51
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Doan TQ, Connolly L, Igout A, Muller M, Scippo ML. In vitro differential responses of rat and human aryl hydrocarbon receptor to two distinct ligands and to different polyphenols. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114966. [PMID: 32563119 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) and several other environment/food-borne toxic compounds induce their toxicity via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR is also modulated by various endogenous ligands e.g. highly potent tryptophan (Trp)-derivative FICZ (6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole) and natural ligands abundant in the human diet e.g. polyphenols. Therefore, evaluating AhR species-specific responses is crucial for understanding AhR physiological functions, establishing risk assessments, and exploring the applicability of AhR mediators in drug and food industry towards human-based usages. We studied AhR transactivation of FICZ/TCDD in vitro in a time-dependent and species-specific manner using dioxin responsive luciferase reporter gene assays derived from rat (DR-H4IIE) and human (DR-HepG2) hepatoma cells. We observed for the first time that FICZ potency was similar in both cell lines and was 40 times higher than TCDD in DR-HepG2 cells. Depleting Trp-derivative endogenously produced ligands by using culture medium without Trp, resulted in 3-fold higher AhR activation upon adding FICZ in DR-H4IIE cells, in contrast to DR-HepG2 cells which revealed a fast degradation of FICZ induction from 10 h post-exposure to complete disappearance after 24 h. Seven polyphenols and a mixture thereof, chosen based on commercially recommended doses and adjusted to human realistic exposure, caused rat and human species-specific AhR responses. Two isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) induced rat AhR synergistic effects with FICZ and/or TCDD, while quercetin, chrysin, curcumin, resveratrol, and the mixture exerted a strong inhibitory effect on the human AhR. Strikingly, resveratrol and quercetin at their realistic nanomolar concentrations acted additively in the mixture to abolish human AhR activation induced by various TCDD concentrations. Taken together, these results illustrate the species-specific complexity of AhR transcriptional activities modulated by various ligands and highlight the need for studies of human-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Q Doan
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - L Connolly
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - A Igout
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - M Muller
- GIGA-R, Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - M L Scippo
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium.
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52
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Choudhary M, Malek G. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: A Mediator and Potential Therapeutic Target for Ocular and Non-Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186777. [PMID: 32947781 PMCID: PMC7555571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which senses environmental, dietary or metabolic signals to mount a transcriptional response, vital in health and disease. As environmental stimuli and metabolic products have been shown to impact the central nervous system (CNS), a burgeoning area of research has been on the role of the AHR in ocular and non-ocular neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we summarize our current knowledge, of AHR-controlled cellular processes and their impact on regulating pathobiology of select ocular and neurodegenerative diseases. We catalogue animal models generated to study the role of the AHR in tissue homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss the potential of targeting the AHR pathway as a therapeutic strategy, in the context of the maladies of the eye and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Choudhary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, 2351 Erwin Road, P.O. Box 3802, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Goldis Malek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, 2351 Erwin Road, P.O. Box 3802, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (G.M.)
