A constitutively active dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor induces stomach tumors

The dioxin (aryl hydrocarbon) receptor as a model for adaptive responses of bHLH/PAS transcription factors

This review examines the common theme of adaptive responses of bHLH/PAS proteins, using the dioxin receptor as a prototype. The bHLH/PAS family of transcriptional regulators are a group of key developmental and environmental stress sensing proteins. They employ a variety of post-translational control mechanisms to regulate their transcriptional output. Amongst this family, the dioxin receptor is best known for its ability to elicit toxic responses to dioxin and dioxin like chemicals even though it mediates more benign adaptive responses to non-toxic xenobiotics. We discuss what is known about dioxin receptor physiology, both adaptive and inherent, along with its molecular regulation and put this into the context of the wider bHLH/PAS family. We also raise the issue of its toxic responses, in particular the idea that it is the dysregulation of its poorly characterised housekeeping functions that leads to these outcomes.

Cytochrome P450 gene regulation and physiological functions mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that functions as an intracellular mediator in the xenobiotic signaling pathway. Although a number of studies have examined AhR-mediated CYP1A1 induction in detail, recent studies of AhR-null mice have revealed that AhR plays important regulatory roles in the normal homeostasis and development of animals. In this short review, we summarize the present state of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of AhR-mediated CYP1 induction, and we also focus on recent advances in the study of the physiological functions of AhR.

Requirement of aryl hydrocarbon receptor overexpression for CYP1B1 up-regulation and cell growth in human lung adenocarcinomas

PURPOSE

CYP1B1 and CYP1A1 expression is up-regulated by activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through binding of ligands such as cigarette smoke components. We examined the association between AhR, CYP1B1, and CYP1A1 expression in noninvasive bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (BAC) and lung adenocarcinomas and investigated the effects of AhR overexpression on cell physiology.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

AhR, CYP1B1, and CYP1A1 expression was examined in 107 lung adenocarcinomas and 57 BAC by immunohistochemistry. AhR expression in lung adenocarcinoma H1355 cells was stably reduced by RNA interference (RNAi). AhR, CYP1B1, and CYP1A1 expression was examined using real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Cell physiology was evaluated by measuring anchorage-independent growth and intracellular reactive oxygen species.

RESULTS

Expression of AhR and CYP1A1 was associated in smoking adenocarcinoma patients, whereas expression of AhR and CYP1B1 was associated regardless of smoking status. The level of CYP1B1, but not CYP1A1, was positively associated with AhR overexpression in BAC. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin-induced CYP1A1/1B1 expression was reduced in AhR RNAi clones. In the absence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin, CYP1B1 mRNA levels were reduced in AhR RNAi clones, whereas CYP1A1 mRNA levels were barely detectable. Furthermore, anchorage-independent growth and intracellular oxidative stress were significantly reduced in AhR RNAi cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of exogenous AhR ligands (such as cigarette smoke components), AhR overexpression up-regulated the expression of CYP1B1 in the early stage of lung adenocarcinoma. Elevated AhR expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells could increase intracellular oxidative stress and promote cell growth, implying that disrupting AhR expression might prevent the early development of lung adenocarcinomas.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor, more than a xenobiotic-interacting protein

The aryl hydrocarbon (dioxin) receptor (AhR) has been studied for several decades largely because of its critical role in xenobiotic-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. Albeit this is a major issue in basic and clinical research, an increasing number of investigators are turning their efforts to try to understand the physiology of the AhR under normal cellular conditions. This is an exciting area that covers cell proliferation and differentiation, endogenous mechanisms of activation, gene regulation, tumor development and cell motility and migration, among others. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the studies supporting the implication of the AhR in those endogenous cellular processes.

Specific blockage of ligand-induced degradation of the Ah receptor by proteasome but not calpain inhibitors in cell culture lines from different species

To firmly establish the pathway involved in ligand-induced degradation of the AHR, cell lines derived from mouse rat or human tissues were exposed to inhibitors specific to the proteasome or calpain proteases and exposed to TCDD. The level of endogenous AHR and CYP1A1 protein was then evaluated by quantitative Western blotting. Treatment of cells with the calpain inhibitors: calpeptin, calpain inhibitor III, or PD150606 either individually or in combinations up to 75 microM did not reduce TCDD-induced degradation of the AHR, the induction of endogenous CYP1A1 or the nuclear accumulation of the AHR. The activity of the inhibitors was verified with an in vivo calpain assay. In contrast, exposure of cells to the specific proteasome inhibitors: epoxomicin (1-5 microM), proteasome inhibitor I (5-10 microM) or lactacystin (5-15 microM) completely inhibited TCDD-induced degradation of the AHR. Inhibition of AHR degradation with these compounds did not reduce the induction of endogenous CYP1A1. In addition, exposure of the Hepa-1 line to the various proteasome inhibitors caused an accumulation of the AHR in the nucleus in the absence of TCDD exposure. Finally, Western blot analysis of the DNA bound AHR showed that its molecular mass was unchanged in comparison to the unliganded (cytoplasmic) AHR. Thus, these studies conclusively implicate the proteasome and not calpain proteases in the ligand-induced degradation of the mouse, rat and human AHR and suggest that the pharmacological use of proteasome inhibitors may impact the time course and magnitude of gene regulatory events mediated through the AHR.

