1
|
Del Campo CMZM, Nicolson GL, Sfera A. Neurolipidomics in schizophrenia: A not so well-oiled machine. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110117. [PMID: 39153730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Most patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) do not exhibit violent behaviors and are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violent acts. However, a subgroup of forensic detainees with SCZ exhibit tendencies to engage in criminal violations. Although numerous models have been proposed, ranging from substance use, serotonin transporter gene, and cognitive dysfunction, the molecular underpinnings of violence in SCZ patients remains elusive. Lithium and clozapine have established anti-aggression properties and recent studies have linked low cholesterol levels and ultraviolet (UV) radiation with human aggression, while vitamin D3 reduces violent behaviors. A recent study found that vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc lower aggression in forensic population. In this review article, we take a closer look at aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the dysfunctional lipidome in neuronal membranes, with emphasis on cholesterol and vitamin D3 depletion, as sources of aggressive behavior. We also discuss modalities to increase the fluidity of neuronal double layer via membrane lipid replacement (MLR) and natural or synthetic compounds. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Personality Disorders".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Garth L Nicolson
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647, USA
| | - Adonis Sfera
- Patton State Hospital, Loma Linda University, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Riverside, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bahman F, Choudhry K, Al-Rashed F, Al-Mulla F, Sindhu S, Ahmad R. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: current perspectives on key signaling partners and immunoregulatory role in inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421346. [PMID: 39211042 PMCID: PMC11358079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a versatile environmental sensor and transcription factor found throughout the body, responding to a wide range of small molecules originating from the environment, our diets, host microbiomes, and internal metabolic processes. Increasing evidence highlights AhR's role as a critical regulator of numerous biological functions, such as cellular differentiation, immune response, metabolism, and even tumor formation. Typically located in the cytoplasm, AhR moves to the nucleus upon activation by an agonist where it partners with either the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) or hypoxia-inducible factor 1β (HIF-1β). This complex then interacts with xenobiotic response elements (XREs) to control the expression of key genes. AhR is notably present in various crucial immune cells, and recent research underscores its significant impact on both innate and adaptive immunity. This review delves into the latest insights on AhR's structure, activating ligands, and its multifaceted roles. We explore the sophisticated molecular pathways through which AhR influences immune and lymphoid cells, emphasizing its emerging importance in managing inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the exciting potential of developing targeted therapies that modulate AhR activity, opening new avenues for medical intervention in immune-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah Bahman
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Khubaib Choudhry
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fatema Al-Rashed
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Translational Research, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Sardar Sindhu
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
- Animal & Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
O'Donnell EF, Jang HS, Liefwalker DF, Kerkvliet NI, Kolluri SK. Discovery and Mechanistic Characterization of a Select Modulator of AhR-regulated Transcription (SMAhRT) with Anti-cancer Effects. Apoptosis 2021; 26:307-322. [PMID: 33893898 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-021-01666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a member of the bHLH/PAS (basic Helix-Loop-Helix/Per-Arnt-Sim) family of proteins. The AhR was cloned and characterized for its role in mediating the toxicity of dioxins. Subsequent research has identified the role of AhR in suppression of cancer cell growth. We hypothesized that the AhR is a molecular target for therapeutic intervention in cancer, and that activation of the AhR by unique AhR ligands in cancer cells could have anti-cancer effects including induction of cell death. This study describes the discovery and characterization of a new class of anti-cancer agents targeting the AhR, that we designate as Select Modulators of AhR-regulated Transcription (SMAhRTs). We employed two independent small molecule screening approaches to identify potential SMAhRTs. We report the identification of CGS-15943 that activates AhR signaling and induces apoptosis in an AhR-dependent manner in liver and breast cancer cells. Investigation of the downstream signaling pathway of this newly identified SMAhRT revealed upregulation of Fas-ligand (FasL), which is required for AhR-mediated apoptosis. Our results provide a basis for further development of a new class of anti-cancer therapeutics targeting an underappreciated molecular target, the AhR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Francis O'Donnell
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Daniel F Liefwalker
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Siva Kumar Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
- Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Diani-Moore S, Marques Pedro T, Rifkind AB. Organ-specific effects on glycolysis by the dioxin-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243842. [PMID: 33320884 PMCID: PMC7737989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) by the environmental toxin dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TCDD) causes diverse toxicities, including thymus atrophy and hepatosteatosis. The mechanisms by which AHR activation by TCDD leads to these toxicities are not fully understood. Here we studied the effects of TCDD on a major energy pathway, glycolysis, using the chick embryo close to hatching, a well-established model for studying dioxin toxicity. We showed that 24 hr of TCDD treatment causes changes in glycolysis in both thymus and liver. In thymus glands, TCDD decreased mRNAs for glycolytic genes and glucose transporters, glycolytic indices and levels of IL7 mRNA, phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and HIF1A, stimulators of glycolysis and promoters of survival and proliferation of thymic lymphocytes. In contrast, in liver, TCDD increased mRNA levels for glycolytic genes and glucose transporters, glycolytic endpoints and pAKT levels. Similarly, increases by TCDD in mRNA levels for glycolytic genes and glucose transporters in human primary hepatocytes showed that effects in chick embryo liver pertain also to human cells. Treatment with the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose exacerbated the effects on thymus atrophy by TCDD, supporting a role for decreased glycolysis in thymus atrophy by TCDD, but did not prevent hepatosteatosis. NAD+ precursors abolished TCDD effects on glycolytic endpoints in both thymus and liver. In summary, we report here that dioxin disrupts glycolysis mediated energy metabolism in both thymus and liver, and that it does so in opposite ways, decreasing it in the thymus and increasing it in the liver. Further, the findings support NAD+ boosting as a strategy against metabolic effects of environmental pollutants such as dioxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diani-Moore
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacology PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tiago Marques Pedro
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacology PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Arleen B. Rifkind
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacology PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
TCDD attenuates EAE through induction of FasL on B cells and inhibition of IgG production. Toxicology 2020; 448:152646. [PMID: 33253778 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Previously we demonstrated that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model to study multiple sclerosis (MS), through induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppression of effector T cell function in the spleen. Since B cells and specifically regulatory B cells (Bregs) have been shown to be so critical in the pathology associated with EAE and MS, we wanted to determine whether TCDD could also induce Bregs. We specifically hypothesized that a Fas ligand (FasL)+ Breg population would be induced by TCDD in EAE thereby triggering apoptosis in Fas-expressing effector T cells as one mechanism to account for inhibition of T cell function by TCDD. TCDD (0.1-2.5 μg/kg/day administered orally for 12 days) modestly increased the percentage of FasL + B cells in the spleen and spinal cord in TCDD-treated EAE mice. However, we did not detect significant increases in percentages of FasL + B cells using TCDD in vitro in mouse splenocytes or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Part of the modest effect by TCDD was likely related to the localized expression of FasL; for instance, in the spleen, FasL was more highly expressed by IgMhiIgDlo marginal zone (MZ) B cells, but IgMloIgDhi follicular (FO) B cells were more responsive to TCDD. Consistent with our observation of modest upregulation of FasL, we also observed modest changes in mitochondrial membrane potential in T cells co-cultured with isolated total B cells or IgM-depleted (i.e., FO-enriched) B cells from TCDD-treated EAE mice. These data suggest that while small microenvironments of apoptosis might be occurring in T cells in response to TCDD-treated B cells, it is not a major mechanism by which T cell function is compromised by TCDD in EAE. TCDD did robustly suppress IgG production systemically and in spleen and spinal cord B cells at end stage disease. Thus, these studies show that TCDD's primary effect on B cells in EAE is compromised IgG production but not FasL + Breg induction.
Collapse
|
6
|
Boule LA, Burke CG, Fenton BM, Thevenet-Morrison K, Jusko TA, Lawrence BP. Developmental Activation of the AHR Increases Effector CD4+ T Cells and Exacerbates Symptoms in Autoimmune Disease-Prone Gnaq+/- Mice. Toxicol Sci 2015; 148:555-66. [PMID: 26363170 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal environmental exposures are potentially important contributors to the increase in autoimmune diseases. Yet, the mechanisms by which these exposures increase self-reactive immune responses later in life are poorly understood. Autoimmune diseases require CD4(+) T cells for initiation, progression, and/or clinical symptoms; thus, developmental exposures that cause durable changes in CD4(+) T cells may play a role. Early life activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) causes persistent changes in the response of CD4(+) T cells to infection later in life but whether CD4(+) T cells are affected by developmental exposure in the context of an autoimmune disease is unknown. Gnaq(+/-) mice develop symptoms of autoimmune disease similar to those measured clinically, and therefore can be used to evaluate gene-environment interactions during development on disease progression. Herein, we examined the effect of AHR activation in utero and via lactation, or solely via lactation, on disease onset and severity in adult Gnaq(+/-) offspring. Developmental activation of the AHR-accelerated disease in Gnaq(+/-) mice, and this correlates with increases in effector CD4(+) T-cell populations. Increased symptom onset and cellular changes due to early life AHR activation were more evident in female Gnaq(+/-) mice compared with males. These observations suggest that developmental AHR activation by pollutants, and other exogenous ligands, may increase the likelihood that genetically predisposed individuals will develop clinical symptoms of autoimmune disease later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Todd A Jusko
