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Polonio CM, McHale KA, Sherr DH, Rubenstein D, Quintana FJ. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: a rehabilitated target for therapeutic immune modulation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2025:10.1038/s41573-025-01172-x. [PMID: 40247142 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-025-01172-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2025] [Indexed: 04/19/2025]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor originally identified as the target mediating the toxic effects of environmental pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins. For years, AHR activation was actively avoided during drug development. However, the AHR was later identified as an important physiological regulator of the immune response. These findings triggered a paradigm shift that resulted in identification of the AHR as a regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity and outlined a pathway for its modulation by the diet, commensal flora and metabolism in the context of autoimmunity, cancer and infection. Moreover, the AHR was revealed as a candidate target for the therapeutic modulation of the immune response. Indeed, the first AHR-activating drug (tapinarof) was recently approved for the treatment of psoriasis. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the effects of tapinarof and other AHR-targeting therapeutics in inflammatory diseases, cancer and infections. This Review outlines the molecular mechanism of AHR action, and describes how it regulates the immune response. We also discuss links to disease and AHR-targeting therapeutics that have been tested in past and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina M Polonio
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David H Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Barreira-Silva P, Lian Y, Kaufmann SHE, Moura-Alves P. The role of the AHR in host-pathogen interactions. Nat Rev Immunol 2025; 25:178-194. [PMID: 39415055 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01088-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/18/2024]
Abstract
Host-microorganism encounters take place in many different ways and with different types of outcomes. Three major types of microorganisms need to be distinguished: (1) pathogens that cause harm to the host and must be controlled; (2) environmental microorganisms that can be ignored but must be controlled at higher abundance; and (3) symbiotic microbiota that require support by the host. Recent evidence indicates that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) senses and initiates signalling and gene expression in response to a plethora of microorganisms and infectious conditions. It was originally identified as a receptor that binds xenobiotics. However, it was subsequently found to have a critical role in numerous biological processes, including immunity and inflammation and was recently classified as a pattern recognition receptor. Here we review the role of the AHR in host-pathogen interactions, focusing on AHR sensing of different microbial classes, the ligands involved, responses elicited and disease outcomes. Moreover, we explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the AHR in the context of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palmira Barreira-Silva
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Yilong Lian
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stefan H E Kaufmann
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Wang L, Cheng H, Wang X, Zhu F, Tian N, Xu Z, Yin H, Liang M, Yang X, Liu X, Shan H, Fu R, Cao B, Li D, Xiao L, Lu L, Dai SM, Wang Q, Lv L, Zou H, Li B. Deubiquitination of aryl hydrocarbon receptor by USP21 negatively regulates T helper 17 cell differentiation. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 117:qiae148. [PMID: 38952265 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae148] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a key transcription factor that modulates the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. How AhR is regulated at the post-translational level in Th17 cells remains largely unclear. Here, we identify USP21 as a newly defined deubiquitinase of AhR. We demonstrate that USP21 interacts with and stabilizes AhR by removing the K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from AhR. Interestingly, USP21 inhibits the transcriptional activity of AhR in a deubiquitinating-dependent manner. USP21 deubiquitinates AhR at the K432 residue, and the maintenance of ubiquitination on this site is required for the intact transcriptional activity of AhR. Moreover, the deficiency of USP21 promotes the differentiation of Th17 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, adoptive transfer of USP21-deficient naïve CD4+ T cells elicits more severe colitis in Rag1-/- recipients. Therefore, our study reveals a novel mechanism in which USP21 deubiquitinates AhR and negatively regulates the differentiation of Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbiao Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
- The Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases of Shenzhen, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Fangming Zhu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Na Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zhan Xu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Minrui Liang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xinnan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
- The Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases of Shenzhen, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Core Facility of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Boran Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 540 Xinhua Road, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lianbo Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 540 Xinhua Road, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Sheng-Ming Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
- The Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases of Shenzhen, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Ling Lv
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
- The Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases of Shenzhen, 1120 Lianhua Road, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 540 Xinhua Road, Shanghai 200052, China
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Adegbola PI, Adetutu A. Genetic and epigenetic modulations in toxicity: The two-sided roles of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the environment. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:502-519. [PMID: 38774476 PMCID: PMC11106787 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.04.010] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study emphasizes the importance of considering the metabolic and toxicity mechanisms of environmental concern chemicals in real-life exposure scenarios. Furthermore, environmental chemicals may require metabolic activation to become toxic, and competition for binding sites on receptors can affect the severity of toxicity. The multicomplex process of chemical toxicity is reflected in the activation of multiple pathways during toxicity of which AhR activation is major. Real-life exposure to a mixture of concern chemicals is common, and the composition of these chemicals determines the severity of toxicity. Nutritional essential elements can mitigate the toxicity of toxic heavy metals, while the types and ratio of composition of PAH can either increase or decrease toxicity. The epigenetic mechanisms of heavy metals and PAH toxicity involves either down-regulation or up-regulation of some non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) whereas specific small RNAs (sRNAs) may have dual role depending on the tissue and circumstance of expression. Similarly, decrease DNA methylation and histone modification are major players in heavy metals and PAH mediated toxicity and FLT1 hypermethylation is a major process in PAH induced carcinogenesis. Overall, this review provides the understanding of the metabolism of environmental concern chemicals, emphasizing the importance of considering mixed compositions and real-life exposure scenarios in assessing their potential effects on human health and diseases development as well as the dual mechanism of toxicity via genetic or epigenetic axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ifeoluwa Adegbola
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, First Technical University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adewale Adetutu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
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5
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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] [Grants] [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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6
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Kim DK, Lee CY, Han YJ, Park SY, Han H, Na K, Kim MH, Yang SM, Baek S, Kim Y, Hwang JY, Lee S, Kang SS, Hong MH, Lim SM, Lee JB, Kim JH, Cho BC, Pyo KH. Exploring aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression and distribution in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on immune cells, in various solid cancer types. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1330228. [PMID: 38680496 PMCID: PMC11045933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1330228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that performs various functions upon ligand activation. Several studies have explored the role of AhR expression in tumor progression and immune surveillance. Nevertheless, investigations on the distribution of AhR expression, specifically in cancer or immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), remain limited. Examining the AhR expression and distribution in the TME is crucial for gaining insights into the mechanism of action of AhR-targeting anticancer agents and their potential as biomarkers. Methods Here, we used multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and image cytometry to investigate the AhR expression and distribution in 513 patient samples, of which 292 are patients with one of five solid cancer types. Additionally, we analyzed the nuclear and cytosolic distribution of AhR expression. Results Our findings reveal that AhR expression was primarily localized in cancer cells, followed by stromal T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the nuclear and cytosolic expression of AhR, indicating that the expression of AhR as a biomarker is independent of its localization. Interestingly, the expression patterns of AhR were categorized into three clusters based on the cancer type, with high AhR expression levels being found in regulatory T cells (Tregs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Discussion These findings are anticipated to serve as pivotal evidence for the design of clinical trials and the analysis of the anticancer mechanisms of AhR-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Kwon Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chai Young Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heekyung Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmin Na
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Hyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Yang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujeong Baek
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngtaek Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yeon Hwang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Lee
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-san Kang
- Jeuk Institute for Cancer Research, Jeuk Co. Ltd., Gumi, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Min Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jii Bum Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Research Support, Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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7
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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] [Grants] [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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Haidar R, Shabo R, Moeser M, Luch A, Kugler J. The nuclear entry of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) relies on the first nuclear localization signal and can be negatively regulated through IMPα/β specific inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19668. [PMID: 37951956 PMCID: PMC10640566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) undergoes continuous shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm. Binding to exogenous or endogenous ligands promotes its rapid nuclear import. The proposed mechanism for the ligand-dependent import is based on exposing the bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS) to members of the importin (IMP) superfamily. Among this, the molecular interactions involved in the basal import still need to be clarified. Utilizing fluorescently fused AHR variants, we recapitulated and characterized AHR localization and nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling in living cells. Analysis of AHR variants carrying NLS point mutations demonstrated a mandatory role of first (13RKRRK17) and second (37KR-R40) NLS segments on the basal import of AHR. Further experiments indicated that ligand-induced import is mainly regulated through the first NLS, while the second NLS is supportive but not essential. Additionally, applying IMPα/β specific inhibitors, ivermectin (IVM) and importazole (IPZ), slowed down the ligand-induced import and, correspondingly, decreased the basal nuclear accumulation of the receptor. In conclusion, our data show that ligand-induced and basal nuclear entry of AHR rely on the same mechanism but are controlled uniquely by the two NLS components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Haidar
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Reneh Shabo
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Moeser
