness of tapinarof cream for treating inflammatory skin diseases, we review how targeting AhR may offer a significant opportunity in other conditions that share key aspects of pathogenesis, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, ophthalmic, and nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Boguniewicz
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colo
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | | | - Lara Gross
- Dallas Allergy and Asthma Center, and the Allergy and Immunology Division, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Tex
| | - Ikuo Hirano
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
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26
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Baischew A, Engel S, Taubert MC, Geiger TM, Hausch F. Large-scale, in-cell photocrosslinking at single-residue resolution reveals the molecular basis for glucocorticoid receptor regulation by immunophilins. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1857-1866. [PMID: 37945739 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01098-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hsp90 co-chaperones FKBP51 and FKBP52 play key roles in steroid-hormone-receptor regulation, stress-related disorders, and sexual embryonic development. As a prominent target, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is repressed by FKBP51 and potentiated by FKBP52, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we present the architecture and functional annotation of FKBP51-, FKBP52-, and p23-containing Hsp90-apo-GR pre-activation complexes, trapped by systematic incorporation of photoreactive amino acids inside human cells. The identified crosslinking sites clustered in characteristic patterns, depended on Hsp90, and were disrupted by GR activation. GR binding to the FKBPFK1, but not the FKBPFK2, domain was modulated by FKBP ligands, explaining the lack of GR derepression by certain classes of FKBP ligands. Our findings show how FKBPs differentially interact with apo-GR, help to explain the differentiated pharmacology of FKBP51 ligands, and provide a structural basis for the development of improved FKBP ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asat Baischew
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sarah Engel
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Martha C Taubert
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas M Geiger
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Felix Hausch
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
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27
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Noddings CM, Johnson JL, Agard DA. Cryo-EM reveals how Hsp90 and FKBP immunophilins co-regulate the glucocorticoid receptor. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1867-1877. [PMID: 37945740 PMCID: PMC10716051 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Hsp90 is an essential molecular chaperone responsible for the folding and activation of hundreds of 'client' proteins, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Previously, we revealed that Hsp70 and Hsp90 remodel the conformation of GR to regulate ligand binding, aided by co-chaperones. In vivo, the co-chaperones FKBP51 and FKBP52 antagonistically regulate GR activity, but a molecular understanding is lacking. Here we present a 3.01 Å cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the human GR:Hsp90:FKBP52 complex, revealing how FKBP52 integrates into the GR chaperone cycle and directly binds to the active client, potentiating GR activity in vitro and in vivo. We also present a 3.23 Å cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the human GR:Hsp90:FKBP51 complex, revealing how FKBP51 competes with FKBP52 for GR:Hsp90 binding and demonstrating how FKBP51 can act as a potent antagonist to FKBP52. Altogether, we demonstrate how FKBP51 and FKBP52 integrate into the GR chaperone cycle to advance GR to the next stage of maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chari M Noddings
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - David A Agard
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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28
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Piwarski SA, Salisbury TB. The effects of environmental aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands on signaling and cell metabolism in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115771. [PMID: 37652105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds are chlorinated organic pollutants formed during the manufacturing of other chemicals. Dioxins are ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), that induce AHR-mediated biochemical and toxic responses and are persistent in the environment. 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo para dioxin (TCDD) is the prototypical AHR ligand and its effects represent dioxins. TCDD induces toxicity, immunosuppression and is a suspected tumor promoter. The role of TCDD in cancer however is debated and context-dependent. Environmental particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, perfluorooctane sulfonamide, endogenous AHR ligands, and cAMP signaling activate AHR through TCDD-independent pathways. The effect of activated AHR in cancer is context-dependent. The ability of FDA-approved drugs to modulate AHR activity has sparked interest in their repurposing for cancer therapy. TCDD by interfering with endogenous pathways, and overstimulating other endogenous pathways influences all stages of cancer. Herein we review signaling mechanisms that activate AHR and mechanisms by which activated AHR modulates signaling in cancer including affected metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Piwarski
- Duke Cancer Institute, Department of GU Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, 905 South Lasalle Street, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Travis B Salisbury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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29