Reduction in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hepatic cytochrome-P450 1A1 expression following soy consumption in female rats is mediated by degradation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Consumption of a soy diet has been found to reduce cancer incidence in animals and is associated with reduced cancer risk in humans. In this study, the effect of consuming soy protein isolate (SPI) on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated signaling pathway was investigated. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93G diets with (+) or without (-) SPI-bound phytochemicals or casein (CAS) protein and gavaged orally with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or sesame oil. We found reduced (P < 0.05) DMBA-induced hepatic cytochrome-P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) activity, apoprotein, and mRNA expression along with the reduced binding of AhR-AhR nuclear translocator complex to CYP1A1 gene promoter in SPI(+)-fed rats compared with CAS- or SPI(-)-fed rats. Basal AhR protein expression was lower (P < 0.05) in SPI(+)-fed rats compared with CAS- or SPI(-)-fed groups. AhR levels were reduced (P < 0.05) after rats were fed SPI(+) for >20 d. Experiments in which SPI(+)-fed rats were weaned to CAS diets demonstrated that AhR reduction by SPI(+) is not imprinted metabolically. To determine the molecular mechanisms of SPI(+)-mediated AhR reduction, an ex vivo model was developed using FGC-4 cells treated with serum from CAS- or SPI(+)-fed rats. SPI(+) serum treatment of FGC-4 cells reduced AhR expression and DMBA-induced CYP1A1 expression (P < 0.05). The reduction in AhR expression was in part due to the shorter half-life of AhR protein. Our findings suggest that the cancer preventive effect of soy-based diets is mediated in part by reduction in AhR protein level posttranslationally, which reduces procarcinogen-induced CYP1A1 induction and metabolic activation.

Carcinogenicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in experimental models

The contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a prototype compound of a whole class of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons termed 'dioxinlike' contaminants present in food, human tissue, mothers milk, and environmental samples. Among the various adverse effects caused by TCDD in animal experiments, its carcinogenic effects caused particular concern. In rodents, long-term TCDD treatment leads to the development of tumors of the liver, thyroid, lung, skin, oral cavity and other sites. The occurrence of liver tumors mainly observed in female rats has been used as a basis for quantitative cancer risk assessment for TCDD. TCDD does not behave like a 'complete carcinogen', i. e. no DNA binding of the parent compound or metabolites thereof could be detected. However, enhanced oxidative damage of hepatic DNA was observed, probably resulting from a dramatic induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are under the regulatory, transcriptional control of the TCDD-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The marked enhancement of TCDD-related oxidative liver DNA damage in rats by estrogens warrants further mechanistic investigation. Furthermore, TCDD acts as a tumor promoter, i. e. it facilitates the growth of putative preneoplastic hepatic lesions after initiation with a complete carcinogen. The mechanisms underlying this effect may be related to altered intracellular signaling involving pronounced changes in the phosphorylation pattern of proteins regulating growth and apoptosis. These effects are thought to result in an enhanced survival of preneoplastic cells, some of which can undergo further steps on the way to malignancy. In summary, a better understanding of the mechanisms of the carcinogenicity of TCDD is mandatory to provide a rational basis for a better inter-species extrapolation. The final aim of these efforts is a more reliable risk assessment for the carcinogenic potency of the class of dioxinlike contaminants in humans.

Calpain Mediates the Dioxin-Induced Activation and Down-Regulation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and mediates their toxicity. Binding of PAH to AhR in the cytoplasm triggers a poorly defined transformation step of the receptor into a nuclear transcription factor. In this study, we show that the calcium-dependent cysteine protease calpain plays a major role in the ligand-induced transformation and signaling of AhR. Fluorescence imaging measurements showed that TCDD treatment elevates intracellular calcium, providing the trigger for calpain activation, as measured toward t-butoxycarbonyl-Leu-Met-chloromethylaminocoumarin, a calpain-specific substrate. Inhibition of calpain activity by the N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Phe-aldehyde (MDL28170) blocked the TCDD-induced nuclear translocation of AhR in Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cell line. Treatment of the human metastatic breast carcinoma cell line MT-2 with MDL28170 and 3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-mercapto-(Z)-2-propenoic acid (PD 150606), two calpain-selective inhibitors, completely abolished the TCDD-induced transactivation of AhR as assessed by transcription of CYP1A1 gene. Previous studies have established that after TCDD-induced transactivation, the AhR undergoes a massive depletion; we show here that selective calpain inhibitors can block this step, which suggests that the ligand-induced down-regulation of the AhR is calpain-dependent. The data presented support a major role for calpain in the AhR transformation, transactivation, and subsequent down-regulation, and provide a possible explanation for many of the reported phenomena of ligand-independent activation of AhR.