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Kugler
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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9
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Li K, Li K, He Y, Liang S, Shui X, Lei W. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: A bridge linking immuno-inflammation and metabolism in atherosclerosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115744. [PMID: 37579858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115744] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and atherosclerosis is a major contributor to this etiology. The ligand-activated transcription factor, known as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), plays an essential role in the interactions between genes and the environment. In a number of human diseases, including atherosclerosis, the AhR signaling pathway has recently been shown to be aberrantly expressed and activated. It's reported that AhR can regulate the immuno-inflammatory response and metabolism pathways in atherosclerosis, potentially serving as a bridge that links these processes. In this review, we highlight the involvement of AhR in atherosclerosis. From the literature, we conclude that AhR is a potential target for controlling atherosclerosis through precise interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongwei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Innovative Drugs Translation of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Macao Region on Molecular Targets and Intervention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Department of Precision Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaiyue Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Innovative Drugs Translation of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Macao Region on Molecular Targets and Intervention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Department of Precision Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan He
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Innovative Drugs Translation of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Macao Region on Molecular Targets and Intervention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Innovative Drugs Translation of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Macao Region on Molecular Targets and Intervention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Department of Precision Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaorong Shui
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Innovative Drugs Translation of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Macao Region on Molecular Targets and Intervention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Innovative Drugs Translation of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Macao Region on Molecular Targets and Intervention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Department of Precision Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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10
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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11
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Mandal A, Biswas N, Alam MN. Implications of xenobiotic-response element(s) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor in health and diseases. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1638-1655. [PMID: 37329424 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The effect of air pollution on public health is severely detrimental. In humans; the physiological response against pollutants is mainly elicited via the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It acts as a prime sensor of xenobiotic chemicals, also functioning as a transcription factor regulating a variety of gene expressions. Along with AhR, another pivotal element of the pollution stress pathway is Xenobiotic Response Elements (XREs). XRE, as studied are some conserved sequences in the DNA, responsible for the physiological response against pollutants. XRE is present at the upstream of the inducible target genes of AhR and it regulates the function of the AhR. XRE(s) are highly conserved in species as it has only eight specific sequences found so far in humans, mice, and rats. Inhalation of toxicants like dioxins, gaseous industrial effluents, and smoke from burning fuel and tobacco leads to predominant damage to the lungs. However, scientists are exploring the involvement of AhR in chronic diseases for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and also other lethal diseases like lung cancer. In this review, we summarise what is known at this time about the roles played by the XRE and AhR in our molecular systems that have a defined control in the normal maintenance of homeostasis as well as dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Mandal
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Nabendu Biswas
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Md Nur Alam
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, India.
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12
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Steidemann MM, Liu J, Bayes K, Castro LP, Ferguson-Miller S, LaPres JJ. Evidence for crosstalk between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the translocator protein in mouse lung epithelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2023; 429:113617. [PMID: 37172753 PMCID: PMC10330775 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113617] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cellular homeostasis requires the use of multiple environmental sensors that can respond to a variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is classically known as a transcription factor that induces genes that encode drug metabolizing enzymes when bound to toxicants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-ρ-dioxin (TCDD). The receptor has a growing number of putative endogenous ligands, such as tryptophan, cholesterol, and heme metabolites. Many of these compounds are also linked to the translocator protein (TSPO), an outer mitochondrial membrane protein. Given a portion of the cellular pool of the AHR has also been localized to mitochondria and the overlap in putative ligands, we tested the hypothesis that crosstalk exists between the two proteins. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to create knockouts for AHR and TSPO in a mouse lung epithelial cell line (MLE-12). WT, AHR-/-, and TSPO-/- cells were then exposed to AHR ligand (TCDD), TSPO ligand (PK11195), or both and RNA-seq was performed. More mitochondrial-related genes were altered by loss of both AHR and TSPO than would have been expected just by chance. Some of the genes altered included those that encode for components of the electron transport system and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. Both proteins altered the activity of the other as AHR loss caused the increase of TSPO at both the mRNA and protein level and loss of TSPO significantly increased the expression of classic AHR battery genes after TCDD treatment. This research provides evidence that AHR and TSPO participate in similar pathways that contribute to mitochondrial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Steidemann
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States
| | - Kalin Bayes
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States
| | - Lizbeth P Castro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States
| | - Shelagh Ferguson-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States
| | - John J LaPres
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
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13
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Dong F, Annalora AJ, Murray IA, Tian Y, Marcus CB, Patterson AD, Perdew GH. Endogenous Tryptophan-Derived Ah Receptor Ligands are Dissociated from CYP1A1/1B1-Dependent Negative-Feedback. Int J Tryptophan Res 2023; 16:11786469231182508. [PMID: 37434789 PMCID: PMC10331327 DOI: 10.1177/11786469231182508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) exerts major roles in xenobiotic metabolism, and in immune and barrier tissue homeostasis. How AHR activity is regulated by the availability of endogenous ligands is poorly understood. Potent AHR ligands have been shown to exhibit a negative feedback loop through induction of CYP1A1, leading to metabolism of the ligand. Our recent study identified and quantified 6 tryptophan metabolites (eg, indole-3-propionic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid) in mouse and human serum, generated by the host and gut microbiome, that are present in sufficient concentrations to individually activate the AHR. Here, these metabolites are not significantly metabolized by CYP1A1/1B1 in an in vitro metabolism assay. In contrast, CYP1A1/1B metabolizes the potent endogenous AHR ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2b]carbazole. Furthermore, molecular modeling of these 6 AHR activating tryptophan metabolites within the active site of CYP1A1/1B1 reveal metabolically unfavorable docking profiles with regard to orientation with the catalytic heme center. In contrast, docking studies confirmed that 6-formylindolo[3,2b]carbazole would be a potent substrate. The lack of CYP1A1 expression in mice fails to influence serum levels of the tryptophan metabolites examined. In addition, marked induction of CYP1A1 by PCB126 exposure in mice failed to alter the serum concentrations of these tryptophan metabolites. These results suggest that certain circulating tryptophan metabolites are not susceptible to an AHR negative feedback loop and are likely important factors that mediate constitutive but low level systemic human AHR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangcong Dong
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 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, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Craig B Marcus
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
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14
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Riddick DS. Fifty Years of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Research as Reflected in the Pages of Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:657-671. [PMID: 36653119 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The induction of multiple drug-metabolizing enzymes by halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toxicants is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This fascinating receptor also has natural dietary and endogenous ligands, and much is now appreciated about the AHR's developmental and physiologic roles, as well as its importance in cancer and other diseases. The past several years has witnessed increasing emphasis on understanding the multifaceted roles of the AHR in the immune system. Most would agree that the "discovery" of the AHR occurred in 1976, with the report of specific binding of a high affinity radioligand in mouse liver, just three years after the launch of the journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition (DMD) in 1973. Over the ensuing 50 years, the AHR and DMD have led parallel and often intersecting lives. The overall goal of this mini-review is to provide a decade-by-decade overview of major historical landmark discoveries in the AHR field and to highlight the numerous contributions made by publications appearing in the pages of DMD. It is hoped that this historical tour might inspire current and future research in the AHR field. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: With the launch of Drug Metabolism and Disposition (DMD) in 1973 and the discovery of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in 1976, the journal and the receptor have led parallel and often intersecting lives over the past 50 years. Tracing the history of the AHR can reveal how knowledge in the field has evolved to the present and highlight the important contributions made by discoveries reported in DMD. This may inspire additional DMD papers reporting future AHR landmark discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Riddick
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Pinto CJG, Ávila-Gálvez MÁ, Lian Y, Moura-Alves P, Nunes Dos Santos C. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by gut phenolic metabolites: A strategy towards gut inflammation. Redox Biol 2023; 61:102622. [PMID: 36812782 PMCID: PMC9958510 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor able to control complex transcriptional processes in several cell types, which has been correlated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Numerous studies have described different compounds as ligands of this receptor, like xenobiotics, natural compounds, and several host-derived metabolites. Dietary (poly)phenols have been studied regarding their pleiotropic activities (e.g., neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory), but their AHR modulatory capabilities have also been considered. However, dietary (poly)phenols are submitted to extensive metabolism in the gut (e.g., gut microbiota). Thus, the resulting gut phenolic metabolites could be key players modulating AHR since they are the ones that reach the cells and may exert effects on the AHR throughout the gut and other organs. This review aims at a comprehensive search for the most abundant gut phenolic metabolites detected and quantified in humans to understand how many have been described as AHR modulators and what could be their impact on inflammatory gut processes. Even though several phenolic compounds have been studied regarding their anti-inflammatory capacities, only 1 gut phenolic metabolite, described as AHR modulator, has been evaluated on intestinal inflammatory models. Searching for AHR ligands could be a novel strategy against IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina J G Pinto
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Yilong Lian
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Cláudia Nunes Dos Santos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal.