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Vázquez-Gómez G, Petráš J, Dvořák Z, Vondráček J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) play both distinct and common roles in the regulation of colon homeostasis and intestinal carcinogenesis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115797. [PMID: 37696457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Both aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) belong among key regulators of xenobiotic metabolism in the intestinal tissue. AhR in particular is activated by a wide range of environmental and dietary carcinogens. The data accumulated over the last two decades suggest that both of these transcriptional regulators play a much wider role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, and that both transcription factors may affect processes linked with intestinal tumorigenesis. Intestinal epithelium is continuously exposed to a wide range of AhR, PXR and dual AhR/PXR ligands formed by intestinal microbiota or originating from diet. Current evidence suggests that specific ligands of both AhR and PXR can protect intestinal epithelium against inflammation and assist in the maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity. AhR, and to a lesser extent also PXR, have been shown to play a protective role against inflammation-induced colon cancer, or, in mouse models employing overactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In contrast, other evidence suggests that both receptors may contribute to modulation of transformed colon cell behavior, with a potential to promote cancer progression and/or chemoresistance. The review focuses on both overlapping and separate roles of the two receptors in these processes, and on possible implications of their activity within the context of intestinal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Vázquez-Gómez
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Petráš
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
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30
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Opitz CA, Holfelder P, Prentzell MT, Trump S. The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115798. [PMID: 37696456 PMCID: PMC10570930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, development, and immune responses. The complexity of AHR signaling arises from multiple factors, including the diverse ligands that activate the receptor, the expression level of AHR itself, and its interaction with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Additionally, the AHR crosstalks with the AHR repressor (AHRR) or other transcription factors and signaling pathways and it can also mediate non-genomic effects. Finally, posttranslational modifications of the AHR and its interaction partners, epigenetic regulation of AHR and its target genes, as well as AHR-mediated induction of enzymes that degrade AHR-activating ligands may contribute to the context-specificity of AHR activation. Understanding the complexity of AHR signaling is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles and developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of AHR signaling, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms controlling its diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pauline Holfelder
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, a partnership between DKFZ and Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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31
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Miret NV, Pontillo CA, Buján S, Chiappini FA, Randi AS. Mechanisms of breast cancer progression induced by environment-polluting aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115773. [PMID: 37659737 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common invasive malignancy among women worldwide and constitutes a complex and heterogeneous disease. Interest has recently grown in the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in breast cancer and the contribution of environment-polluting AhR agonists. Here, we present a literature review addressing AhR ligands, including pesticides hexachlorobenzene and chlorpyrifos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, parabens, and phthalates. The objectives of this review are a) to summarize recent original experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies on the biological mechanisms of AhR agonists which interfere with the regulation of breast endocrine functions, and b) to examine the biological effects of AhR ligands and their impact on breast cancer development and progression. We discuss biological mechanisms of action in cell viability, cell cycle, proliferation, epigenetic changes, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and cell migration and invasion. In addition, we examine the effects of AhR ligands on angiogenic processes, metastasis, chemoresistance, and stem cell renewal. We conclude that exposure to AhR agonists stimulates pathways that promote breast cancer development and may contribute to tumor progression. Given the massive use of industrial and agricultural chemicals, ongoing evaluation of their effects in laboratory assays and preclinical studies in breast cancer at environmentally relevant doses is deemed essential. Likewise, awareness should be raised in the population regarding the most harmful toxicants to eradicate or minimize their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Físico-Matemática, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 954, 1er subsuelo (CP1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sol Buján
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia A Chiappini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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32
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Xing J, Gumerov VM, Zhulin IB. Origin and functional diversification of PAS domain, a ubiquitous intracellular sensor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi4517. [PMID: 37647406 PMCID: PMC10468136 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi4517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Signal perception is a key function in regulating biological activities and adapting to changing environments. Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domains are ubiquitous sensors found in diverse receptors in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, but their origins, distribution across the tree of life, and extent of their functional diversity are not fully characterized. Here, we show that using sequence conservation and structural information, it is possible to propose specific and potential functions for a large portion of nearly 3 million PAS domains. Our analysis suggests that PAS domains originated in bacteria and were horizontally transferred to archaea and eukaryotes. We reveal that gas sensing via a heme cofactor evolved independently in several lineages, whereas redox and light sensing via flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide cofactors have the same origin. The close relatedness of human PAS domains to those in bacteria provides an opportunity for drug design by exploring potential natural ligands and cofactors for bacterial homologs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Xing
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Vadim M. Gumerov
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Igor B. Zhulin
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
