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Ko CI, Biesiada J, Zablon HA, Zhang X, Medvedovic M, Puga A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor directs the differentiation of murine progenitor blastomeres. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:1657-1676. [PMID: 36029422 PMCID: PMC10425484 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-022-09755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Key regulatory decisions during cleavage divisions in mammalian embryogenesis determine the fate of preimplantation embryonic cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of early-stage-2-cell, 4-cell, and 8-cell-blastomeres show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), traditionally considered as an environmental sensor, directs blastomere differentiation. Disruption of AHR functions in Ahr knockout embryos or in embryos from dams exposed to dioxin, the prototypic xenobiotic AHR agonist, significantly impairs blastocyst formation, causing repression and loss of transcriptional heterogeneity of OCT4 and CDX2 and incidence of nonspecific downregulation of pluripotency. Trajectory-the path of differentiation-and gene variability analyses further confirm that deregulation of OCT4 functions and changes of transcriptional heterogeneity resulting from disruption of AHR functions restrict the emergence of differentiating blastomeres in 4-cell embryos. It appears that AHR directs the differentiation of progenitor blastomeres and that disruption of preimplantation AHR functions may significantly perturb embryogenesis leading to long-lasting conditions at the heart of disease in offspring's adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-I Ko
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- Center for Biostatistics, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Hesbon A Zablon
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- Genomics, Epigenomics, and Sequencing Core, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- Center for Biostatistics, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
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2
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From Nucleus to Organs: Insights of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314919. [PMID: 36499247 PMCID: PMC9738205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a markedly established regulator of a plethora of cellular and molecular processes. Its initial role in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds has been partially overshadowed by its involvement in homeostatic and organ physiology processes. In fact, the discovery of its ability to bind specific target regulatory sequences has allowed for the understanding of how AHR modulates such processes. Thereby, AHR presents functions in transcriptional regulation, chromatin architecture modifications and participation in different key signaling pathways. Interestingly, such fields of influence end up affecting organ and tissue homeostasis, including regenerative response both to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Therefore, from classical spheres such as canonical transcriptional regulation in embryonic development, cell migration, differentiation or tumor progression to modern approaches in epigenetics, senescence, immune system or microbiome, this review covers all aspects derived from the balance between regulation/deregulation of AHR and its physio-pathological consequences.
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3
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Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is improved in the absence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15446. [PMID: 36104446 PMCID: PMC9474532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is among the few organs having the ability to self-regenerate in response to a severe damage compromising its functionality. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a transcription factor relevant for the detoxification of xenobiotics but also largely important for liver development and homeostasis. Hence, liver cell differentiation is developmentally modulated by Ahr through the controlled expression of pluripotency and stemness-inducing genes. Here, 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) was used as a clinically relevant approach to induce liver regeneration in Ahr-expressing (Ahr+/+) and Ahr-null (Ahr−/−) mice. Ahr expression and activity were early induced after 2/3 PH to be gradually downmodulated latter during regeneration. Ahr−/− mice triggered liver regeneration much faster than AhR+/+ animals, although both reached full regeneration at the latest times. At initial stages after PHx, earlier regenerating Ahr−/− livers had upregulation of cell proliferation markers and increased activation of signalling pathways related to stemness such as Hippo-YAP and Wnt/β-catenin, concomitantly with the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFa, IL6 and p65. These phenotypes, together with the improved metabolic adaptation of Ahr−/− mice after PHx and their induced sustained cell proliferation, could likely result from the expansion of undifferentiated stem cells residing in the liver expressing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and NANOG. We propose that Ahr needs to be induced early during regeneration to fine-tune liver regrowth to physiological values. Since Ahr deficiency did not result in liver overgrowth, its transient pharmacological inhibition could serve to improve liver regeneration in hepatectomized and transplanted patients and in those exposed to damaging liver toxins and carcinogens.