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16
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Xie Z, Zhang G, Liu R, Wang Y, Tsapieva AN, Zhang L, Han J. Heat-Killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Repairs Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Damage via MLCK/MLC Pathway Activation. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071758. [PMID: 37049598 PMCID: PMC10097264 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial barrier function is closely associated with the development of many intestinal diseases. Heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (HK-LP) has been shown to improve intestinal health and enhance immunity. However, the function of HK-LP in the intestinal barrier is still unclear. This study characterized the inflammatory effects of seven HK-LP (1 μg/mL) on the intestinal barrier using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 μg/mL)-induced Caco-2 cells. In this study, HK-LP 6105, 6115, and 6235 were selected, and their effects on the modulation of inflammatory factors and tight junction protein expression (claudin-1, zona occludens-1, and occludin) were compared. The effect of different cultivation times (18 and 48 h) was investigated in response to LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. Our results showed that HK-LP 6105, 6115, and 6235 improved LPS-induced intestinal barrier permeability reduction and transepithelial resistance. Furthermore, HK-LP 6105, 6115, and 6235 inhibited the pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β). HK-LP 6105, 6115, and 6235 ameliorated the inflammatory response. It inhibited the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-mediated myosin light chain (MLC)/MLC kinase signaling pathway by downregulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway. Thus, the results suggest that HK-LP 6150, 6115, and 6235 may improve intestinal health by regulating inflammation and TJ proteins. Postbiotics produced by these strains exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the intestinal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Xie
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Gongsheng Zhang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Rongxu Liu
- Heilongjiang Green Food Science Research Institute, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yucong Wang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Anna N Tsapieva
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Acad.,197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Lili Zhang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jianchun Han
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
- Heilongjiang Green Food Science Research Institute, Harbin 150030, China
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17
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Elson DJ, Kolluri SK. Tumor-Suppressive Functions of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and AhR as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:526. [PMID: 37106727 PMCID: PMC10135996 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in regulating a wide range of biological responses. A diverse array of xenobiotics and endogenous small molecules bind to the receptor and drive unique phenotypic responses. Due in part to its role in mediating toxic responses to environmental pollutants, AhR activation has not been traditionally viewed as a viable therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the expression and activation of AhR can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells, and many clinically approved drugs transcriptionally activate AhR. Identification of novel select modulators of AhR-regulated transcription that promote tumor suppression is an active area of investigation. The development of AhR-targeted anticancer agents requires a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor suppression. Here, we summarized the tumor-suppressive mechanisms regulated by AhR with an emphasis on the endogenous functions of the receptor in opposing carcinogenesis. In multiple different cancer models, the deletion of AhR promotes increased tumorigenesis, but a precise understanding of the molecular cues and the genetic targets of AhR involved in this process is lacking. The intent of this review was to synthesize the evidence supporting AhR-dependent tumor suppression and distill insights for development of AhR-targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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18
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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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19
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Ortiz NR, Guy N, Garcia YA, Sivils JC, Galigniana MD, Cox MB. Functions of the Hsp90-Binding FKBP Immunophilins. Subcell Biochem 2023; 101:41-80. [PMID: 36520303 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14740-1_2] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Hsp90 chaperone is known to interact with a diverse array of client proteins. However, in every case examined, Hsp90 is also accompanied by a single or several co-chaperone proteins. One class of co-chaperone contains a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain that targets the co-chaperone to the C-terminal region of Hsp90. Within this class are Hsp90-binding peptidylprolyl isomerases, most of which belong to the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family. Despite the common association of FKBP co-chaperones with Hsp90, it is abundantly clear that the client protein influences, and is often influenced by, the particular FKBP bound to Hsp90. Examples include Xap2 in aryl hydrocarbon receptor complexes and FKBP52 in steroid receptor complexes. In this chapter, we discuss the known functional roles played by FKBP co-chaperones and, where possible, relate distinctive functions to structural differences between FKBP members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina R Ortiz
- Border Biomedical Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Naihsuan Guy
- Border Biomedical Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Yenni A Garcia
- Border Biomedical Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Sivils
- Border Biomedical Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Mario D Galigniana
- Departamento de Química Biológica/IQUIBICEN, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental/CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marc B Cox
- Border Biomedical Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
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20
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Solís-Fernández G, Montero-Calle A, Sánchez-Martínez M, Peláez-García A, Fernández-Aceñero MJ, Pallarés P, Alonso-Navarro M, Mendiola M, Hendrix J, Hardisson D, Bartolomé RA, Hofkens J, Rocha S, Barderas R. Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein regulates tumorigenic and metastatic properties of colorectal cancer cells driving liver metastasis. Br J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01762-1
expr 880987936 + 827650491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
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21
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Solís-Fernández G, Montero-Calle A, Sánchez-Martínez M, Peláez-García A, Fernández-Aceñero MJ, Pallarés P, Alonso-Navarro M, Mendiola M, Hendrix J, Hardisson D, Bartolomé RA, Hofkens J, Rocha S, Barderas R. Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein regulates tumorigenic and metastatic properties of colorectal cancer cells driving liver metastasis. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:1604-1615. [PMID: 35347323 PMCID: PMC9130499 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01762-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver metastasis is the primary cause of colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated death. Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP), a putative positive intermediary in aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-mediated signalling, is overexpressed in highly metastatic human KM12SM CRC cells and other highly metastatic CRC cells. METHODS Meta-analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the relevance of AIP. Cellular functions and signalling mechanisms mediated by AIP were assessed by gain-of-function experiments and in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS A significant association of high AIP expression with poor CRC patients' survival was observed. Gain-of-function and quantitative proteomics experiments demonstrated that AIP increased tumorigenic and metastatic properties of isogenic KM12C (poorly metastatic) and KM12SM (highly metastatic to the liver) CRC cells. AIP overexpression dysregulated epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) markers and induced several transcription factors and Cadherin-17 activation. The former induced the signalling activation of AKT, SRC and JNK kinases to increase adhesion, migration and invasion of CRC cells. In vivo, AIP expressing KM12 cells induced tumour growth and liver metastasis. Furthermore, KM12C (poorly metastatic) cells ectopically expressing AIP became metastatic to the liver. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal new roles for AIP in regulating proteins associated with cancer and metastasis to induce tumorigenic and metastatic properties in colon cancer cells driving liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Solís-Fernández
- Chronic Disease Programme (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, E-28220, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Montero-Calle
- Chronic Disease Programme (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, E-28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maricruz Sánchez-Martínez
- Chronic Disease Programme (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, E-28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Peláez-García
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, La Paz University Hospital (IdiPAZ), E-28046, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Pallarés
- Unidades Centrales, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, E-28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miren Alonso-Navarro
- Chronic Disease Programme (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, E-28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mendiola
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, La Paz University Hospital (IdiPAZ), E-28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jelle Hendrix
- Dynamic Bioimaging Lab, Advanced Optical Microscopy Centre and Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan C (BIOMED), 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - David Hardisson
- Molecular Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Group, La Paz University Hospital (IdiPAZ), E-28046, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Johan Hofkens
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susana Rocha
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Rodrigo Barderas
- Chronic Disease Programme (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, E-28220, Madrid, Spain.