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53
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Justiniano R, de Faria Lopes L, Perer J, Hua A, Park SL, Jandova J, Baptista MS, Wondrak GT. The Endogenous Tryptophan-derived Photoproduct 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) is a Nanomolar Photosensitizer that Can be Harnessed for the Photodynamic Elimination of Skin Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo. Photochem Photobiol 2020; 97:180-191. [PMID: 32767762 DOI: 10.1111/php.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
UV-chromophores contained in human skin may act as endogenous sensitizers of photooxidative stress and can be employed therapeutically for the photodynamic elimination of malignant cells. Here, we report that 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan-derived photoproduct and endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, displays activity as a nanomolar sensitizer of photooxidative stress, causing the photodynamic elimination of human melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. FICZ is an efficient UVA/Visible photosensitizer having absorbance maximum at 390 nm (ε = 9180 L mol-1 cm-1 ), and fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.15 and 0.5, respectively, in methanol. In a panel of cultured human squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancer cells (SCC-25, HaCaT-ras II-4, A375, G361, LOX), photodynamic induction of cell death was elicited by the combined action of solar simulated UVA (6.6 J cm-2 ) and FICZ (≥10 nm), preceded by the induction of oxidative stress as substantiated by MitoSOX Red fluorescence microscopy, comet detection of Fpg-sensitive oxidative genomic lesions and upregulated stress response gene expression (HMOX1, HSPA1A, HSPA6). In SKH1 "high-risk" mouse skin, an experimental FICZ/UVA photodynamic treatment regimen blocked the progression of UV-induced tumorigenesis suggesting feasibility of harnessing FICZ for the photooxidative elimination of malignant cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Justiniano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lohanna de Faria Lopes
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Perer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Anh Hua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sophia L Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jana Jandova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Maurício S Baptista
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Georg T Wondrak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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54
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Gan M, Ding H, Chen G. 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole reduces apoptosis induced by benzo[a]pyrene in a mitochondrial-dependent manner. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:2427-2437. [PMID: 32808713 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a potent carcinogen, has been proved that it can induce apoptosis via activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. The metabolite of tryptophan 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), an endogenous activator of AhR, plays bifunctional roles in cell growth and apoptosis. However, whether and how FICZ can reduce the toxicity of B[a]P and the mechanism underlying this remain unclear. In this study, FICZ interfered with the toxicity of B[a]P in mouse hepatocarcinoma cell line Hepa1-6. The results of the MTT assay indicated that FICZ and B[a]P made opposite effects on cell proliferation. The scratch-wound healing assay showed that B[a]P (1 µM for 24 hr) exposure triggered cell migration and that was inhibited by FICZ (10 nM). In addition, FICZ ameliorated B[a]P-induced apoptosis by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation and caspase-3 activation, as well as increasing reduced glutathione level in mitochondria. Furthermore, gene expression analyses indicated that FICZ competed with B[a]P, which reduced the transcriptional activation of the cyp1a1 and cyp1b1 genes, as well as Bcl2 and P53. Accordingly, the interaction between FICZ and B[a]P in the AhR pathway inhibited apoptosis in a mitochondrial-dependent manner, suggesting that endogenous compound may reduce the toxicity of exogenous pollutant in vivo and providing an available way to improve health condition related to the hepatic metabolic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Gan
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbiao Ding
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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55
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Mengoni M, Braun AD, Gaffal E, Tüting T. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes inflammation-induced dedifferentiation and systemic metastatic spread of melanoma cells. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2902-2913. [PMID: 32790916 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand binding-transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix family regulating multiple cellular functions such as differentiation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and inflammatory reactions. In neoplastic diseases, the AHR has been described to modulate proliferation and differentiation in dichotomous ways, either inhibiting or augmenting the growth of tumors. The precise role of AHR in melanoma is mostly unknown. Here, we report a functional effect of AHR activation on inflammation-induced melanoma cell dedifferentiation and the development of lung metastases in a mouse model. Via in silico analyses of "The Cancer Genome Atlas" human melanoma cohort, we detected a correlation between AHR expression levels and a dedifferentiated melanoma cell phenotype with an invasive gene signature, which we were able to functionally recapitulate in a panel of human melanoma cell lines. Both human and mouse melanoma cell lines upregulated AHR expression after inflammatory stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Activation of AHR in human and mouse melanoma cell lines with the endogenous ligand formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) promoted inflammation-induced dedifferentiation in vitro. Importantly, mouse melanoma cells with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of the AHR gene showed impaired in vivo tumor growth after transplantation in the skin as well as decreased numbers of spontaneous lung metastases. Taken together, our results demonstrate a functional role for AHR expression in melanoma development and metastatic progression. This provides a scientific basis for future experiments that further dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms and assess the potential for AHR inhibition as part of multimodal melanoma treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Mengoni