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4
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Quenching the cytokine fire in the lungs. Blood 2022; 139:3231-3232. [PMID: 35653167 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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5
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Nacarino-Palma A, Rico-Leo EM, Campisi J, Ramanathan A, González-Rico FJ, Rejano-Gordillo CM, Ordiales-Talavero A, Merino JM, Fernández-Salguero PM. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor blocks aging-induced senescence in the liver and fibroblast cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4281-4304. [PMID: 35619220 PMCID: PMC9186759 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aging impairs organismal homeostasis leading to multiple pathologies. Yet, the mechanisms and molecular intermediates involved are largely unknown. Here, we report that aged aryl hydrocarbon receptor-null mice (AhR-/-) had exacerbated cellular senescence and more liver progenitor cells. Senescence-associated markers β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), p16Ink4a and p21Cip1 and genes encoding senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors TNF and IL1 were overexpressed in aged AhR-/- livers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that AhR binding to those gene promoters repressed their expression, thus adjusting physiological levels in AhR+/+ livers. MCP-2, MMP12 and FGF secreted by senescent cells were overproduced in aged AhR-null livers. Supporting the relationship between senescence and stemness, liver progenitor cells were overrepresented in AhR-/- mice, probably contributing to increased hepatocarcinoma burden. These AhR roles are not liver-specific since adult and embryonic AhR-null fibroblasts underwent senescence in culture, overexpressing SA-β-Gal, p16Ink4a and p21Cip1. Notably, depletion of senescent cells with the senolytic agent navitoclax restored expression of senescent markers in AhR-/- fibroblasts, whereas senescence induction by palbociclib induced an AhR-null-like phenotype in AhR+/+ fibroblasts. AhR levels were downregulated by senescence in mouse lungs but restored upon depletion of p16Ink4a-expressing senescent cells. Thus, AhR restricts age-induced senescence associated to a differentiated phenotype eventually inducing resistance to liver tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Eva M Rico-Leo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA.,Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Francisco J González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Claudia M Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Jaime M Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Pedro M Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
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6
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Rejano-Gordillo C, Ordiales-Talavero A, Nacarino-Palma A, Merino JM, González-Rico FJ, Fernández-Salguero PM. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: From Homeostasis to Tumor Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884004. [PMID: 35465323 PMCID: PMC9022225 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has emerged as one of the main regulators involved both in different homeostatic cell functions and tumor progression. Being a member of the family of basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional regulators, this intracellular receptor has become a key member in differentiation, pluripotency, chromatin dynamics and cell reprogramming processes, with plenty of new targets identified in the last decade. Besides this role in tissue homeostasis, one enthralling feature of AHR is its capacity of acting as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on the specific organ, tissue and cell type. Together with its well-known modulation of cell adhesion and migration in a cell-type specific manner in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), this duality has also contributed to the arise of its clinical interest, highlighting a new potential as therapeutic tool, diagnosis and prognosis marker. Therefore, a deregulation of AHR-controlled pathways may have a causal role in contributing to physiological and homeostatic failures, tumor progression and dissemination. With that firmly in mind, this review will address the remarkable capability of AHR to exert a different function influenced by the phenotype of the target cell and its potential consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), Rua Do Instituto Bacteriológico, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jaime M. Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Francisco J. González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. González-Rico, ; Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero,
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. González-Rico, ; Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero,
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7
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Habano W, Miura T, Terashima J, Ozawa S. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a DNA methylation reader in the stress response pathway. Toxicology 2022; 470:153154. [PMID: 35301058 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates various cellular responses upon exposure to exogenous and endogenous stress factors. In these responses, AhR plays a dual role as a stress sensor for detecting various AhR ligands and as a transcription factor that upregulates the expression of downstream effector genes, such as those encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes. As a transcription factor, it selectively binds to the unmethylated form of a specific sequence called the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE). We suggest that AhR is a novel DNA methylation reader, unlike classical methylation readers, such as methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, which binds to methylated sequences. Under physiological conditions of continuous exposure to endogenous AhR ligands, such as kynurenine, methylation states of the individual target XREs must be strictly regulated to select and coordinate the expression of downstream genes responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. In contrast, long-term exposure to AhR ligands frequently leads to changes in the methylation patterns around the XRE sequence. These data indicate that AhR may contribute to the adaptive cellular response to various stresses by modulating DNA methylation. Thus, the DNA methylation profile of AhR target genes should be dynamically controlled through a balance between robustness and flexibility under both physiological and stress conditions. AhR is a pivotal player in the regulation of stress response as it shows versatility by functioning as a stress sensor, methylation reader, and putative methylation modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Habano
- Division of Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Genetics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa 028-3694, Iwate, Japan.