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Patel D, Murray IA, Dong F, Annalora AJ, Gowda K, Coslo DM, Krzeminski J, Koo I, Hao F, Amin SG, Marcus CB, Patterson AD, Perdew GH. Induction of AHR Signaling in Response to the Indolimine Class of Microbial Stress Metabolites. Metabolites 2023; 13:985. [PMID: 37755265 PMCID: PMC10535990 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090985] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays an important role in gastrointestinal barrier function, tumorigenesis, and is an emerging drug target. The resident microbiota is capable of metabolizing tryptophan to metabolites that are AHR ligands (e.g., indole-3-acetate). Recently, a novel set of mutagenic tryptophan metabolites named indolimines have been identified that are produced by M. morganii in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we determined that indolimine-200, -214, and -248 are direct AHR ligands that can induce Cyp1a1 transcription and subsequent CYP1A1 enzymatic activity capable of metabolizing the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene in microsomal assays. In addition, indolimines enhance IL6 expression in a colonic tumor cell line in combination with cytokine treatment. The concentration of indolimine-248 that induces AHR transcriptional activity failed to increase DNA damage. These observations reveal an additional aspect of how indolimines may alter colonic tumorigenesis beyond mutagenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhwani Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Iain A. Murray
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Fangcong Dong
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Andrew J. Annalora
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Krishne Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Denise M. Coslo
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jacek Krzeminski
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Imhoi Koo
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Fuhua Hao
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shantu G. Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Craig B. Marcus
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Andrew D. Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Gary H. Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Chong ZX, Yong CY, Ong AHK, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Deciphering the roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in regulating carcinogenesis. Toxicology 2023; 495:153596. [PMID: 37480978 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The activation of the canonical AHR signaling pathway is known to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating the detoxification metabolism in the human body. Additionally, AHR could interact with various signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Over the past 30 years, several studies have reported that various chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as tobacco, hydrocarbon compounds, industrial and agricultural chemical wastes, drugs, UV, viruses, and other toxins, could affect AHR expression or activity, promoting cancer development. Thus, it is valuable to overview how these factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis. Current findings have reported that many compounds could act as AHR ligands to drive the expressions of AHR-target genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMPs, and AXL, and other targets that exert a pro-proliferation or anti-apoptotic effect, like XIAP. Furthermore, some other physical and chemical agents, such as UV and 3-methylcholanthrene, could promote AHR signaling activities, increasing the signaling activities of a few oncogenic pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes helps clinicians and scientists plan personalized therapeutic strategies to improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy. As many studies that have reported the roles of AHR in regulating carcinogenesis are preclinical or observational clinical studies that did not explore the detailed mechanisms of how different chemical, physical, or biological agents promote AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes, future studies should focus on conducting large-scale and functional studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of how AHR interacts with different factors in regulating carcinogenesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chean Yeah Yong
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Han Kiat Ong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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35
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Morgan EW, Dong F, Annalora AJ, Murray IA, Wolfe T, Erickson R, Gowda K, Amin SG, Petersen KS, Kris-Etherton PM, Marcus CB, Walk ST, Patterson AD, Perdew GH. Contribution of Circulating Host and Microbial Tryptophan Metabolites Toward Ah Receptor Activation. Int J Tryptophan Res 2023; 16:11786469231182510. [PMID: 37441265 PMCID: PMC10334013 DOI: 10.1177/11786469231182510] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor that plays an integral role in homeostatic maintenance by regulating cellular functions such as cellular differentiation, metabolism, barrier function, and immune response. An important but poorly understood class of AHR activators are compounds derived from host and bacterial metabolism of tryptophan. The commensal bacteria of the gut microbiome are major producers of tryptophan metabolites known to activate the AHR, while the host also produces AHR activators through tryptophan metabolism. We used targeted mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling to determine the presence and metabolic source of these metabolites in the sera of conventional mice, germ-free mice, and humans. Surprisingly, sera concentrations of many tryptophan metabolites are comparable between germ-free and conventional mice. Therefore, many major AHR-activating tryptophan metabolites in mouse sera are produced by the host, despite their presence in feces and mouse cecal contents. Here we present an investigation of AHR activation using a complex mixture of tryptophan metabolites to examine the biological relevance of circulating tryptophan metabolites. AHR activation is rarely studied in the context of a mixture at relevant concentrations, as we present here. The AHR activation potentials of individual and pooled metabolites were explored using cell-based assays, while ligand binding competition assays and ligand docking simulations were used to assess the detected metabolites as AHR agonists. The physiological and biomedical relevance of the identified metabolites was investigated in the context of a cell-based model for rheumatoid arthritis. We present data that reframe AHR biology to include the presence of a mixture of ubiquitous tryptophan metabolites, improving our understanding of homeostatic AHR activity and models of AHR-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan W Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Fangcong Dong