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AhR promotes phosphorylation of ARNT isoform 1 in human T cell malignancies as a switch for optimal AhR activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114336119. [PMID: 35290121 PMCID: PMC8944900 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114336119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) is a transcription factor present in immune cells as a long and short isoform, referred to as isoforms 1 and 3, respectively. However, investigation into potential ARNT isoform–specific immune functions is lacking despite the well-established heterodimerization requirement of ARNT with, and for the activity of, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a critical mediator of immune homeostasis. Here, using global and targeted transcriptomics analyses, we show that the relative ARNT isoform 1:3 ratio in human T cell lymphoma cells dictates the amplitude and direction of AhR target gene regulation. Specifically, shifting the ARNT isoform 1:3 ratio lower by suppressing isoform 1 enhances, or higher by suppressing isoform 3 abrogates, AhR responsiveness to ligand activation through preprograming a cellular genetic background that directs explicit gene expression patterns. Moreover, the fluctuations in gene expression patterns that accompany a decrease or increase in the ARNT isoform 1:3 ratio are associated with inflammation or immunosuppression, respectively. Molecular studies identified the unique casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation site within isoform 1 as an essential parameter to the mechanism of ARNT isoform–specific regulation of AhR signaling. Notably, CK2-mediated phosphorylation of ARNT isoform 1 is dependent on ligand-induced AhR nuclear translocation and is required for optimal AhR target gene regulation. These observations reveal ARNT as a central modulator of AhR activity predicated on the status of the ARNT isoform ratio and suggest that ARNT-based therapies are a viable option for tuning the immune system to target immune disorders.
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23
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Tomita S, Inaba K, Sekimoto M. Tyrphostin AG1024 downregulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression in an IGF1R and IR-independent manner. Toxicol Lett 2022; 360:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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24
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Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel Indolyl DiHydropyrazole Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175235. [PMID: 34500672 PMCID: PMC8434462 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoles derived from both natural sources or artificial synthetic methods have been known to interact with aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR), and exhibit anticancer activity. In light of these attractive properties, a series of hybrid molecules with structural features of indoles, i.e., those bearing a pyrazoline nucleus, were evaluated for their enhanced anticancer activity. The designed molecules were subjected to molecular docking in order to screen for potential AhR interacting compounds, and the identified indolyl dihydropyrazole derivatives were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated against four human cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Based on the Glide g-score, H-bonding interactions and bonding energy of 20 candidate molecules were selected for further analysis from the 64 initially designed molecules. These candidate molecules have shown promising anti-proliferative activity against the cell lines tested. Among these candidate molecules, the compounds with hydroxy phenyl substitution on the pyrazoline ring have shown potent activity across all the tested cell lines. The designed scaffold was proven effective for screening potential candidate molecules with anticancer properties, and may be further optimized structurally for yielding the ideal anti-tumorigenic compound for the treatment of various cancers.
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25
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Pappolla MA, Perry G, Fang X, Zagorski M, Sambamurti K, Poeggeler B. Indoles as essential mediators in the gut-brain axis. Their role in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 156:105403. [PMID: 34087380 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia associated with aging. Due to the progressive aging of the population, AD is becoming a healthcare burden of unprecedented proportions. Twenty years ago, it was reported that some indole molecules produced by the gut microbiota possess essential biological activities, including neuroprotection and antioxidant properties. Since then, research has cemented additional characteristics of these substances, including anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and amyloid anti-aggregation features. Herein, we summarize the evidence supporting an integrated hypothesis that some of these substances can influence the age of onset and progression of AD and are central to the symbiotic relationship between intestinal microbes and the brain. Studies have shown that some of these substances' activities result from interactions with biologically conserved pathways and with genetic risk factors for AD. By targeting multiple pathologic mechanisms simultaneously, certain indoles may be excellent candidates to ameliorate neurodegeneration. We propose that management of the microbiota to induce a higher production of neuroprotective indoles (e.g., indole propionic acid) will promote brain health during aging. This area of research represents a new therapeutic paradigm that could add functional years of life to individuals who would otherwise develop dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Pappolla
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Neurology, Galveston, TX, United States of America.