| | - Toshitaka Miura
- Division of Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Genetics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa 028-3694, Iwate, Japan
| | - Jun Terashima
- Division of Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Genetics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa 028-3694, Iwate, Japan
| | - Shogo Ozawa
- Division of Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Genetics, Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Shiwa 028-3694, Iwate, Japan
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8
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Hsu HL, Chen HK, Tsai CH, Liao PL, Chan YJ, Lee YC, Lee CC, Li CH. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Defect Attenuates Mitogen-Activated Signaling through Leucine-Rich Repeats and Immunoglobulin-like Domains 1 (LRIG1)-Dependent EGFR Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9988. [PMID: 34576152 PMCID: PMC8464816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) genomic pathway has been well-characterized in a number of respiratory diseases. In addition, the cytoplasmic AHR protein may act as an adaptor of E3 ubiquitin ligase. In this study, the physiological functions of AHR that regulate cell proliferation were explored using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The doubling-time of the AHR-KO clones of A549 and BEAS-2B was observed to be prolonged. The attenuation of proliferation potential was strongly associated with either the induction of p27Kip1 or the impairment in mitogenic signal transduction driven by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGFR). We found that the leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1), a repressor of EGFR, was induced in the absence of AHR in vitro and in vivo. The LRIG1 tends to degrade via a proteasome dependent manner by interacting with AHR in wild-type cells. Either LRIG1 or a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) were accumulated in AHR-defective cells, consequently accelerating the degradation of EGFR, and attenuating the response to mitogenic stimulation. We also affirmed low AHR but high LRIG1 levels in lung tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This might partially elucidate the sluggish tissue repairment and developing inflammation in COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Lin Hsu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan;
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Hong-Kai Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Hao Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA;
| | - Po-Lin Liao
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Ju Chan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Cheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Chen Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, China Medicine University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Hao Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
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9
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes differentiation during mouse preimplantational embryo development. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2351-2363. [PMID: 34478649 PMCID: PMC8452532 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis is a complex process controlled by transcription factors that regulate the balance between pluripotency and differentiation. Transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG, both essential controllers of pluripotency, stemness and early embryo development. Molecular mechanisms controlling OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG during embryogenesis remain unidentified. We show that AhR regulates pluripotency factors and maintains the metabolic activity required for proper embryo differentiation. AhR-lacking embryos (AhR−/−) showed a pluripotent phenotype characterized by a delayed expression of trophectoderm differentiation markers. Accordingly, central pluripotency factors OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG were overexpressed in AhR−/− embryos at initial developmental stages. An altered intracellular localization of these factors was observed in the absence of AhR and, importantly, Oct4 had an opposite expression pattern with respect to AhR from the two-cell stage to blastocyst, suggesting a negative regulation of OCT4/POU5F by AhR. We propose that AhR is a regulator of pluripotency and differentiation in early mouse embryogenesis. AhR regulates pluripotency factors OCT4 and NANOG during early embryo differentiation AhR lacking embryos (AhR−/−) show a pluripotent phenotype Pluripotent phenotype of AhR−/− embryos show enhanced glycolytic metabolism
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10
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Giovannoni F, Li Z, Remes-Lenicov F, Dávola ME, Elizalde M, Paletta A, Ashkar AA, Mossman KL, Dugour AV, Figueroa JM, Barquero AA, Ceballos A, Garcia CC, Quintana FJ. AHR signaling is induced by infection with coronaviruses. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5148. [PMID: 34446714 PMCID: PMC8390748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus infection in humans is usually associated to respiratory tract illnesses, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening respiratory failure. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was recently identified as a host factor for Zika and dengue viruses; AHR antagonists boost antiviral immunity, decrease viral titers and ameliorate Zika-induced pathology in vivo. Here we report that AHR is activated by infection with different coronaviruses, potentially impacting antiviral immunity and lung epithelial cells. Indeed, the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq from lung tissue detected increased expression of AHR and AHR transcriptional targets, suggesting AHR signaling activation in SARS-CoV-2-infected epithelial cells from COVID-19 patients. Moreover, we detected an association between AHR expression and viral load in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Finally, we found that the pharmacological inhibition of AHR suppressed the replication in vitro of one of the causative agents of the common cold, HCoV-229E, and the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, these findings suggest that AHR activation is a common strategy used by coronaviruses to evade antiviral immunity and promote viral replication, which may also contribute to lung pathology. Future studies should further evaluate the potential of AHR as a target for host-directed antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Giovannoni