High levels of dioxin-like potential in cigarette smoke evidenced by in vitro and in vivo biosensing

Cigarette smoke contains low levels of agonists for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR; also called the dioxin receptor). However, little is understood about the whole potential of cigarette smoke for activating AhR. In this report, we evaluated the total "dioxin-like" activity of cigarette smoke using in vitro and in vivo reporter systems. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) was prepared from seven cigarette brands (1-20 mg tar content) and subjected to in vitro bioassay based on the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE) as the sensor and secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) as the reporter. Exposure of reporter cells to CSE triggered activation of XRE in a dose-dependent manner, which was suppressed by functional inhibition of AhR. Direct, brief exposure of the cells to cigarette smoke similarly induced activation of XRE. Using 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) as the standard, the XRE-activating potential (XAP) of individual smoke was evaluated quantitatively. Positive correlation was observed between the tar content and XAP values. The XAP values estimated were extremely high with a range from 18.5 to 51.2 ng 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalent per cigarette. To further estimate XAP of cigarette smoke in vivo, we generated transgenic reporter mice that secrete SEAP under the control of XRE. After exposure of the mice to smoke, serum levels of SEAP were significantly elevated within 12 hours, peaked at 24 hours, and declined thereafter. These results evidenced for the first time that cigarette smoke has unexpectedly high dioxin-like potential that triggers the AhR-XRE pathway in vitro and in vivo.

The constitutively active Ah receptor (CA-AhR) mouse as a potential model for dioxin exposure—Effects in vital organs

The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates most, if not all, toxic effects of dioxins and functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating transcription of a battery of genes. In order to study the mechanisms behind the toxicity of ligands of the Ah receptor we have created a transgenic mouse model expressing a constitutively active Ah receptor (CA-AhR). The mutant Ah receptor is expressed and functionally active in all organs studied. The purpose of the present study was to characterize histopathologically, the phenotype of the CA-AhR with regard to the liver, kidney, lung, heart, spleen and thymus of male and female transgenic CA-AhR mice. Moreover, cell-specific activity of the CA-AhR using up-regulation of the AhR target gene CYP1A1 as a marker, was also examined. The relative weight of liver, kidney and heart were increased while relative thymus weight was decreased. Furthermore, slight morphological lesions of the liver, kidney and spleen was seen. Expression of CYP1A1 was found in cells corresponding to endothelial cells in all of the organs studied. In some tissues additional cell types, such as hepatocytes, renal tubuli cell and Clara cells expressed CYP1A1. Both the effects on organ weights and the cellular expression of CYP1A1 in CA-AhR mice correspond well to observations in TCDD-exposed mice. In conclusion, this characterization further support that the CA-AhR mouse is a useful model for life-long continuous low-level activity of the AhR, i.e. the dioxin exposure situation of humans of the general population.

Dioxins: an overview

This review article summarizes what is known about human health following exposure to dioxins. It is meant primarily for health professionals but was also written with the general public in mind. The need for such an article became apparent to the authors following media inquiries at the time the then Ukraine presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko was deliberately poisoned with the most toxic dioxin, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin or TCDD.

The mode of action of organic carcinogens on cellular structures

Most genotoxic organic carcinogens require metabolic activation to exert their detrimental effects. The present review summarizes the mechanisms of how organic carcinogens are bioactivated into DNA-reactive descendants. Beginning with the history of discovery of some important human organic carcinogens, the text guides through the development of the knowledge on their molecular mode of action that has grown over the past decades. Some of the most important molecular mechanisms in chemical carcinogenesis, the role of the enzymes involved in bioactivation, the target gene structures of some ultimate carcinogenic metabolites, and implications for human cancer risk assessment are discussed.

Regulation of Transactivation Function of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by the Epstein-Barr Virus-encoded EBNA-3 Protein

EBNA-3 is one of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded nuclear antigens that is indispensable for immunoblastic transformation and sustained proliferation of B-lymphocytes. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the function of EBNA-3 are poorly understood. We previously found that EBNA-3 interacts with an immunophilin-like protein XAP2/ARA9/AIP, which in mammalian cells is known to interact with the latent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR is a ligand-inducible transcription factor that mediates cellular responses to environmental pollutants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In this study, we show that EBNA-3 interacts specifically with AhR. The stability of this interaction is determined by the activation state of AhR and its association with XAP2. We and others have demonstrated that XAP2 retains the nonactivated AhR in the cell cytoplasm. However, in the presence of TCDD, the effect of XAP2 on the intracellular localization of AhR was counter-acted by EBNA-3, resulting in nuclear translocation of the AhR. In addition, EBNA-3 enhanced transactivation function by the ligand-activated AhR in cells, as assessed by reporter gene assays. Our data suggested that EBNA-3 plays a role in facilitating the ligand-dependent AhR activation process. Following activation of the AhR, we also observed that EBNA-3 counteracted the inhibitory effect of TCDD on the growth of EBV-carrying lymphoblasts. Taken together, our studies revealed a novel interaction between EBV- and AhR-dependent cellular pathways that control cell proliferation and survival.