- Laboratory for Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Dominik Braun
- Laboratory for Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Gaffal
- Laboratory for Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Laboratory for Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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56
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Rannug A. How the AHR Became Important in Intestinal Homeostasis-A Diurnal FICZ/AHR/CYP1A1 Feedback Controls Both Immunity and Immunopathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165681. [PMID: 32784381 PMCID: PMC7461111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the 1970s, when profound immunosuppression caused by exogenous dioxin-like compounds was first observed, the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in immunomodulation has been the focus of considerable research interest. Today it is established that activation of this receptor by its high-affinity endogenous ligand, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), plays important physiological roles in maintaining epithelial barriers. In the gut lumen, the small amounts of FICZ that are produced from L-tryptophan by microbes are normally degraded rapidly by the inducible cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) enzyme. This review describes how when the metabolic clearance of FICZ is attenuated by inhibition of CYP1A1, this compound passes through the intestinal epithelium to immune cells in the lamina propria. FICZ, the level of which is thus modulated by this autoregulatory loop involving FICZ itself, the AHR and CYP1A1, plays a central role in maintaining gut homeostasis by potently up-regulating the expression of interleukin 22 (IL-22) by group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s). IL-22 stimulates various epithelial cells to produce antimicrobial peptides and mucus, thereby both strengthening the epithelial barrier against pathogenic microbes and promoting colonization by beneficial bacteria. Dietary phytochemicals stimulate this process by inhibiting CYP1A1 and causing changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The activity of CYP1A1 can be increased by other microbial products, including the short-chain fatty acids, thereby accelerating clearance of FICZ. In particular, butyrate enhances both the level of the AHR and CYP1A1 activity by stimulating histone acetylation, a process involved in the daily cycle of the FICZ/AHR/CYP1A1 feedback loop. It is now of key interest to examine the potential involvement of FICZ, a major physiological activator of the AHR, in inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Rannug
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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57
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Noakes R. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. An Example of Disrupted Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Immunological Homeostasis in the Skin? Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2020; 13:479-484. [PMID: 32801823 PMCID: PMC7399449 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s262803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sun protection has been recommended by public health authorities to reduce the risk of keratinocyte and melanocyte tumors, yet some sun exposure is required for vitamin D synthesis. Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia that has been reported to have an association with facial photoprotection. The brief review proposes the hypothesis that FFA arises as a result of excessive facial photo-protection with a resultant disturbance in immunological homeostasis mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-kynurenine pathway axis (AHR/KP) leading to the collapse of immune privilege at the hair bulge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowland Noakes
- Queensland Institute of Dermatology, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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58
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Roztocil E, Hammond CL, Gonzalez MO, Feldon SE, Woeller CF. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway controls matrix metalloproteinase-1 and collagen levels in human orbital fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8477. [PMID: 32439897 PMCID: PMC7242326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid eye disease (TED) affects 25–50% of patients with Graves’ Disease. In TED, collagen accumulation leads to an expansion of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which causes destructive tissue remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to limit ECM accumulation in vitro. The ability of AHR to control expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) was analyzed. MMP1 degrades collagen to prevent excessive ECM. Human orbital fibroblasts (OFs) were treated with the pro-scarring cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) to induce collagen production. The AHR ligand, 6-formylindolo[3,2b]carbazole (FICZ) was used to activate the AHR pathway in OFs. MMP1 protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by immunosorbent assay, Western blotting and quantitative PCR. MMP1 activity was detected using collagen zymography. AHR and its transcriptional binding partner, ARNT were depleted using siRNA to determine their role in activating expression of MMP1. FICZ induced MMP1 mRNA, protein expression and activity. MMP1 expression led to a reduction in collagen 1A1 levels. Furthermore, FICZ-induced MMP1 expression required both AHR and ARNT, demonstrating that the AHR-ARNT transcriptional complex is necessary for expression of MMP1 in OFs. These data show that activation of the AHR by FICZ increases MMP1 expression while leading to a decrease in collagen levels. Taken together, these studies suggest that AHR activation could be a promising target to block excessive collagen accumulation and destructive tissue remodeling that occurs in fibrotic diseases such as TED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Roztocil
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Christine L Hammond
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Mithra O Gonzalez
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Steven E Feldon
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Collynn F Woeller
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA. .,Department of Environmental Medicine School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA.