| | - George Perry
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Biology, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Xiang Fang
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Neurology, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael Zagorski
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Chemistry, Cleveland, United States of America
| | - Kumar Sambamurti
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neurobiology, Charleston, SC, United States of America
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26
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Abney KK, Galipeau J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mesenchymal stromal cells: new frontiers in AhR biology. FEBS J 2021; 288:3962-3972. [PMID: 33064873 PMCID: PMC12102680 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic cells that have been clinically explored as investigational cellular therapeutics for tissue injury regeneration and immune-mediated diseases. Their pharmaceutical properties arise from activation of endogenous receptors and transcription factors leading to a paracrine effect which mirror the biology of progenitors from which they arise. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as an environmental sensor for xenobiotics, but recent findings suggest it can modulate immunological functions. Both genetic and pharmacological investigations revealed that MSCs express AhR and that it plays roles in inflammation, immunomodulation, and mesodermal plasticity of endogenous MSCs. Further, AhR has been shown to interact with key signaling cascades associated with these conditions. Therefore, AhR has potential to be an attractive target in both endogenous and culture-adapted MSCs for novel therapeutics to treat inflammation and other age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher K Abney
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacques Galipeau
- Department of Medicine and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, USA
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27
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Zaragoza-Ojeda M, Apatiga-Vega E, Arenas-Huertero F. Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in central nervous system tumors: Biological and therapeutic implications. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:460. [PMID: 33907570 PMCID: PMC8063300 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, whose canonical pathway mainly regulates the genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. However, it can also regulate several responses in a non-canonical manner, such as proliferation, differentiation, cell death and cell adhesion. AhR plays an important role in central nervous system tumors, as it can regulate several cellular responses via different pathways. The polymorphisms of the AHR gene have been associated with the development of gliomas. In addition, the metabolism of tumor cells promotes tumor growth, particularly in tryptophan synthesis, where some metabolites, such as kynurenine, can activate the AhR pathway, triggering cell proliferation in astrocytomas, medulloblastomas and glioblastomas. Furthermore, as part of the changes in neuroblastomas, AHR is able to downregulate the expression of proto-oncogene c-Myc, induce differentiation in tumor cells, and cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Collectively, these data suggested that the modulation of the AhR pathway may downregulate tumor growth, providing a novel strategy for applications for the treatment of certain tumors through the control of the AhR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Zaragoza-Ojeda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, México
| | - Elisa Apatiga-Vega
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, México
| | - Francisco Arenas-Huertero
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, México
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28
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Torti MF, Giovannoni F, Quintana FJ, García CC. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Modulator of Anti-viral Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624293. [PMID: 33746961 PMCID: PMC7973006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which interacts with a wide range of organic molecules of endogenous and exogenous origin, including environmental pollutants, tryptophan metabolites, and microbial metabolites. The activation of AHR by these agonists drives its translocation into the nucleus where it controls the expression of a large number of target genes that include the AHR repressor (AHRR), detoxifying monooxygenases (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1), and cytokines. Recent advances reveal that AHR signaling modulates aspects of the intrinsic, innate and adaptive immune response to diverse microorganisms. This review will focus on the increasing evidence supporting a role for AHR as a modulator of the host response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Torti
- Laboratory of Antiviral Strategies, Biochemistry Department, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francisco Javier Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cybele Carina García
- Laboratory of Antiviral Strategies, Biochemistry Department, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Uemura S, Nakajima Y, Yoshida Y, Furuya M, Matsutani S, Kawate S, Ikeda SI, Tsuji N, Grave E, Wakui H, Itoh H. Biochemical properties of human full-length aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). J Biochem 2021; 168:285-294. [PMID: 32289173 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a very unstable protein. AhR binds to the molecular chaperone complex (HSP90-p23-XAP2) to maintain a stable structure in the cytoplasm. After binding to ligands, such as dioxin, AhR translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus with a molecular chaperone complex. The protein forms a heterodimer with Arnt after nuclear transfer, functions as a transcription factor by binding to a xenobiotic responsive element (XRE), and induces the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). Because of the unstable protein, expression of the full-length AhR in the E. coli expression system is very difficult. Many studies investigated AhR using AhR domains in vitro. We expressed and purified the human full-length AhR in E. coli expression system. Furthermore, specific antibodies were prepared. Purified full-length AhR could bind to ligand. In the presence of ligand, α-helix and random coil of AhR increased and β-sheet decreased on CD spectrum. Full-length AhR could bind to HSP90, XAP2 and p23 in the presence or absence of ligand. We now show the biochemical properties of full-length AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Uemura
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Nakajima
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Yuhki Yoshida
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Moeko Furuya
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Shun Matsutani
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Shinya Kawate
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Ikeda
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Noriko Tsuji
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Ewa Grave
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Hideki Wakui
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Hideaki Itoh
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
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30
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The Landscape of AhR Regulators and Coregulators to Fine-Tune AhR Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020757. [PMID: 33451129 PMCID: PMC7828596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates numerous cellular responses. Originally investigated in toxicology because of its ability to bind environmental contaminants, AhR has attracted enormous attention in the field of immunology in the last 20 years. In addition, the discovery of endogenous and plant-derived ligands points to AhR also having a crucial role in normal cell physiology. Thus, AhR is emerging as a promiscuous receptor that can mediate either toxic or physiologic effects upon sensing multiple exogenous and endogenous molecules. Within this scenario, several factors appear to contribute to the outcome of gene transcriptional regulation by AhR, including the nature of the ligand as such and its further metabolism by AhR-induced enzymes, the local tissue microenvironment, and the presence of coregulators or specific transcription factors in the cell. Here, we review the current knowledge on the array of transcription factors and coregulators that, by interacting with AhR, tune its transcriptional activity in response to endogenous and exogenous ligands.
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31
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Wang F, Liang S, Hu J, Xu Y. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor connects dysregulated immune cells to atherosclerosis. Immunol Lett 2020; 228:55-63. [PMID: 33053378 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As a chronic inflammatory disease with autoimmune components, atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have revealed that the development of atherosclerosis is strongly linked to the functional activities of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a chemical sensor that is also important for the development, maintenance, and function of a variety of immune cells. In this review, we focus on the impact of AHR signaling on the different cell types that are closely related to the atherogenesis, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, foam cells, and hematopoietic stem cells in the arterial walls, and summarize the latest development on the interplay between this environmental sensor and immune cells in the context of atherosclerosis. Hopefully, elucidation of the role of AHR in atherosclerosis will facilitate the understanding of case variation in disease prevalence and may aid in the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengge Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Shuangchao Liang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Jiqiong Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Yuekang Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China.
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32
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Vitali E, Boemi I, Piccini S, Tarantola G, Smiroldo V, Lavezzi E, Brambilla T, Zerbi A, Carnaghi C, Mantovani G, Spada A, Lania AG. A novel insight into the anticancer mechanism of metformin in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 509:110803. [PMID: 32251713 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug metformin displays anticancer properties in several neoplasms. In pituitary NETs, aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) is up-regulated by the somatostatin analog octreotide. Metformin inhibited QGP-1 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, at concentrations similar to those achievable in treated patients (-31 ± 12%, p < 0.05 vs basal at 100 μM). Moreover, metformin decreased pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PAN-NETs) cell proliferation (-62 ± 15%, p < 0.0001 vs basal at 10 mM), without any additive effect when combined with octreotide. Both octreotide and metformin induced AIP up-regulation. AIP silencing abolished the reduction of mTOR phosphorylation induced by metformin and octreotide. Moreover, metformin decreased HSP70, increased Zac1 and AhR expression; these effects were abolished in AIP silenced QGP-1 cells. In conclusion, metformin acts as an anticancer agent in PAN-NET cells, its activity is mediated by AIP and its interacting proteins. These findings provide a novel insight into the antitumorigenic mechanism of metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vitali
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.
| | - I Boemi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - S Piccini
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - G Tarantola
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - V Smiroldo
- Oncology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - E Lavezzi
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - T Brambilla
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - A Zerbi
- Pancreas Surgery Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - C Carnaghi
- Oncology Unit, Bolzano Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - G Mantovani
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - A Spada
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - A G Lania
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy; Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
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33
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: an environmental sensor integrating immune responses in health and disease. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 19:184-197. [PMID: 30718831 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 777] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The environment, diet, microbiota and body's metabolism shape complex biological processes in health and disease. However, our understanding of the molecular pathways involved in these processes is still limited. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that integrates environmental, dietary, microbial and metabolic cues to control complex transcriptional programmes in a ligand-specific, cell-type-specific and context-specific manner. In this Review, we summarize our current knowledge of AHR and the transcriptional programmes it controls in the immune system. Finally, we discuss the role of AHR in autoimmune and neoplastic diseases of the central nervous system, with a special focus on the gut immune system, the gut-brain axis and the therapeutic potential of targeting AHR in neurological disorders.