Constitutive expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in keratinocytes causes inflammatory skin lesions

Occupational and environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been suggested to provoke inflammatory and/or allergic disorders, including asthma, rhinitis, and dermatitis. The molecular mechanisms of this PAH-mediated inflammation remain to be clarified. Previous studies implied the involvement of PAHs as irritants and allergens, with the reactive oxygen species generated from the oxygenated PAHs believed to be an exacerbating factor. It is also possible that PAHs contribute to the pathogenesis through activation of aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated transcription, since PAHs are potent inducers of the AhR. To address this point, we generated transgenic mouse lines expressing the constitutive active form of the AhR in keratinocytes. In these lines of mice, the AhR activity was constitutively enhanced in the absence of ligands, so that any other direct effects of PAHs and their metabolites could be ignored. At birth, these transgenic mice were normal, but severe skin lesions with itching developed postnatally. The skin lesions were accompanied by inflammation and immunological imbalance and resembled typical atopic dermatitis. We demonstrate that constitutive activation of the AhR pathway causes inflammatory skin lesions and suggests a new mechanism for the exacerbation of inflammatory diseases after exposure to occupational and environmental xenobiotics.

Concurrent expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and CYP1A1 but not CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism is correlated with gastric cancers raised in Dalian, China

The frequency of cancer-associated m2m2- (C-) genotype of CYP1A1 and the factors contributing to the increased CYP1A1 expression in gastric cancers (GCs) are largely unknown. To address theses issues, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was performed to elucidate the MspI polymorphism in 60 GC cases and 57 normal donor samples. The frequencies of m1m1-, m1m2- and m2m2-genotype were 43.3, 45 and 11.7% among GC patients and 45.6, 49.1 and 5.3% among the normal donors respectively, demonstrating no significant difference of them between cancer and control groups (chi(2)=0.343, P=0.558). The correlation of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) with the frequent CYP1A1 expression in stepwise gastrocarcinogenesis was determined by RT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and Western blotting, using GC samples as well as their pre-malignant and non-cancerous counterparts. RT-PCR revealed that the AhR detection rates were 100, 94.12 and 85.17% in GC, pre-malignant and non-cancerous mucosa (P>0.05) respectively but the level of AhR expression in GCs was much higher than that of non-cancerous tissues. IHC showed that the frequencies of AhR detection were 94.87% (37/39) in GCs, 94.12% (16/17) in pre-malignant lesions and 50% (3/6) in non-cancerous mucosa, revealing significant difference in frequencies of AhR detection and levels of AhR expression between GC or pre-malignant group and non-cancerous one (P<0.05). The frequency of AhR nucleus translocation was significantly high in GCs (94.87%; 37/39) than that in pre-malignant (70.59%; 12/17) and especially in non-cancerous group (16.67%; 1/6). Co-existence of AhR nuclear translocation and CYP1A1 expressions were found in 82.70% (43/52) of GCs (r(s)=0.437, P<0.01). Our results suggest (1) that CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism may not contribute to the high gastric cancer risk in Dalian region and (2) that enhanced AhR expression and especially its nuclear translocation may be a favorable factor for GC formation presumably via up-regulating CYP1A1 expression.

Extensive intestinal metaplasia in gastric carcinoma and in other lesions requiring surgery: a study of 3,421 gastrectomy specimens from dwellers of the Atlantic and Pacific basins

BACKGROUND

Extensive intestinal metaplasia (EIM) has been reported in gastrectomies from patients dwelling in the Pacific and Atlantic basins.

AIMS

To compare all the results in an attempt to explain the findings.

METHOD

All sections from 3,421 gastrectomies were reviewed at various hospitals: 1946 in the Atlantic and 1475 in the Pacific basin. Sections with EIM showed IM encompassing one or more entire low power field (>or=5 mm in length/section) in one or more section.

RESULTS

In the Atlantic basin, EIM was present in 18.8% (153 of 814) of specimens with intestinal carcinoma (IC) and in 10.3% (65 of 630) of those with diffuse carcinoma (DC). In the Pacific basin, EIM was found in 62.9% (412 of 655) of gastrectomies with IC and in 33.3% (160 of 481) of those with DC. The numbers of specimens with EIM were significantly higher in the Pacific than in the Atlantic basin for both carcinoma phenotypes, particularly among elderly patients (>or=60 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of gastrectomies with EIM was higher among populations at a higher gastric cancer risk than in those with a lower cancer risk. EIM was mostly associated with IC rather than DC or with miscellaneous gastric diseases (841 control gastrectomies) in both basins. The proportion of gastrectomies with EIM was significantly higher in Vancouver than in New York and in Santiago de Chile than in Buenos Aires, even though these populations reside at approximately the same geographical latitude, but in different basins. Environmental factors seem to accelerate the evolution of EIM.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor directly regulates expression of the potent mitogen epiregulin

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is known to cause a large number of adverse effects, mediated largely by its binding to the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and subsequent modulation of gene expression. It is thought that AhR mediates these effects through the untimely and disproportionate expression of specific genes. However, the exact mechanism, or the genes involved, through which TCDD leads to these effects is still unknown. This study reports the discovery of a novel target gene, epiregulin, which is regulated by TCDD-activated AhR. Epiregulin is a growth regulator which belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. Using real time quantitative PCR (qPCR), it was established that TCDD upregulates epiregulin gene expression. The promoter region of epiregulin has a dioxin responsive element (DRE) 56 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site, along with three potential Sp1 binding sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays with an anti-AhR antibody showed promoter occupancy upon TCDD treatment. Luciferase reporter assays using a vector harboring the first 125 base pairs of the epiregulin rat promoter revealed an increase in signal on TCDD treatment, which was lost upon mutation of the DRE. Epiregulin and TCDD treatment mediated a dose-dependent increase in primary mouse keratinocyte growth. These results demonstrate that AhR directly increases epiregulin expression, which could play an important role in TCDD mediated tumor promotion observed in rodent models.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a regulator of cigarette smoke induction of the cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin pathways in human lung fibroblasts