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Andrew J Annalora
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Iain A Murray
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Trenton Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA
| | - Reece Erickson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA
| | - Krishne Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Shantu G Amin
- Department of Pharmacology Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Kristina S Petersen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Penny M Kris-Etherton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Craig B Marcus
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Seth T Walk
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
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36
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Sládeková L, Mani S, Dvořák Z. Ligands and agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor AhR: Facts and myths. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115626. [PMID: 37247746 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) belongs to the essential helix-loop-helix transcription factors family. This receptor has a central role in determining host physiology and a variety of pathophysiologies ranging from inflammation and metabolism to cancer. AhR is a ligand-driven receptor with intricate pharmacology of activation depending on the type and quantity of ligand present. Therefore, a better understanding of AhR ligands per se is critical to move the field forward. In this minireview, we clarify some facts and myths about AhR ligands and how further studies could shed light on the true nature of AhR activation by these ligands. The review covers select chemical classes and explores parameters that qualify them as true receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Sládeková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Genetics and Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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37
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Walter Bock K. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR): towards understanding intestinal microbial ligands including vitamin B12 and folic acid as natural antagonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115658. [PMID: 37336251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
AHR has been identified as ligand-modulated transcription factor and environmental sensor. However, explanation of its multiple agonistic and antagonistic ligands is far from complete. Studies of AHR's role in host-microbiome interaction are currently a fruitful area of research. Microbial products and virulence factors have been identified as AHR agonists. In steady state they are involved in safeguarding intestinal barrier integrity. When virulence factors from pathogenic bacteria are identified by AHR of intestinal immune cells, anti-microbial defense mechanisms are activated by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in intestinal epithelial cells and recruited immune cells. ROS production has to be strictly controlled, and anti-inflammatory responses have to be initiated timely in the resolution phase of inflammation to avoid tissue damage and chronic inflammatory responses. Surprisingly, bacteria-generated vitamin B12/cobalamin and vitamin B9/folic acid have been identified as natural AHR antagonists, stimulating the interest of biochemists. Hints for AHR-cobalamin antagonism are pointing to cobalamin-dependent enzymes leading to alterations of TCA cycle intermediates, and TCDD-mediated loss of serum cobalamin. Although we are still at the beginning to understand mechanisms, it is likely that scientific efforts are on a rewarding path to understand novel AHR functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Walter Bock
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Wilhelmstrasse 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
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38
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Ondrová K, Zůvalová I, Vyhlídalová B, Krasulová K, Miková E, Vrzal R, Nádvorník P, Nepal B, Kortagere S, Kopečná M, Kopečný D, Šebela M, Rastinejad F, Pu H, Soural M, Rolfes KM, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Li H, Mani S, Dvořák Z. Monoterpenoid aryl hydrocarbon receptor allosteric antagonists protect against ultraviolet skin damage in female mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2728. [PMID: 37169746 PMCID: PMC10174618 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38478-6] [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: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is a pivotal regulator of human physiology and pathophysiology. Allosteric inhibition of AhR was previously thought to be untenable. Here, we identify carvones as noncompetitive, insurmountable antagonists of AhR and characterize the structural and functional consequences of their binding. Carvones do not displace radiolabeled ligands from binding to AhR but instead bind allosterically within the bHLH/PAS-A region of AhR. Carvones do not influence the translocation of ligand-activated AhR into the nucleus but inhibit the heterodimerization of AhR with its canonical partner ARNT and subsequent binding of AhR to the promoter of CYP1A1. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate physiologically relevant Ahr-antagonism by carvones in vivo in female mice. These substances establish the molecular basis for selective targeting of AhR regardless of the type of ligand(s) present and provide opportunities for the treatment of disease processes modified by AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolína Ondrová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Zůvalová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vyhlídalová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Krasulová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Miková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Vrzal
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Nádvorník
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Binod Nepal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandhya Kortagere
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martina Kopečná
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - David Kopečný
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Šebela
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery Institute Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building Brasenose College University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hua Pu