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Federico Remes-Lenicov
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María E Dávola
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mercedes Elizalde
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Paletta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ali A Ashkar
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Karen L Mossman
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea V Dugour
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. Cesar Milstein (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Fundacion Cassara), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan M Figueroa
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Dr. Cesar Milstein (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Fundacion Cassara), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea A Barquero
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET- Instituto de Química Biológica (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Ceballos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cybele C Garcia
- Laboratorio de Estrategias Antivirales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET- Instituto de Química Biológica (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Rico-Leo EM, Lorenzo-Martín LF, Román ÁC, Bustelo XR, Merino JM, Fernández-Salguero PM. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor controls skin homeostasis, regeneration, and hair follicle cycling by adjusting epidermal stem cell function. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1733-1750. [PMID: 34423894 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin integrity requires constant maintenance of a quiescent, yet responsive, population of stem cells. While interfollicular epidermal progenitors control normal homeostasis, hair follicle stem cells residing within the bulge provide regenerative potential during hair cycle and in response to wounding. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates cell plasticity and differentiation and its overactivation results in severe skin lesions in humans. However, its physiological role in skin homeostasis and hair growth is unknown. Reconstitution assays grafting primary keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts into nude mice and 3-D epidermal equivalents revealed a positive role for AhR in skin regeneration, epidermal differentiation, and stem cell maintenance. Furthermore, lack of receptor expression in AhR-/- mice delayed morphogenesis and impaired hair regrowth with a phenotype closely correlating with a reduction in suprabasal bulge stem cells (α6low CD34+ ). Moreover, RNA-microarray and RT-qPCR analyses of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-isolated bulge stem cells revealed that AhR depletion impaired transcriptional signatures typical of both epidermal progenitors and bulge stem cells but upregulated differentiation markers likely compromising their undifferentiated phenotype. Altogether, our findings support that AhR controls skin regeneration and homeostasis by ensuring epidermal stem cell identity and highlights this receptor as potential target for the treatment of cutaneous pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva María Rico-Leo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Carlos Román
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Xosé Ramón Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and CIBERONC, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jaime María Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz, Spain
| | - Pedro María Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz, Spain
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12
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Nacarino-Palma A, Rejano-Gordillo CM, González-Rico FJ, Ordiales-Talavero A, Román ÁC, Cuadrado M, Bustelo XR, Merino JM, Fernández-Salguero PM. Loss of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Favors K-RasG12D-Driven Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164071. [PMID: 34439225 PMCID: PMC8394265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (NSCLC) bearing K-RasG12D mutations is one of the most prevalent types of lung cancer worldwide. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) expression varies in human lung tumors and has been associated with either increased or reduced lung metastasis. In the mouse, Ahr also adjusts lung regeneration upon injury by limiting the expansion of resident stem cells. Here, we show that the loss of Ahr enhances K-RasG12D-driven NSCLC in mice through the amplification of stem cell subpopulations. Consistent with this, we show that K-RasG12D;Ahr-/- lungs contain larger numbers of cells expressing markers for both progenitor Clara (SCGB1A1 and CC10) and alveolar type-II (SFTPC) cells when compared to K-RasG12D;Ahr+/+-driven tumors. They also have elevated numbers of cells positive for pluripotent stem cells markers such as SOX2, ALDH1, EPCAM, LGR5 and PORCN. Typical pluripotency genes Nanog, Sox2 and c-Myc were also upregulated in K-RasG12D;Ahr-/- lung tumors as found by RNAseq analysis. In line with this, purified K-RasG12D/+;Ahr-/- lung cells generate larger numbers of organoids in culture that can subsequently differentiate into bronchioalveolar structures enriched in both pluripotency and stemness genes. Collectively, these data indicate that Ahr antagonizes K-RasG12D-driven NSCLC by restricting the number of cancer-initiating stem cells. They also suggest that Ahr expression might represent a good prognostic marker to determine the progression of K-RasG12D-positive NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Claudia M. Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Francisco J. González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ángel C. Román