Cigarette smoking can lead to chronic lung inflammation and lung cancer. Chronic inflammation, associated with expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins, predisposes to malignancy. We recently demonstrated that human lung fibroblasts are activated by cigarette smoke to express COX-2 and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Little is known about the mechanism whereby smoke activates human lung fibroblasts to produce proinflammatory mediators. Herein, we report the central role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced COX-2, microsomal PGE(2) synthase (mPGES), and PGE(2) production in human lung fibroblasts. Western blot analysis revealed that primary strains of human lung fibroblasts express AHR and aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator protein, supporting the possibility that smoke activates lung fibroblasts through this pathway. Experiments were subsequently performed to determine whether the AHR was activated by CSE. Immunocytochemistry and EMSA analysis revealed that CSE induced nuclear translocation of the AHR in human lung fibroblasts. CSE decreased protein levels of the AHR, consistent with AHR ligand-induced proteosome-mediated degradation. CSE also induced mPGES-1 and COX-2 protein and increased PGE(2) production. Treatment of human fibroblasts with AHR antagonists in the presence of CSE inhibited AHR nuclear translocation as well as COX-2, mPGES-1, and PGE(2) production. These data indicate that the AHR pathway plays an important role in cigarette smoke-mediated COX-2 and PG production in human lung fibroblasts and may contribute to tobacco-associated inflammation and lung disease.

The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates downregulation of osteopontin gene expression in a mouse model of gastric tumourigenesis

The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating transcription of a battery of genes encoding primarily drug-metabolizing enzymes. Expression of a constitutively active mutant of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (CA-AhR) in transgenic mice results in development of stomach tumours, correlating with increased mortality. We have used suppression subtractive hybridization techniques followed by macroarray analysis to elucidate which genes are differentially expressed during this process. In the glandular stomach of CA-AhR mice, we observed decreased mRNA expression of osteopontin (OPN), a noncollagenous protein of bone matrix that is also involved in several important functions including regulation of cytokine production, macrophage accumulation, cell motility and adhesion. Downregulated expression of OPN during tumour development was confirmed by RT-PCR and RNA blot analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that this decrease was confined to the corpus region, correlating with the restricted localization of the tumours. Decreased OPN mRNA expression was also observed in other organs of CA-AhR mice. Taken together, these results show that OPN is negatively regulated by the dioxin receptor, and that downregulation of its expression correlates with development of stomach tumours in mice expressing a constitutively active mutant of dioxin receptor.

Microarray analysis of gene expression in metastatic gastric cancer cells after incubation with the methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine

While the exact mechanisms involved in cancer metastasis are not fully clarified, the altered expression of many different genes has been reported. Hypermethylation of the promoters of cancer-related genes is often associated with their inactivation during tumorigenesis and may also be involved in metastasis. Here we used cDNA microarrays to examine the different gene expression profiles of a primary gastric adenocarcinoma cell line RF1 and its derivative metastasis subline RF48. Compared with RF1, 49 genes were down-regulated and 8 genes were up-regulated in RF48. After treatment of RF48 cells with a DNA methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, 101 genes were up-regulated and 1 gene was down-regulated in treated RF48 when compared with untreated RF48. Comparing gene expression patterns of untreated RF1, untreated RF48 and treated RF48 cells showed 5 genes expressed in RF1 but silenced in RF48, which were reactivated after 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment. Two of those 5 genes have CpG islands within their promoter regions, suggesting that those genes activated by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine may result from the direct inhibition of promoter methylation. In conclusion, using global gene expression analysis together with inhibition of DNA methylation, we demonstrate that hypermethylation of the promoters of certain cancer-related genes may play a role in cancer metastasis.

Constitutively Active Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Expressed Specifically in T-Lineage Cells Causes Thymus Involution and Suppresses the Immunization-Induced Increase in Splenocytes

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix-PER-ARNT-SIM superfamily. Xenobiotics, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, bind the receptor and trigger diverse biological reactions. Thymocyte development and T cell-dependent immune reactions are sensitive targets of AhR-dependent 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxicity. However, the exact role of the AhR in T cells in animals exposed to exogenous ligands has not been clarified because indirect effects of activated AhR in other cell types cannot be excluded. In this study, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice expressing a constitutively active mutant of AhR under the regulation of a T cell-specific CD2 promoter to examine AhR function in T cells. The mRNAs of the constitutively active mutant of AhR and an AhR-induced gene, CYP1A1, were expressed in the thymus and spleen of the Tg mice. The transgene expression was clearly detected in the thymocytes, CD4, and CD8 T cells, but not in the B cells or thymus stromal cells. These Tg mice had a decreased number of thymocytes and an increased percentage of CD8 single-positive thymocytes, but their splenocytes were much less affected. By contrast, the increase in number of T cells and B cells taking place in the spleen after immunization was significantly suppressed in the Tg mice. These results clearly show that AhR activation in the T-lineage cells is directly involved in thymocyte loss and skewed differentiation. They also indicate that AhR activation in T cells and not in B cells suppresses the immunization-induced increase in both T cells and B cells.