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59
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Han H, Shin DY, Kim D, Kim H, Lee C, Koh Y, Hong J, Yoon SS. Induction of leukemic stem cell differentiation by aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist and synergy with gilteritinib in FLT3-ITD + acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2020; 61:1932-1942. [PMID: 32374198 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2020.1747062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are a major cause of treatment failure and recurrence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Targeting LSC is essential to developing a potential cure for patients with relapsed/refractory AML. Here we investigated the effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling on AML stem/progenitor proportion and examined the combined effect of AhR agonist and tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The AhR agonist, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), significantly decreased the LSC proportion and clonogenicity and increased differentiation markers in AML primary cells. Synergistic/additive effects of FICZ and gilteritinib, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor, were confirmed in AML cells with FLT3-ITD. We present evidence that combination of both agents inhibits FLT3 downstream molecules and degrades clonogenicity. Collectively, our results suggest that FICZ not only compels LSC differentiation, but also enhances the efficacy of gilteritinib when combined. Clinical application of this combined approach may pave a new therapeutic strategy for patients with FLT3 mutated AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejoo Han
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeop Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongchan Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungsuk Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chansup Lee
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junshik Hong
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Center for Medical Innovation, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Yoon
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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60
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Avilla MN, Malecki KMC, Hahn ME, Wilson RH, Bradfield CA. The Ah Receptor: Adaptive Metabolism, Ligand Diversity, and the Xenokine Model. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:860-879. [PMID: 32259433 PMCID: PMC7175458 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Ah receptor (AHR) has been studied for almost five decades. Yet, we still have many important questions about its role in normal physiology and development. Moreover, we still do not fully understand how this protein mediates the adverse effects of a variety of environmental pollutants, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins ("dioxins"), and many polyhalogenated biphenyls. To provide a platform for future research, we provide the historical underpinnings of our current state of knowledge about AHR signal transduction, identify a few areas of needed research, and then develop concepts such as adaptive metabolism, ligand structural diversity, and the importance of proligands in receptor activation. We finish with a discussion of the cognate physiological role of the AHR, our perspective on why this receptor is so highly conserved, and how we might think about its cognate ligands in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mele N. Avilla
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Center, Department of Population Health
Sciences, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53726-2379, United States
| | - Kristen M. C. Malecki
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Center, Department of Population Health
Sciences, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53726-2379, United States
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology
Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543-1050, United States
| | - Rachel H. Wilson
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Center, Department of Population Health
Sciences, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53726-2379, United States
| | - Christopher A. Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Center, Department of Population Health
Sciences, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53726-2379, United States
- McArdle
Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-227, United States
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61
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Wu H, Liu B, Yang K, Winston-McPherson GN, Leisten ED, Vezina CM, Ricke WA, Peterson RE, Tang W. Synthesis and biological evaluation of FICZ analogues as agonists of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:126959. [PMID: 31952965 PMCID: PMC7007633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.126959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand activated transcription factor involved in multiple biological processes including immune cell differentiation, intestinal function and inflammation. Based on the scaffold of naturally occurring AhR ligand 6-formylindolo (3,2-b) carbazole (FICZ, 2), a series of analogues has been designed, synthesized and evaluated by cell-based assays. The structure-activity relationships study has successfully led to the discovery of compound 11e with extremely potent activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Binkai Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ka Yang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Eric D Leisten