- Department of Public Health Sciences, and Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- *Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hao N, Whitelaw ML. The emerging roles of AhR in physiology and immunity. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:561-70. [PMID: 23856287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is traditionally defined as a transcriptional regulator involved in adaptive xenobiotic response, however, emerging evidence supports physiological functions of AhR in normal cell development and immune response. The role of AhR in immunomodulation is multi-dimensional. On the one hand, activation of AhR by TCDD and other ligands leads to profound immunosuppression, potentially via skewed Th1/Th2 cell balance toward Th1 dominance, and boosted Treg cell differentiation. On the other hand, activation of AhR can also induce Th17 cell polarization and increase the severity of autoimmune disease. In addition to T lymphocytes, the AhR also appears to play a vital role in B cell maturation, and regulates the activity of macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils following lipopolysaccharide challenge or influenza virus infection. In these scenarios, activation of AhR is associated with decreased host response and reduced survival. Furthermore, gene knock out studies suggest that AhR is indispensable for the postnatal maintenance of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and skin-resident dendritic epidermal gamma delta T cells, providing a potential link between AhR and gut immunity and wound healing. It is well accepted that the magnitude and the type of immune response is dependent on the local cytokine milieu and the AhR appears to be one of the key factors involved in the fine turning of this cytokine balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hao
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science (Biochemistry), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chopra M, Schrenk D. Dioxin toxicity, aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, and apoptosis-persistent pollutants affect programmed cell death. Crit Rev Toxicol 2011; 41:292-320. [PMID: 21323611 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2010.524635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Exogenous ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related substances are highly toxic pollutants ubiquitously present in the environment. They cause a variety of toxic effects to different organs and tissues. Among other effects, TCDD exposure to laboratory animals leads to thymus atrophy and immunosuppression on the one hand, and to tumor formation on the other. Apoptosis appears to be involved in both these toxic effects: AhR activation by TCDD was discussed to induce apoptosis of immune cells, leading to the depletion of thymocytes and ultimately immunosuppression. This mechanism could help to explain the highly immunotoxic actions of TCDD but it is nevertheless under debate whether this is the mode of action for immunosuppression by this class of chemical substances. In other cell types, especially liver cells, TCDD inhibits apoptosis induced by genotoxic treatment. In initiation-promotion studies, TCDD was shown to be a potent liver tumor promoter. Among other theories it was hypothesized that TCDD acts as a tumor promoter by preventing initiated cells from undergoing apoptosis. The exact mechanisms of apoptosis inhibition by TCDD are not fully understood, but both in vivo and in vitro studies consistently showed an involvement of the tumor suppressor p53 in this effect. Various strings of evidence have been established linking apoptosis to the detrimental effects of exogenous activation of the AhR. Within this article, studies elucidating the effects of TCDD and related substances on apoptosis signaling, be it inducing or repressing, is to be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Chopra
- Institute of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hennig B, Ettinger AS, Jandacek RJ, Koo S, McClain C, Seifried H, Silverstone A, Watkins B, Suk WA. Using nutrition for intervention and prevention against environmental chemical toxicity and associated diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:493-5. [PMID: 17450213 PMCID: PMC1852675 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition and lifestyle are well-defined modulators of chronic diseases. Poor dietary habits (such as high intake of processed foods rich in fat and low intake of fruits and vegetables), as well as a sedentary lifestyle clearly contribute to today's compromised quality of life in the United States. It is becoming increasingly clear that nutrition can modulate the toxicity of environmental pollutants. OBJECTIVES Our goal in this commentary is to discuss the recommendation that nutrition should be considered a necessary variable in the study of human disease associated with exposure to environmental pollutants. DISCUSSION Certain diets can contribute to compromised health by being a source of exposure to environmental toxic pollutants. Many of these pollutants are fat soluble, and thus fatty foods often contain higher levels of persistent organics than does vegetable matter. Nutrition can dictate the lipid milieu, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status within cells. The modulation of these parameters by an individual's nutritional status may have profound affects on biological processes, and in turn influence the effects of environmental pollutants to cause disease or dysfunction. For example, potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls may increase as a result of ingestion of certain dietary fats, whereas ingestion of fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients or bioactive compounds, may provide protection. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that future directions in environmental health research explore this nutritional paradigm that incorporates a consideration of the relationships between nutrition and lifestyle, exposure to environmental toxicants, and disease. Nutritional interventions may provide the most sensible means to develop primary prevention strategies of diseases associated with many environmental toxic insults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Hennig
- Molecular and Cell Nutrition Laboratory, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, 900 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|