Nature and nurture - lessons from chemical carcinogenesis

The roles of genetic constitution versus environmental factors in cancer development have been a matter of debate even long before the discovery of 'oncogenes'. Evidence from epidemiological, occupational and migration studies has consistently pointed to environmental factors as the major contributing factors to cancer, so it seems reasonable to discuss the importance of chemical carcinogenesis in the present 'age of cancer genetics'.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, cell cycle regulation, toxicity, and tumorigenesis

Most effects of exposure to halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). It has long been recognized that the AHR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a central role in the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes and hence in xenobiotic detoxification. Of late, it has become evident that outside this well-characterized role, the AHR also functions as a modulator of cellular signaling pathways. In this Prospect, we discuss the involvement of the AHR in pathways critical to cell cycle regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, immediate-early gene induction, and the functions of the RB protein. Ultimately, the toxicity of AHR xenobiotic ligands may be intrinsically connected with the perturbation of these pathways and depend on the many critical signaling pathways and effectors with which the AHR itself interacts.

Effects of Exposure In Utero to Bisphenol A on the Expression of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Related Factors, and Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzymes in Murine Embryos

To evaluate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a candidate endocrine disruptor (ED), on embryonic development, we examined the mRNA expression levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR; which binds with many EDs and plays crucial roles in their metabolism) and related factors [aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AhRR) and AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt)], xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes [XMEs; cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, and the glutathione S-transferase Ya subunit (GST)], in murine embryos exposed in utero to BPA (0.02, 2, 200, and 20,000 microg/kg/day) and 17beta-estradiol (E2; 5 microg/kg/day, used as a positive control) at 6.5-13.5 or 6.5-17.5 days post coitum (dpc) using the quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Protein levels of CYP1A1 and GST in embryonic livers were estimated by Western immunoblotting. Exposure in utero to BPA [0.02 (1/100 dose of environmental exposure), 2, 200, and 20,000 microg/kg/day] increased AhR mRNA expression in the cerebra, cerebella, and gonads (testes and ovaries) of male and female mid-and late-developmental stage (14.5- and 18.5-dpc, respectively) embryos. BPA dose-independently up-regulated the expression of AhRR and Arnt in mid- and late-stage embryos. BPA had no remarkable effect on the mRNA levels of XMEs in mid-stage embryos, but dose-dependently up-regulated the expression in late-stage embryos. Moreover, the protein levels of these enzymes in the livers of late-stage embryos were increased. The present findings revealed that exposure to BPA in utero disrupts the expression of AhR and related factors and of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, and that mid-stage embryos, in the organogenic stage, are sensitive to BPA.

Synthesis and Biological Properties of New Stilbene Derivatives of Resveratrol as New Selective Aryl Hydrocarbon Modulators

We developed new stilbene derivatives of resveratrol (E)-1-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethene) selective for AhR and devoid of affinity for ER. Among the 24 stilbenes synthesized, all display a higher affinity than resveratrol for AhR. (E)-1-(4'-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-(3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl)ethene (4e), (E)-1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)ethene (4j), and (E)-1-(4'-chlorophenyl)-2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)ethene (4b) are selective, high-affinity AhR antagonists with, respective, K(i)s of 2.1, 1.4, and 1.2 nM. (E)-1-(4'-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)ethene (4i) displays a K(i) of 0.2 nM and is a selective and high-affinity agonist on AhR.

Association Between Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Genotype and Survival in Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Purpose

Accumulating evidence shows that germline polymorphisms may affect survival in cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in a group of candidate genes and survival with soft tissue sarcoma.

Patients and Methods

We measured single nucleotide polymorphisms in the metabolizing, detoxifying, and DNA repair pathways in 120 newly diagnosed patients with soft tissue sarcoma. We assessed polymorphisms in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR-Arg554Lys), null variants of the glutathione S-transferase superfamily (GSTM1 and GSTT1), x-ray repair cross-complementing 1 and 3, and Xeroderma pigmentosum, group D (XRCC1-Arg399Gln, XRCC3-Thr241Met, XPD-Lys751Gln). We followed the patients for survival for a median of 7.6 years.

Results

Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that a polymorphism at codon 554 in exon 10 of the AhR was significantly and adversely associated with survival (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.9; P < .01), even while accounting for major clinical characteristics such as tumor grade, tumor size, anatomic site, and patient age.

Conclusion

Further study of the role of the AhR polymorphism is warranted.