- Target Discovery Institute Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building Brasenose College University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miroslav Soural
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Oncology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Medicine, Oncology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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39
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Hanieh H, Bani Ismail M, Alfwuaires MA, Ibrahim HIM, Farhan M. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as an Anticancer Target: An Overview of Ten Years Odyssey. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28103978. [PMID: 37241719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28103978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/per-Arnt-sim (PAS) superfamily, is traditionally known to mediate xenobiotic metabolism. It is activated by structurally diverse agonistic ligands and regulates complicated transcriptional processes through its canonical and non-canonical pathways in normal and malignant cells. Different classes of AhR ligands have been evaluated as anticancer agents in different cancer cells and exhibit efficiency, which has thrust AhR into the limelight as a promising molecular target. There is strong evidence demonstrating the anticancer potential of exogenous AhR agonists including synthetic, pharmaceutical, and natural compounds. In contrast, several reports have indicated inhibition of AhR activity by antagonistic ligands as a potential therapeutic strategy. Interestingly, similar AhR ligands exert variable anticancer or cancer-promoting potential in a cell- and tissue-specific mode of action. Recently, ligand-mediated modulation of AhR signaling pathways and the associated tumor microenvironment is emerging as a potential approach for developing cancer immunotherapeutic drugs. This article reviews advances of AhR in cancer research covering publication from 2012 to early 2023. It summarizes the therapeutic potential of various AhR ligands with an emphasis on exogenous ligands. It also sheds light on recent immunotherapeutic strategies involving AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Bani Ismail
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Manal A Alfwuaires
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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40
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Perdew GH, Esser C, Snyder M, Sherr DH, van den Bogaard EH, McGovern K, Fernández-Salguero PM, Coumoul X, Patterson AD. The Ah Receptor from Toxicity to Therapeutics: Report from the 5th AHR Meeting at Penn State University, USA, June 2022. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5550. [PMID: 36982624 PMCID: PMC10058801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065550] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a sensor of low-molecular-weight molecule signals that originate from environmental exposures, the microbiome, and host metabolism. Building upon initial studies examining anthropogenic chemical exposures, the list of AHR ligands of microbial, diet, and host metabolism origin continues to grow and has provided important clues as to the function of this enigmatic receptor. The AHR has now been shown to be directly involved in numerous biochemical pathways that influence host homeostasis, chronic disease development, and responses to toxic insults. As this field of study has continued to grow, it has become apparent that the AHR is an important novel target for cancer, metabolic diseases, skin conditions, and autoimmune disease. This meeting attempted to cover the scope of basic and applied research being performed to address possible applications of our basic knowledge of this receptor on therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary H. Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Megan Snyder
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - David H. Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ellen H. van den Bogaard
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karen McGovern
- Ikena Oncology, Inc., 645 Summer Street Suite 101, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 45 rue des Saints-Peères, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Andrew D. Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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41
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Wen Z, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Hang Y, Xu L, Chen Y, Xie Q, Zhao Q, Zhang L, Li G, Zhao B, Sun F, Zhai Y, Zhu Y. Cryo-EM structure of the cytosolic AhR complex. Structure 2023; 31:295-308.e4. [PMID: 36649707 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an important ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the regulation of various important physiological functions. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of the Hsp90-AhR-p23 complex with or without bound XAP2, where the structure of the mouse AhR PAS-B domain is resolved. A highly conserved bridge motif of AhR is responsible for the interaction with the Hsp90 dimeric lumen. The ligand-free AhR PAS-B domain is attached to the Hsp90 dimer and is stabilized in the complex with bound XAP2. In addition, the DE-loop and a group of conserved pocket inner residues in the AhR PAS-B domain are found to be important for ligand binding. These results reveal the structural basis of the biological functions of AhR. Moreover, the protein purification method presented here allows the isolation of stable mouse AhR protein, which could be used to develop high-sensitivity biosensors for environmental pollutant detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoling Wen
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuebin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Beirong Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Yumo Hang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R. & A. Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Guohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Fei Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, CAS, Beijing, China.
| | - Yujia Zhai
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Pal M. A snapshot of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor complex. Structure 2023; 31:227-229. [PMID: 36868185 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Structure, Wen et al. present the cryo-EM structure of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and show how it is recruited and stabilized by the HSP90 molecular chaperone and its co-chaperones XAP2 and p23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohinder Pal
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Science Park Road, BN1 9RQ Brighton, UK; Division of Structural Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, SW1E 6BT London, UK.