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34
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Arenas-Huertero F, Zaragoza-Ojeda M, Sánchez-Alarcón J, Milić M, Šegvić Klarić M, Montiel-González JM, Valencia-Quintana R. Involvement of Ahr Pathway in Toxicity of Aflatoxins and Other Mycotoxins. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2347. [PMID: 31681212 PMCID: PMC6798329 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present information about the role of activation of aflatoxins and other mycotoxins, of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Aflatoxins and other mycotoxins are a diverse group of secondary metabolites that can be contaminants in a broad range of agricultural products and feeds. Some species of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicilium, and Fusarium are major producers of mycotoxins, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. Several aflatoxins are planar molecules that can activate the AhR. AhR participates in the detoxification of several xenobiotic substances and activates phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. But it is important to recognize that AhR activation also affects differentiation, cell adhesion, proliferation, and immune response among others. Any examination of the effects of aflatoxins and other toxins that act as activators to AhR must consider the potential of the disruption of several cellular functions in order to extend the perception thus far about the toxic and carcinogenic effects of these toxins. There have been no Reviews of existing data between the relation of AhR and aflatoxins and this one attempts to give information precisely about this dichotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Arenas-Huertero
- Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Montserrat Zaragoza-Ojeda
- Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juana Sánchez-Alarcón
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Mirta Milić
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Šegvić Klarić
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - José M. Montiel-González
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Rafael Valencia-Quintana
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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35
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Kumar MB, Perdew GH. Nuclear receptor coactivator SRC-1 interacts with the Q-rich subdomain of the AhR and modulates its transactivation potential. Gene Expr 2018; 8:273-86. [PMID: 10947077 PMCID: PMC6157383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a soluble cytosolic protein, mediates many of the toxic effects of TCDD and related chemicals. The toxic effects are largely cell, tissue, and promoter context dependent. Although many details of the overall dioxin signal transduction have been elucidated, the transcriptional regulation of dioxin-induced genes like cyp1A1 is not yet completely understood. Previously, we have shown that the co-regulator RIP140 is a potential AhR coactivator. In this report, the role of coactivator, SRC-1, in AhR-mediated transcriptional regulation was examined. SRC-1 increased AhR-mediated, TCDD-dependent reporter gene activity three-fold in Hepa-1 and COS-1 cells. In in vitro interaction assays, SRC-1 was found to interact with AhR but not with ARNT. SRC-1 interacted weakly with AhR in the absence of TCDD and the addition of ligand further increased SRC-1 binding to AhR. Deletional mapping studies of the AhR revealed that SRC-1 binds to the AhR transactivation domain. Finer mapping of the SRC-1-interacting subdomains in the AhR transactivation domain suggested that the Q-rich subdomain was necessary and sufficient for interaction, similar to that seen with RIP140. Using GFP-tagged constructs, SRC-1 was shown to interact with AhR in cells. Unlike RIP140, LXXLL motifs in SRC-1 were necessary for interaction with AhR in vitro and for coactivation in Hepa-1 cells. The recruitment of certain coactivators by a variety of receptors suggests possible common coactivator pools and competition among receptors for limiting coactivators. Examination of the role of SRC-1 in AhR/ARNT transactivation in ARNT-deficient mutant Hepa-1 c4 cells demonstrates that the AhR transactivation domain is sufficient for enhanced coactivation mediated by SRC-1 in the presence of a transactivation domain deleted ARNT protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan B. Kumar
- *Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Gary H. Perdew
- *Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
- †Center for Molecular Toxicology and the Department of Veterinary Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
- Address correspondence to Gary H. Perdew, Department of Veterinary Science, 115 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802. Tel: (814) 865-0400; (814) 863-6140; E-mail:
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36
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Cervantes-Barragan L, Colonna M. AHR signaling in the development and function of intestinal immune cells and beyond. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 40:371-377. [PMID: 29951906 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal immune system is challenged daily with the task of recognizing and eliminating pathogens while simultaneously tolerating dietary and commensal antigens. All components must effectively coordinate to differentiate a continual barrage of environmental cues and mount appropriate responses dependent on the nature of the stimuli encountered. Playing a pivotal role, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a chemical sensor that detects both dietary and microbial cues and is important for development, maintenance, and function of several types of intestinal immune cells, particularly innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and T cells. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in our knowledge of the role of AHR signaling in ILCs, T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Cervantes-Barragan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Jin UH, Karki K, Kim SB, Safe S. Inhibition of pancreatic cancer Panc1 cell migration by omeprazole is dependent on aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation of JNK. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:751-757. [PMID: 29758193 PMCID: PMC6234016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-active pharmaceuticals were screened as inhibitors of pancreatic cancer cell invasion and identified two compounds, omeprazole, that inhibited invasion. Inhibition of highly invasive Panc1 cell invasion by omeprazole involves an AhR-dependent non-genomic pathway, and omeprazole-mediated inhibition of Panc1 cell invasion was dependent on Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen-activated kinase kinase 7 (MKK7). The failure of omeprazole to induce nuclear translocation of the AhR was not due to overexpression of cytosolic AhR partner proteins Hsp90 or XAP2, and results of DNA sequencing show that the AhR expressed in Panc1 cells was not mutated. Results of RNAseq studies indicate that omeprazole induced an AhR-dependent downregulation of several pro-invasion factors including activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), long chain fatty acid CoA-synthase (CSL4), stathmin 3 (STMN3) and neuropillin 2 (NRP2), and the specific functions of these genes are currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un-Ho Jin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sang-Bae Kim
- Human Genomic Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Kudo I, Hosaka M, Haga A, Tsuji N, Nagata Y, Okada H, Fukuda K, Kakizaki Y, Okamoto T, Grave E, Itoh H. The regulation mechanisms of AhR by molecular chaperone complex. J Biochem 2018; 163:223-232. [PMID: 29092071 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvx074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The AhR, so called the dioxin receptor, is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The ligand-free AhR forms a cytosolic protein complex with the molecular chaperone HSP90, co-chaperone p23, and XAP2 in the cytoplasm. Following ligand binding like 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the AhR translocates into the nucleus. Although it has been reported that HSP90 regulates the translocation of the AhR to the nucleus, the precise activation mechanisms of the AhR have not yet been fully understood. AhR consists of the N-terminal bHLH domain containing NLS and NES, the middle PAS domain and the C-terminal transactivation domain. The PAS domain is familiar as a ligand and HSP90 binding domain. In this study, we focused on the bHLH domain that was thought to be a HSP90 binding domain. We investigated the binding properties of bHLH to HSP90. We analyzed the direct interaction of bHLH with HSP90, p23 and XAP2 using purified proteins. We found that not only the PAS domain but also the bHLH domain bound to HSP90. The bHLH domain forms complex with HSP90, p23 and XAP2. We also determined the bHLH binding domain was HSP90 N-domain. The bHLH domain makes a complex with HSP90, p23 and XAP2 via the HSP90 N-domain. Although the NLS is closed in the absence of a ligand, the structure of AhR will be changed in the presence of a ligand, which leads to NLS open, result in the nuclear translocation of AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuru Kudo
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Miki Hosaka
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Asami Haga
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Noriko Tsuji
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Yuhtaroh Nagata
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Okada
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Kana Fukuda
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Yuka Kakizaki
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Tomoya Okamoto
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Ewa Grave
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
| | - Hideaki Itoh
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering Science, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata Gakuen Town, Akita 010-8502, Japan
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Chemical sensing in development and function of intestinal lymphocytes. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 50:112-116. [PMID: 29452963 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The immune system of the intestinal tract has the challenging task of recognizing and eliminating intestinal pathogens while maintaining tolerance to dietary and commensal antigens; therefore, it must be able to sense environmental cues within the intestine and mount suitable responses dictated by their pathogenic or nonpathogenic nature. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was originally characterized as a chemical sensor of the environmental pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) [12]. More recently, AHR has emerged as a major chemical sensor expressed in many intestinal immune cells that enables them to distinguish nutritional and microbial cues and is, therefore, important for development, maintenance and function of the intestinal immune system. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in our knowledge of the role of AHR signaling in intestinal innate lymphoid cells (ILC), T cells and B cells.