A constitutively active dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes hepatocarcinogenesis in mice

The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating transcription of a battery of genes encoding enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Known ligands include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, certain polychlorinated biphenyls, and the polyhalogenated dioxins including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Both polyhalogenated biphenyls and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin are potent promoters of rodent hepatocarcinogenesis in two-stage initiation-promotion experiments. Although several lines of evidence indicate the involvement of the AhR in toxic effects mediated by polyhalogenated biphenyls and dioxins, its involvement in tumor promotion has not been unequivocally proven. In the present study, a transgenic mouse line expressing a constitutively active AhR (CA-AhR) has been used to investigate the role of the AhR in hepatocarcinogenesis. Male AhR wild-type and CA-AhR-transgenic B6C3F1-mice were treated with a single injection of the hepatocarcinogen N-nitrosodiethylamine at 6 weeks of age and were subsequently kept untreated on control diet. Thirty five weeks after carcinogen treatment, mice were sacrificed, and the prevalence and multiplicity of liver tumors were determined. Whereas only 1 small liver tumor was observed in 15 AhR-wild-type mice, 19 tumors (two >1 cm in diameter) were present in 18 CA-AhR-transgenic mice. This result demonstrates the oncogenic potential of the activated AhR and implicates an important role of the receptor in promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis. A microarray-based gene expression-profiling analysis revealed down-regulation in the liver of CA-AhR-transgenic mice of a cluster of genes encoding heat shock proteins, including GRP78/BiP, Herp1, Hsp90, DnaJ (Hsp40) homologue B1, and Hsp105, which are important for protein folding and quality control.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-independent effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on softshell clam (Mya arenaria) reproductive tissue

A high prevalence of germinomas has been observed in certain populations of Mya arenaria from eastern Maine. The etiology of these tumors is unknown. We are investigating the hypothesis that exposure to environmental contaminants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) contributes to gonadal carcinogenesis. Clams were exposed to TCDD with or without the initiating compound diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in an attempt to induce germinomas. A TCDD-dependent alteration in gametogenesis was observed in which 32.5+/-6.5% of individuals exhibited undifferentiated gonads. Analyses of AhR and p53 expression were carried out to identify similarities between naturally occurring neoplastic and TCDD (+/-DEN)-altered reproductive tissues. Neoplastic tissues had significantly less p53 protein than matched controls, whereas TCDD-induced undifferentiated samples exhibited no difference in p53 protein levels compared to controls. No gender-specific differences were observed in AhR mRNA, but there were significant differences in protein levels. AhR was undetectable in male gonadal tissue whereas females exhibited a significant positive relationship between AhR protein levels and stage of ovogenesis. Despite exhibiting some morphological similarity, we conclude the TCDD-induced pathology is not a germinoma. We further suggest the change in reproductive tissue is due to inhibition of cell differentiation and/or development by an AhR-independent mechanism.

Independent actions on cyclin-dependent kinases and aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediate the antiproliferative effects of indirubins

Indirubin, a bis-indole obtained from various natural sources, is responsible for the reported antileukemia activity of a Chinese Medicinal recipe, Danggui Longhui Wan. However, its molecular mechanism of action is still not well understood. In addition to inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases and glycogen synthase kinase-3, indirubins have been reported to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cotranscriptional factor. Here, we confirm the interaction of AhR and indirubin using a series of indirubin derivatives and show that their binding modes to AhR and to protein kinases are unrelated. As reported for other AhR ligands, binding of indirubins to AhR leads to its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, the apparent survival of AhR-/- and +/+ cells, as measured by the MTT assay, is equally sensitive to the kinase-inhibiting indirubins. Thus, the cytotoxic effects of indirubins are AhR-independent and more likely to be linked to protein kinase inhibition. In contrast, a dramatic cytostatic effect, as measured by actual cell counts and associated with a sharp G1 phase arrest, is induced by 1-methyl-indirubins, a subfamily of AhR-active but kinase-inactive indirubins. As shown for TCDD (dioxin), this effect appears to be mediated through the AhR-dependent expression of p27(KIP1). Altogether these results suggest that AhR activation, rather than kinase inhibition, is responsible for the cytostatic effects of some indirubins. In contrast, kinase inhibition, rather than AhR activation, represents the main mechanism underlying the cytotoxic properties of this class of promising antitumor molecules.

Spontaneous and radiation-induced leukemogenesis of the mouse small eye mutant, Pax6(Sey3H)

Allelic loss on the chromosome 2 is associated with radiation-induced murine acute myeloid leukemia. However, the gene, which contributes mainly to the leukemogenesis has not yet been identified. Expecting any predisposition to acute myeloid leukemia, we performed a radiation leukemogenensis experiment with Pax6(Sey3H), one of the small eye mutants carrying a congenital hemizygosity of the chromosome 2 middle region. A deletion mapping of Pax6(Sey3H) with 50 STS markers indicated that the deleted segment extended between the 106.00 and 111.47 Mb site from the centromere with a length of 5.47 Mb. In the deleted segment, 6 known and 17 novel genes were located. Pax6(Sey3H) mutants that crossed back into C3H/He did not develop myeloid leukemia spontaneously, but they did when exposed to gamma-rays. The final incidence of myeloid leukemia in mutants (25.8%) was as high as that in normal sibs (21.4%). Survival curves of leukemia-bearing mutants shifted toward the left (p = 0.043 by the Log rank test). F1 hybrids of Pax6(Sey3H) with JF1 were less susceptible to radiation than Pax6(Sey3H) onto C3H/He in regard to survival (p = 0.003 and p < 0.00001 for mutants and normal sibs, respectively, by a test of the difference between two proportions). Congenital deletion of the 5.47 Mb segment at the middle region on chromosome 2 alone did not trigger myeloid stem cells to expand clonally in vivo; however, the deletion shortcut the latency of radiation-induced myeloid leukemia.