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Srivastava D, Yadav RP, Singh S, Boyd K, Artemyev NO. Unique interface and dynamics of the complex of HSP90 with a specialized cochaperone AIPL1. Structure 2023; 31:309-317.e5. [PMID: 36657440 PMCID: PMC9992320 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Photoreceptor phosphodiesterase PDE6 is central for visual signal transduction. Maturation of PDE6 depends on a specialized chaperone complex of HSP90 with aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1). Disruption of PDE6 maturation underlies a severe form of retina degeneration. Here, we report a 3.9 Å cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the complex of HSP90 with AIPL1. This structure reveals a unique interaction of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP)-like domain of AIPL1 with HSP90 at its dimer interface. Unusually, the N terminus AIPL1 inserts into the HSP90 lumen in a manner that was observed previously for HSP90 clients. Deletion of the 7 N-terminal residues of AIPL1 decreased its ability to cochaperone PDE6. Multi-body refinement of the cryo-EM data indicated large swing-like movements of AIPL1-FKBP. Modeling the complex of HSP90 with AIPL1 using crosslinking constraints indicated proximity of the mobile tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain with the C-terminal domain of HSP90. Our study establishes a framework for future structural studies of PDE6 maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Srivastava
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ravi P Yadav
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sneha Singh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kimberly Boyd
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nikolai O Artemyev
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Morgan EW, Dong F, Annalora A, Murray IA, Wolfe T, Erickson R, Gowda K, Amin SG, Petersen KS, Kris-Etherton PM, Marcus C, Walk ST, Patterson AD, Perdew GH. Contribution of circulating host and microbial tryptophan metabolites towards Ah receptor activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525691. [PMID: 36747842 PMCID: PMC9900944 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor that plays an integral role in homeostatic maintenance by regulating cellular functions such as cellular differentiation, metabolism, barrier function, and immune response. An important but poorly understood class of AHR activators are compounds derived from host and bacterial metabolism of tryptophan. The commensal bacteria of the gut microbiome are major producers of tryptophan metabolites known to activate the AHR, while the host also produces AHR activators through tryptophan metabolism. We used targeted mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling to determine the presence and metabolic source of these metabolites in the sera of conventional mice, germ-free mice, and humans. Surprisingly, sera concentrations of many tryptophan metabolites are comparable between germ-free and conventional mice. Therefore, many major AHR-activating tryptophan metabolites in mouse sera are produced by the host, despite their presence in feces and mouse cecal contents. AHR activation is rarely studied in the context of a mixture at relevant concentrations, as we present here. The AHR activation potentials of individual and pooled metabolites were explored using cell-based assays, while ligand binding competition assays and ligand docking simulations were used to assess the detected metabolites as AHR agonists. The physiological and biomedical relevance of the identified metabolites was investigated in the context of cell-based models for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. We present data here that reframe AHR biology to include the presence of ubiquitous tryptophan metabolites, improving our understanding of homeostatic AHR activity and models of AHR-linked diseases.
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Noddings CM, Johnson JL, Agard DA. Cryo-EM reveals how Hsp90 and FKBP immunophilins co-regulate the Glucocorticoid Receptor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523504. [PMID: 36711821 PMCID: PMC9882067 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hsp90 is an essential molecular chaperone responsible for the folding and activation of hundreds of 'client' proteins, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)1-3. Previously, we revealed that GR ligand binding activity is inhibited by Hsp70 and restored by Hsp90, aided by co-chaperones4. We then presented cryo-EM structures mechanistically detailing how Hsp70 and Hsp90 remodel the conformation of GR to regulate ligand binding5,6. In vivo, GR-chaperone complexes are found associated with numerous Hsp90 co-chaperones, but the most enigmatic have been the immunophilins FKBP51 and FKBP52, which further regulate the activity of GR and other steroid receptors7-9. A molecular understanding of how FKBP51 and FKBP52 integrate with the GR chaperone cycle to differentially regulate GR activation in vivo is lacking due to difficulties reconstituting these interactions. Here, we present a 3.01 Å cryo-EM structure of the GR:Hsp90:FKBP52 complex, revealing , for the first time, that FKBP52 directly binds to the folded, ligand-bound GR using three novel interfaces, each of which we demonstrate are critical for FKBP52-dependent potentiation of GR activity in vivo. In addition, we present a 3.23 Å cryo-EM structure of the GR:Hsp90:FKBP51 complex, which, surprisingly, largely mimics the GR:Hsp90:FKBP52 structure. In both structures, FKBP51 and FKBP52 directly engage the folded GR and unexpectedly facilitate release of p23 through an allosteric mechanism. We also reveal that FKBP52, but not FKBP51, potentiates GR ligand binding in vitro, in a manner dependent on FKBP52-specific interactions. Altogether, we reveal how FKBP51 and FKBP52 integrate into the GR chaperone cycle to advance GR to the next stage of maturation and how FKBP51 and FKBP52 compete for GR:Hsp90 binding, leading to functional antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chari M. Noddings
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jill L. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - David A. Agard
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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