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Chad M Vezina
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53706, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, O'Brien Urology Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William A Ricke
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, O'Brien Urology Research Center, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Urology and Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Richard E Peterson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Weiping Tang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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62
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Keshavarzi M, Khoshnoud MJ, Ghaffarian Bahraman A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. An Endogenous Ligand of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]Carbazole (FICZ) Is a Signaling Molecule in Neurogenesis of Adult Hippocampal Neurons. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:806-817. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01506-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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63
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Sfera A, Osorio C, Diaz EL, Maguire G, Cummings M. The Other Obesity Epidemic-Of Drugs and Bugs. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:488. [PMID: 32849279 PMCID: PMC7411001 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia and related disorders are frequently treatment-resistant and may require higher doses of psychotropic drugs to remain stable. Prolonged exposure to these agents increases the risk of weight gain and cardiometabolic disorders, leading to poorer outcomes and higher medical cost. It is well-established that obesity has reached epidemic proportions throughout the world, however it is less known that its rates are two to three times higher in mentally ill patients compared to the general population. Psychotropic drugs have emerged as a major cause of weight gain, pointing to an urgent need for novel interventions to attenuate this unintended consequence. Recently, the gut microbial community has been linked to psychotropic drugs-induced obesity as these agents were found to possess antimicrobial properties and trigger intestinal dysbiosis, depleting Bacteroidetes phylum. Since germ-free animals exposed to psychotropics have not demonstrated weight gain, altered commensal flora composition is believed to be necessary and sufficient to induce dysmetabolism. Conversely, not only do psychotropics disrupt the composition of gut microbiota but the later alter the metabolism of the former. Here we review the role of gut bacterial community in psychotropic drugs metabolism and dysbiosis. We discuss potential biomarkers reflecting the status of Bacteroidetes phylum and take a closer look at nutritional interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, strategies that may lower obesity rates in chronic psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adonis Sfera
- Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Adonis Sfera
| | - Carolina Osorio
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Eddie Lee Diaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Gerald Maguire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Michael Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
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64
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Arabnezhad MR, Montazeri-Najafabady N, Chatrabnous N, Ghafarian Bahreman A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Anti-androgenic effect of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) in LNCaP cells is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon-androgen receptors cross-talk. Steroids 2020; 153:108508. [PMID: 31586605 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The factual impact of endogenously activated AHR by 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), an endogenous ligand of AHR on androgen receptor (AR) was aim of this study. In this study, LNCaP cells were exposed to FICZ, CH223191 and flutamide (Flu) alone or in combination in the presence and absence of testosterone. CYP1A1 enzyme activity, cell viability, cellular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production, mRNA levels of PSA, KLK2, TMPRSS2, and AR genes were measured as endpoints. A declining in the expression of androgen- responsive target genes was seen by either Flu or FICZ in the presence of testosterone. Furthermore, the forced decrease in the expression of AR target genes resulted in 41% and 31% decline in the DHT and PSA concentrations respectively. Taken together, endogenously activated AHR plays a regulatory role on AR. Therefore, FICZ might be an effective chemical in treating prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Reza Arabnezhad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Nazanin Chatrabnous
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Ghafarian Bahreman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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65