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40
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Hernández-Ramírez LC, Morgan RM, Barry S, D’Acquisto F, Prodromou C, Korbonits M. Multi-chaperone function modulation and association with cytoskeletal proteins are key features of the function of AIP in the pituitary gland. Oncotarget 2018; 9:9177-9198. [PMID: 29507682 PMCID: PMC5823669 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-recognized role of loss-of-function mutations of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein gene (AIP) predisposing to pituitary adenomas, the pituitary-specific function of this tumor suppressor remains an enigma. To determine the repertoire of interacting partners for the AIP protein in somatotroph cells, wild-type and variant AIP proteins were used for pull-down/quantitative mass spectrometry experiments against lysates of rat somatotropinoma-derived cells; relevant findings were validated by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization. Global gene expression was studied in AIP mutation positive and negative pituitary adenomas via RNA microarrays. Direct interaction with AIP was confirmed for three known and six novel partner proteins. Novel interactions with HSPA5 and HSPA9, together with known interactions with HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1 and HSPA8, indicate that the function/stability of multiple chaperone client proteins could be perturbed by a deficient AIP co-chaperone function. Interactions with TUBB, TUBB2A, NME1 and SOD1 were also identified. The AIP variants p.R304* and p.R304Q showed impaired interactions with HSPA8, HSP90AB1, NME1 and SOD1; p.R304* also displayed reduced binding to TUBB and TUBB2A, and AIP-mutated tumors showed reduced TUBB2A expression. Our findings suggest that cytoskeletal organization, cell motility/adhesion, as well as oxidative stress responses, are functions that are likely to be involved in the tumor suppressor activity of AIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Hernández-Ramírez
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Present address: Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892-1862, USA
| | - Rhodri M.L. Morgan
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, Falmer, BN1 9RQ, UK
- Present address: Protein Crystallography Facility, Centre for Structural Biology, Flowers Building, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sayka Barry
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Fulvio D’Acquisto
- Centre for Microvascular Research, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | | | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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41
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Ligand-mediated cytoplasmic retention of the Ah receptor inhibits macrophage-mediated acute inflammatory responses. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1471-1487. [PMID: 28892097 PMCID: PMC5711556 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ah receptor (AHR) has been shown to exhibit both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity in a context-specific manner. In vivo macrophage-driven acute inflammation models were utilized here to test whether the selective Ah receptor modulator 1-allyl-7-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-3-yl]-4-methoxyphenol (SGA360) would reduce inflammation. Exposure to SGA360 was capable of significantly inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated endotoxic shock in a mouse model, both in terms of lethality and attenuating inflammatory signaling in tissues. Topical exposure to SGA360 was also able to mitigate joint edema in a monosodium urate (MSU) crystal gout mouse model. Inhibition was dependent on the expression of the high-affinity allelic AHR variant in both acute inflammation models. Upon peritoneal MSU crystal exposure SGA360 pretreatment inhibited neutrophil and macrophage migration into the peritoneum. RNA-seq analysis revealed that SGA360 attenuated the expression of numerous inflammatory genes and genes known to be directly regulated by AHR in thioglycolate-elicited primary peritoneal macrophages treated with LPS. In addition, expression of the high-affinity allelic AHR variant in cultured macrophages was necessary for SGA360-mediated repression of inflammatory gene expression. Mechanistic studies revealed that SGA360 failed to induce nuclear translocation of the AHR and actually enhanced cytoplasmic localization. LPS treatment of macrophages enhanced the occupancy of the AHR and p65 to the Ptgs2 promoter, whereas SGA360 attenuated occupancy. AHR ligand activity was detected in peritoneal exudates isolated from MSU-treated mice, thus suggesting that the anti-inflammatory activity of SGA360 is mediated at least in part through AHR antagonism of endogenous agonist activity. These results underscore an important role of the AHR in participating in acute inflammatory signaling and warrants further investigations into possible clinical applications.
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42
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Wang F, Zhang R, Shi S, Hankinson O. The Effect of Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptor on the Phenotype of the Hepa 1c1c7 Murine Hepatoma Cells in the Absence of Dioxin. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/117762500700100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates biological responses to certain exogenous ligands, such as the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and has also been demonstrated to modulate the cell cycle and differentiated state of several cell lines independently of exogenous ligands. In this study, we used DNA micorarray analysis to elucidate the profile of genes responsive to the expression of unliganded AhR by re-introducing AhR into an AhR-deficient mouse derivative (c19) of the mouse hepatoma cell line Hepa1c1c7. 22 gene products were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated two-fold or more in c19 cells infected with a retroviral vector expressing mouse AhR. Surprisingly, expression of genes involved in cell proliferation or differentiation were not affected by introduction of AhR. AhR also did not restore expression of the albumin gene in c19 cells. Introduction of AhR into c12, a similar AhR-defective mouse hepatoma cell line, also did not restore albumin expression, and furthermore, did not lead to changes in cellular morphology or cell cycle parameters. These observations fail to support the notion that unliganded AhR regulates proliferation and differentiation of liver-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, U.S.A
| | - Ruixue Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, U.S.A
| | - Shengli Shi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, U.S.A
| | - Oliver Hankinson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, U.S.A
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles
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43
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Sakurai S, Shimizu T, Ohto U. The crystal structure of the AhRR-ARNT heterodimer reveals the structural basis of the repression of AhR-mediated transcription. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17609-17616. [PMID: 28904176 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.812974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds are extraordinarily potent environmental toxic pollutants. Most of the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxicities are mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) family. Upon ligand binding, AhR forms a heterodimer with AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and induces the expression of genes involved in various biological responses. One of the genes induced by AhR encodes AhR repressor (AhRR), which also forms a heterodimer with ARNT and represses the activation of AhR-dependent transcription. The control of AhR activation is critical for managing AhR-mediated diseases, but the mechanisms by which AhRR represses AhR activation remain poorly understood, because of the lack of structural information. Here, we determined the structure of the AhRR-ARNT heterodimer by X-ray crystallography, which revealed an asymmetric intertwined domain organization presenting structural features that are both conserved and distinct among bHLH-PAS family members. The structures of AhRR-ARNT and AhR-ARNT were similar in the bHLH-PAS-A region, whereas the PAS-B of ARNT in the AhRR-ARNT complex exhibited a different domain arrangement in this family reported so far. The structure clearly disclosed that AhRR competitively represses AhR binding to ARNT and target DNA and further suggested the existence of an AhRR-ARNT-specific repression mechanism. This study provides a structural basis for understanding the mechanism by which AhRR represses AhR-mediated gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Sakurai
- From the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan and
| | - Toshiyuki Shimizu
- From the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan and .,the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Umeharu Ohto
- From the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan and
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44
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Formosa R, Vassallo J. The Complex Biology of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Its Role in the Pituitary Gland. Discov Oncol 2017. [PMID: 28634910 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-017-0300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor best known for its ability to mediate the effects of environmental toxins such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) through the initiation of transcription of a number of metabolically active enzymes. Therefore, the AHR has been studied mostly in the context of xenobiotic signaling. However, several studies have shown that the AHR is constitutively active and plays an important role in general cell physiology, independently of its activity as a xenobiotic receptor and in the absence of exogenous ligands. Within the pituitary, activation of the AHR by environmental toxins has been implicated in disruption of gonadal development and fertility. Studies carried out predominantly in mouse models have revealed the detrimental influence of several environmental toxins on specific cell lineages of the pituitary tissue mediated by activation of AHR and its downstream effectors. Activation of AHR during fetal development adversely affected pituitary development while adult models exposed to AHR ligands demonstrated varying degrees of pituitary dysfunction. Such dysfunction may arise as a result of direct effects on pituitary cells or indirect effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This review offers in-depth analysis of all aspects of AHR biology, with a particular focus on its role and activity within the adenohypophysis and specifically in pituitary tumorigenesis. A novel mechanism by which the AHR may play a direct role in pituitary cell proliferation and tumor formation is postulated. This review therefore attempts to cover all aspects of the AHR's role in the pituitary tissue, from fetal development to adult physiology and the pathophysiology underlying endocrine disruption and pituitary tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Formosa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Josanne Vassallo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Msida, Malta. .,Neuroendocrine Clinic, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
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45
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Structural hierarchy controlling dimerization and target DNA recognition in the AHR transcriptional complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:5431-5436. [PMID: 28396409 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617035114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) belongs to the PAS (PER-ARNT-SIM) family transcription factors and mediates broad responses to numerous environmental pollutants and cellular metabolites, modulating diverse biological processes from adaptive metabolism, acute toxicity, to normal physiology of vascular and immune systems. The AHR forms a transcriptionally active heterodimer with ARNT (AHR nuclear translocator), which recognizes the dioxin response element (DRE) in the promoter of downstream genes. We determined the crystal structure of the mammalian AHR-ARNT heterodimer in complex with the DRE, in which ARNT curls around AHR into a highly intertwined asymmetric architecture, with extensive heterodimerization interfaces and AHR interdomain interactions. Specific recognition of the DRE is determined locally by the DNA-binding residues, which discriminates it from the closely related hypoxia response element (HRE), and is globally affected by the dimerization interfaces and interdomain interactions. Changes at the interdomain interactions caused either AHR constitutive nuclear localization or failure to translocate to nucleus, underlying an allosteric structural pathway for mediating ligand-induced exposure of nuclear localization signal. These observations, together with the global higher flexibility of the AHR PAS-A and its loosely packed structural elements, suggest a dynamic structural hierarchy for complex scenarios of AHR activation induced by its diverse ligands.