Structural basis for the synthesis of indirubins as potent and selective inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 and cyclin-dependent kinases

Pharmacological inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and cyclin-dependent kinases have a promising potential for applications against several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Indirubins, a family of bis-indoles isolated from various natural sources, are potent inhibitors of several kinases, including GSK-3. Using the cocrystal structures of various indirubins with GSK-3beta, CDK2 and CDK5/p25, we have modeled the binding of indirubins within the ATP-binding pocket of these kinases. This modeling approach provided some insight into the molecular basis of indirubins' action and selectivity and allowed us to forecast some improvements of this family of bis-indoles as kinase inhibitors. Predicted molecules, including 6-substituted and 5,6-disubstituted indirubins, were synthesized and evaluated as CDK and GSK-3 inhibitors. Control, kinase-inactive indirubins were obtained by introduction of a methyl substitution on N1.

Primary structure and inducibility by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor in a TCDD-sensitive and a TCDD-resistant rat strain

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) is a negative regulator of AH receptor (AHR), which mediates most of the toxic and biochemical effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). AHR has been shown to be the major reason for the exceptionally wide (ca. 1000-fold) sensitivity difference in acute toxicity of TCDD between two rat strains, sensitive Long-Evans (Turku/AB) (L-E) and resistant Han/Wistar (Kuopio) (H/W), but there is another, currently unknown contributing factor involved. In the present study, we examined AHRR structure and expression in these rat strains to find out whether AHRR could be this auxiliary factor. Molecular cloning of AHRR coding region showed that consistent with AHRR proteins in other species, the N-terminal end of rat AHRR is highly conserved, but PAS B and Q-rich domains are severely truncated or lacking. Identical structures were recorded in both strains. Next, the time-, dose-, and tissue-dependent expression of AHRR was determined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In liver, AHRR expression was very low in untreated rats, but it increased rapidly after TCDD exposure (100microg/kg). Testis exhibited the highest constitutive expression of AHRR, whereas kidney, spleen, and heart showed the highest induction of AHRR in response to TCDD treatment. Again, no marked differences were found between H/W and L-E rats, implying that AHRR is not the auxiliary contributing factor to the strain difference in TCDD sensitivity. However, simultaneous measurement of CYP1A1 mRNA reinforced the view that AHRR is an important determinant of tissue-specific responsiveness to TCDD.

A constitutively active aryl hydrocarbon receptor causes loss of peritoneal B1 cells

The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates toxicity of dioxins and related environmental pollutants. We have developed a transgenic mouse model that expresses a constitutively active Ah receptor. The immune system is one of the most sensitive target organs for dioxin toxicity and we have therefore investigated alterations of different lymphocyte populations in these mice. The population of mature bone-marrow derived B cells was enlarged, consistent with previous findings in dioxin exposed mice. In contrast, the peritoneal population of CD5-expressing B cells (B1 cells) was significantly diminished. This is the first study that demonstrates the effect of an activated Ah receptor on B1 cells. Since these cells are important mediators of innate immunity against pathogens such as Influenza virus, these results may explain the decreased resistance against infections that has been documented after dioxin exposure.

Functional analysis of murine aryl hydrocarbon (AH) receptors defective in nuclear import: impact on AH receptor degradation and gene regulation

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is also a substrate for the 26S proteasome. However, the subcellular location of the degradation events or the requirement for nuclear transport has not been resolved. To gain insight into both ligand-dependent and independent degradation of the AHR, studies were designed to evaluate the relationship between AHR localization, stability, and gene regulation in a defined cell culture model system. The strategy of these studies was to generate stable cell lines expressing murine AHR proteins that were defective in nuclear import and then to assess the location of the AHR, the time course of AHR degradation, and the level of induction of endogenous CYP1A1 protein after exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibezo-p-dioxin (TCDD), geldanamycin (GA), or the protease inhibitor carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-leucinal (MG-132). Mutation within the putative nuclear localization sequence (NLS) resulted in AHR mutants that were severely defective in nuclear import as evaluated by immunocytochemical staining after exposure to TCDD, GA, or MG-132. Importantly, the NLS mutants exhibited identical levels of degradation along a similar time course as wild-type AHR after exposure to TCDD or GA when stably expressed in either murine hepatoma cells (Hepa-1) or hamster lung cells (E36). In contrast, the NLS mutants were severely defective in ligand-mediated induction of CYP1A1 expression. These findings imply that the proteolytic machinery present in the cytoplasmic compartment is sufficient to degrade the AHR and that nuclear translocation, binding with ARNT, or DNA binding are not necessary for efficient degradation of the AHR.