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Montazeri-Najafabady N, Dabbaghmanesh MH, Chatrabnous N, Arabnezhad MR. The Effects of Astaxanthin on Proliferation and Differentiation of MG-63 Osteosarcoma Cells via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Pathway: A Comparison with AhR Endogenous Ligand. Nutr Cancer 2019; 72:1400-1410. [PMID: 31847600 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2019.1679199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent bone-related malignancy with a high mortality rate among children and adolescents. In the present study, first we explored the effects of astaxanthin (AST) on proliferation and differentiation of the MG-63 osteosarcoma cell line, and then compared its effects with AhR endogenous ligand (FICZ).Methods: Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay were performed using MTT. To identify possible mechanisms underlying AST-induced changes in osteogenic metabolism via the AHR pathway, we defined changes in CYP1A1, osteocalcin, osteopontin, type I collagen, and Runx2 gene expression using RT-PCR.Results: AST upregulated CYP1A1, osteocalcin, osteopontin, type I collagen, and Runx2 expression in trends of increasing its concentration. FICZ showed a biphasic effect on MG-63 cell proliferation. At high concentrations, it significantly decreased the cell viability, while at lower concentrations it was increased as compared to the control. Increasing FICZ concentrations from 1 nm to 1 μM, down-regulated the expression of Runx2, osteopontin, osteocalcin and collagen type 1 at the transcriptional levels. It seems that AST can augment the proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 via the AhR-dependent pathway, while FICZ suppresses the proliferation and differentiation of MG-63.Conclusion: We concluded that various AhR ligands show different behaviors in the modulation of MG-63 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Montazeri-Najafabady
- Shiraz Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Nazanin Chatrabnous
- Shiraz Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Arabnezhad
- Shiraz Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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66
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Doan TQ, Berntsen HF, Verhaegen S, Ropstad E, Connolly L, Igout A, Muller M, Scippo ML. A mixture of persistent organic pollutants relevant for human exposure inhibits the transactivation activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:113098. [PMID: 31479813 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
While humans are exposed to mixtures of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), their risk assessment is usually based on a chemical-by-chemical approach. To assess the health effects associated with mixed exposures, knowledge on mixture toxicity is required. Several POPs are potential ligands of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which involves in xenobiotic metabolism and controls many biological pathways. This study assesses AhR agonistic and antagonistic activities of 29 POPs individually and in mixtures by using Chemical-Activated LUciferase gene eXpression bioassays with 3 transgenic cell lines (rat hepatoma DR-H4IIE, human hepatoma DR-Hep G2 and human mammary gland carcinoma DR-T47-D). Among the 29 POPs, which were selected based on their abundance in Scandinavian human blood, only 4 exerted AhR agonistic activities, while 16 were AhR antagonists in DR-H4IIE, 5 in DR-Hep G2 and 7 in DR-T47-D when tested individually. The total POP mixture revealed to be AhR antagonistic. It antagonized EC50 TCDD inducing AhR transactivation at a concentration of 125 and 250 and 500 fold blood levels in DR-H4IIE, DR-T47-D and DR-Hep G2, respectively, although each compound was present at these concentrations lower than their LOEC values. Such values could occur in real-life in food contamination incidents or in exposed populations. In DR-H4IIE, the antagonism of the total POP mixture was due to chlorinated compounds and, in particular, to PCB-118 and PCB-138 which caused 90% of the antagonistic activity in the POP mixture. The 16 active AhR antagonists acted additively. Their mixed effect was predicted successfully by concentration addition or generalized concentration addition models, rather than independent action, with only two-fold IC50 underestimation. We also attained good predictions for the full dose-response curve of the antagonistic activity of the total POP mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Q Doan
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - H F Berntsen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Experimental Biomedicine, NMBU - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, N-0033, Norway; Department of Administration, Lab Animal Unit, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, Oslo, N-0033, Norway
| | - S Verhaegen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Experimental Biomedicine, NMBU - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, N-0033, Norway
| | - E Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Experimental Biomedicine, NMBU - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, N-0033, Norway
| | - L Connolly
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN, UK
| | - A Igout
- Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - M Muller
- GIGA-R, Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
| | - M L Scippo
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium.