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46
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Hernández-Ramírez LC, Trivellin G, Stratakis CA. Role of Phosphodiesterases on the Function of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interacting Protein (AIP) in the Pituitary Gland and on the Evaluation of AIP Gene Variants. Horm Metab Res 2017; 49:286-295. [PMID: 28427099 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-104700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) is caused in about 20% of cases by loss-of-function germline mutations in the AIP gene. Patients harboring AIP mutations usually present with somatotropinomas resulting either in gigantism or young-onset acromegaly. AIP encodes for a co-chaperone protein endowed with tumor suppressor properties in somatotroph cells. Among other mechanisms proposed to explain this function, a regulatory effect over the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway seems to play a prominent role. In this setting, the well-known interaction between AIP and 2 different isoforms of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), PDE2A3 and PDE4A5, is of particular interest. While the interaction with over-expressed AIP does not seem to affect PDE2A3 function, the reported effect on PDE4A5 is, in contrast, reduced enzymatic activity. In this review, we explore the possible implications of these molecular interactions for the function of somatotroph cells. In particular, we discuss how both PDEs and AIP could act as negative regulators of the cAMP pathway in the pituitary, probably both by shared and independent mechanisms. Moreover, we describe how the evaluation of the AIP-PDE4A5 interaction has proven to be a useful tool for testing AIP mutations, complementing other in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses. Improved assessment of the pathogenicity of AIP mutations is indeed paramount to provide adequate guidance for genetic counseling and clinical screening in AIP mutation carriers, which can lead to prospective diagnosis of pituitary adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Giampaolo Trivellin
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
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47
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Wright EJ, De Castro KP, Joshi AD, Elferink CJ. Canonical and non-canonical aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathways. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 2:87-92. [PMID: 32296737 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research on the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) has unveiled its involvement in the toxicity of halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and a myriad of normal physiological processes. The molecular dissection of AhR biology has centered on a canonical signaling pathway in an effort to mechanistically reconcile the diverse pathophysiological effects of exposure to environmental pollutants. As a consequence, we now know that canonical signaling can explain many but not all of the AhR-mediated effects. Here we describe recent findings that point to non-canonical signaling pathways, and focus on a novel AhR interaction with the Krüppel-like Factor 6 protein responsible for previously un-recognized epigenetic changes in the chromatin affecting gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Wright
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0654, USA
| | - Karen Pereira De Castro
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0654, USA
| | - Aditya D Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0654, USA
| | - Cornelis J Elferink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0654, USA
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48
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Plant lignan secoisolariciresinol suppresses pericardial edema caused by dioxin-like compounds in developing zebrafish: Implications for suppression of morphological abnormalities. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 96:160-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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49
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Tomblin JK, Arthur S, Primerano DA, Chaudhry AR, Fan J, Denvir J, Salisbury TB. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) regulation of L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT-1) expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 106:94-103. [PMID: 26944194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is regulated by environmental toxicants that function as AHR agonists such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) is a leucine transporter that is overexpressed in cancer. The regulation of LAT1 by AHR in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (BCCs) was investigated in this report. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) revealed a significant association between TCDD-regulated genes (TRGs) and molecular transport. Overlapping the TCDD-RNA-Seq dataset obtained in this study with a published TCDD-ChIP-seq dataset identified LAT1 as a primary target of AHR-dependent TCDD induction. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-directed knockdown of AHR confirmed that TCDD-stimulated increases in LAT1 mRNA and protein required AHR expression. TCDD-stimulated increases in LAT1 mRNA were also inhibited by the AHR antagonist CH-223191. Upregulation of LAT1 by TCDD coincided with increases in leucine uptake by MCF-7 cells in response to TCDD. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) assays revealed increases in AHR, AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and p300 binding and histone H3 acetylation at an AHR binding site in the LAT1 gene in response to TCDD. In MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, endogenous levels of LAT1 mRNA and protein were reduced in response to knockdown of AHR expression. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells is dependent on both LAT1 and AHR. Collectively, these findings confirm the dependence of cancer cells on leucine uptake and establish a mechanism for extrinsic and intrinsic regulation of LAT1 by AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Tomblin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Toxicology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Subha Arthur
- Department of Clinical & Translational Science, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Donald A Primerano
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Ateeq R Chaudhry
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Toxicology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - James Denvir
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Travis B Salisbury
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Toxicology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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50
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Han EH, Kim HG, Lee EJ, Jeong HG. Endosulfan Induces CYP1A1 Expression Mediated through Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signal Transduction by Protein Kinase C. Toxicol Res 2016; 31:339-45. [PMID: 26877836 PMCID: PMC4751443 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2015.31.4.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CYP1A1 is a phase I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme whose expression is mainly driven by AhR. Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide used agriculturally for a wide range of crops. In this study, we investigated the effect of endosulfan on CYP1A1 expression and regulation. Endosulfan significantly increased CYP1A1 enzyme activity as well as mRNA and protein levels. In addition, endosulfan markedly induced XRE transcriptional activity. CH-223191, an AhR antagonist, blocked the endosulfan-induced increase in CYP1A1 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, endosulfan did not induce CYP1A1 gene expression in AhR-deficient mutant cells. Furthermore, endosulfan enhanced the phosphorylation of calcium calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) and protein kinase C (PKC). In conclusion, endosulfan-induced up-regulation of CYP1A1 is associated with AhR activation, which may be mediated by PKC-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hee Han
- Drug & Disease Target Group, Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Korea; Biological Analysis Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyung Gyun Kim
- Department of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Department of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye Gwang Jeong
- Department of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
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