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67
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215424. [PMID: 31683543 PMCID: PMC6862295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/AHR-nuclear translocator (ARNT) system is a sensitive sensor for small molecular, xenobiotic chemicals of exogenous and endogenous origin, including dioxins, phytochemicals, microbial bioproducts, and tryptophan photoproducts. AHR/ARNT are abundantly expressed in the skin. Once activated, the AHR/ARNT axis strengthens skin barrier functions and accelerates epidermal terminal differentiation by upregulating filaggrin expression. In addition, AHR activation induces oxidative stress. However, some AHR ligands simultaneously activate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) transcription factor, which is a master switch of antioxidative enzymes that neutralizes oxidative stress. The immunoregulatory system governing T-helper 17/22 (Th17/22) and T regulatory cells (Treg) is also regulated by the AHR system. Notably, AHR agonists, such as tapinarof, are currently used as therapeutic agents in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize recent topics on AHR related to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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68
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Ly M, Rentas S, Vujovic A, Wong N, Moreira S, Xu J, Holzapfel N, Bhatia S, Tran D, Minden MD, Draper JS, Hope KJ. Diminished AHR Signaling Drives Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cell Maintenance. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5799-5811. [PMID: 31519687 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Eliminating leukemic stem cells (LSC) is a sought after therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While repression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling has been shown to promote short-term maintenance of primitive AML cells in culture, no work to date has examined whether altered AHR signaling plays a pathologic role in human AML or whether it contributes at all to endogenous LSC function. Here, we show AHR signaling is repressed in human AML blasts and preferentially downregulated in LSC-enriched populations within leukemias. A core set of AHR targets are uniquely repressed in LSCs across diverse genetic AML subtypes. In vitro and in vivo administration of the specific AHR agonist FICZ significantly impaired leukemic growth, promoted differentiation, and repressed self-renewal. Furthermore, LSCs suppressed a set of FICZ-responsive AHR target genes that function as tumor suppressors and promoters of differentiation. FICZ stimulation did not impair normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor (HSPC) function, and failed to upregulate a prominent LSC-specific AHR target in HSPCs, suggesting that differential mechanisms govern FICZ-induced AHR signaling manifestations in HSCs versus LSCs. Altogether, this work highlights AHR signaling suppression as a key LSC-regulating control mechanism and provides proof of concept in a preclinical model that FICZ-mediated AHR pathway activation enacts unique transcriptional programs in AML that identify it as a novel chemotherapeutic approach to selectively target human LSCs. SIGNIFICANCE: The AHR pathway is suppressed in leukemic stem cells (LSC), therefore activating AHR signaling is a potential therapeutic option to target LSCs and to treat acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stefan Rentas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana Vujovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Wong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Holzapfel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonam Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Damian Tran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark D Minden
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan S Draper
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin J Hope
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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69
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Zhang C, Creech KL, Zuercher WJ, Willson TM. Gram-scale synthesis of FICZ, a photoreactive endogenous ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9982. [PMID: 31292477 PMCID: PMC6620467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of an efficient and scalable synthesis of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a naturally-occurring aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, allowed its biological and physical properties to be studied. FICZ was shown to be the most potent among a series of 6-substituted indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles for activation of AhR in cells. Photostability studies of FICZ revealed a non-enzymatic mechanism for its conversion to a biologically active quinone. These results further support the hypothesis that FICZ is a light-dependent hormone that links sun exposure to regulation of biological pathways in peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunyu Zhang
- Platform Technology Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Katrina L Creech
- Platform Technology Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - William J Zuercher
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy M Willson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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70
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Memari B, Nguyen-Yamamoto L, Salehi-Tabar R, Zago M, Fritz JH, Baglole CJ, Goltzman D, White JH. Endocrine aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling is induced by moderate cutaneous exposure to ultraviolet light. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8486. [PMID: 31186463 PMCID: PMC6560103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44862-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Links between solar UV exposure and immunity date back to the ancient Greeks with the development of heliotherapy. Skin contains several UV-sensitive chromophores and exposure to sunlight can produce molecules, such as vitamin D3, that act in an endocrine manner. We investigated the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), an environmental sensor and ligand-regulated transcription factor activated by numerous planar compounds of endogenous, dietary or environmental origin. 15- to 30-minute exposure of cells to a minimal erythemal dose of UVB irradiation in vitro induced translocation of the AHR to the nucleus, rapidly inducing site-specific DNA binding and target gene regulation. Importantly, ex vivo studies with Ahr wild-type or null fibroblasts showed that serum from mice whose skin was exposed to a 15 min UVB dose, but not control serum, contained agonist activity within 30 min of UV irradiation, inducing AHR-dependent gene expression. Moreover, a 15-min cutaneous UVB exposure induced AHR site-specific DNA binding and target gene regulation in vivo within 3–6 hr post-irradiation in blood and in peripheral tissues, including intestine. These results show that cutaneous exposure of mice to a single minimal erythemic dose of UVB induces rapid AHR signaling in multiple peripheral organs, providing compelling evidence that moderate sun exposure can exert endocrine control of immunity through the AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Memari
- Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Michela Zago
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jorg H Fritz
- Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Complex Traits Group, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Goltzman
- Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - John H White
- Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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71
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Prokopec SD, Pohjanvirta R, Mahiout S, Pettersson L, Boutros PC. Transcriptomic Impact of IMA-08401, a Novel AHR Agonist Resembling Laquinimod, on Rat Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061370. [PMID: 30893768 PMCID: PMC6471016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMA-08401 (C2) is a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist and selective AHR modulator (SAHRM) that is structurally similar to laquinimod (LAQ). Both compounds are converted to the AHR-active metabolite DELAQ (IMA-06201) in vivo. SAHRMs have been proposed as therapeutic options for various autoimmune disorders. Clinical trials on LAQ have not reported any significant toxic outcomes and C2 has shown low toxicity in rats; however, their functional resemblance to the highly toxic AHR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) raises questions. Here, we characterize the hepatic transcriptomic changes induced by acute (single-dose) and subacute exposure (repeated dosing for 5 days followed by a 5-day recovery period) to C2 in Sprague-Dawley rats. Exposure to C2 leads to activation of the AHR, as shown by altered transcription of Cyp1a1. We identify a heightened response early after exposure that drops off by day 10. Acute exposure to C2 leads to changes to transcription of genes involved in antiviral and antibacterial responses, which highlights the immunomodulator effects of this AHR agonist. Subacute exposure causes an oxidative stress response in the liver, the consequences of which require further study on target tissues such as the CNS and immune system, both of which may be compromised in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raimo Pohjanvirta
- Laboratory of Toxicology, National Institute for Health and Welfare, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland.
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, University of Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Selma Mahiout
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, University of Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Paul C Boutros
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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72
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Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Omidi M, Arabnezhad MR. Impact of CH223191-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Its Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonistic and Antagonistic Activities. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:691-697. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Arabnezhad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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73
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Mobini K, Tamaddon G, Fardid R, Keshavarzi M, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Aryl hydrocarbon-estrogen alpha receptor-dependent expression of miR-206, miR-27b, and miR-133a suppress cell proliferation and migration in MCF-7 cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22304. [PMID: 30779469 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The underlying functions of miR-206, miR-133a, miR-27b, and miR-21, and their link to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathways remain largely unexplored. In this study, we detect the expression of miR-206, miR-133a, miR-27b, and miR-21 in MCF-7 through quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction assay along with the activation/inhibition of ERα and AhR receptors. Aside from this, cell proliferation and migration as well as AhR-dependent CYP1A1 enzyme activity were measured. Here, we found that the forced increased expression of miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-27b were closely associated with the suppression of MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration. The anti-proliferative-metastatic effect of miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-27b was probably mediated by targeting the ERα and AhR signaling pathways. Considered together, our study indicated that the overexpression of miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-27b might be potential biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Mobini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shiraz, Iran.,Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fardid
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Keshavarzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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74
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Bock KW. Human AHR functions in vascular tissue: Pro- and anti-inflammatory responses of AHR agonists in atherosclerosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 159:116-120. [PMID: 30508524 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of intense research physiologic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) functions have not been elucidated. Challenges include marked species differences and dependence on cell type and cellular context. A previous commentary on human AHR functions in skin and intestine has been extended to vascular tissue. Similar functions appear to be operating in vascular tissue including microbial defense, modulation of stem/progenitor cells as well as control of immunity and inflammation. However, AHR functions are Janus faced: Detrimental AHR functions in vascular tissue are well documented, e.g., upon exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke leading to oxidative stress and generation of oxidized LDL. Modified LDL particles accumulate in macrophages and smooth muscle-derived pro-inflammatory foam cells, the hallmark of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, numerous anti-inflammatory AHR agonists have been identified including bilirubin and quercetin. Mechanisms as to how AHR produces pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the vascular system need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Walter Bock
- Department of Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wilhelmstrasse 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
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