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Myriam Cuadrado
- Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.); (X.R.B.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.C.); (X.R.B.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jaime M. Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain; (A.N.-P.); (C.M.R.-G.); (F.J.G.-R.); (A.O.-T.); (Á.C.R.); (J.M.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-924-289-300 (ext. 86895)
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13
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Zablon HA, Ko CI, Puga A. Converging Roles of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Early Embryonic Development, Maintenance of Stemness, and Tissue Repair. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:1-9. [PMID: 34009372 PMCID: PMC8285021 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor well-known for its adaptive role as a sensor of environmental toxicants and mediator of the metabolic detoxification of xenobiotic ligands. In addition, a growing body of experimental data has provided indisputable evidence that the AHR regulates critical functions of cell physiology and embryonic development. Recent studies have shown that the naïve AHR-that is, unliganded to xenobiotics but activated endogenously-has a crucial role in maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency, tissue repair, and regulation of cancer stem cell stemness. Depending on the cellular context, AHR silences the expression of pluripotency genes Oct4 and Nanog and potentiates differentiation, whereas curtailing cellular plasticity and stemness. In these processes, AHR-mediated contextual responses and outcomes are dictated by changes of interacting partners in signaling pathways, gene networks, and cell-type-specific genomic structures. In this review, we focus on AHR-mediated changes of genomic architecture as an emerging mechanism for the AHR to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level. Collective evidence places this receptor as a physiological hub connecting multiple biological processes whose disruption impacts on embryonic development, tissue repair, and maintenance or loss of stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
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14
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Esteban J, Sánchez-Pérez I, Hamscher G, Miettinen HM, Korkalainen M, Viluksela M, Pohjanvirta R, Håkansson H. Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in overall retinoid metabolism: Response comparisons to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure between wild-type and AHR knockout mice. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 101:33-49. [PMID: 33607186 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Young adult wild-type and aryl hydrocarbon receptor knockout (AHRKO) mice of both sexes and the C57BL/6J background were exposed to 10 weekly oral doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; total dose of 200 μg/kg bw) to further characterize the observed impacts of AHR as well as TCDD on the retinoid system. Unexposed AHRKO mice harboured heavier kidneys, lighter livers and lower serum all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and retinol (REOH) concentrations than wild-type mice. Results from the present study also point to a role for the murine AHR in the control of circulating REOH and ATRA concentrations. In wild-type mice, TCDD elevated liver weight and reduced thymus weight, and drastically reduced the hepatic concentrations of 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-retinoic acid (CORA) and retinyl palmitate (REPA). In female wild-type mice, TCDD increased the hepatic concentration of ATRA as well as the renal and circulating REOH concentrations. Renal CORA concentrations were substantially diminished in wild-type male mice exclusively following TCDD-exposure, with a similar tendency in serum. In contrast, TCDD did not affect any of these toxicity or retinoid system parameters in AHRKO mice. Finally, a distinct sex difference occurred in kidney concentrations of all the analysed retinoid forms. Together, these results strengthen the evidence of a mandatory role of AHR in TCDD-induced retinoid disruption, and suggest that the previously reported accumulation of several retinoid forms in the liver of AHRKO mice is a line-specific phenomenon. Our data further support participation of AHR in the control of liver and kidney development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Esteban
- Instituto De Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández De Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Ismael Sánchez-Pérez
- Instituto De Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández De Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Gerd Hamscher
- Institute of Food Chemistry and Food Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Hanna M Miettinen
- School of Pharmacy (Toxicology) and Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Merja Korkalainen
- Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Insitute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Matti Viluksela
- School of Pharmacy (Toxicology) and Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Environmental Health Unit, Finnish Insitute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Raimo Pohjanvirta
- Department of Food Hygiene & Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Mustialankatu 1, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Helen Håkansson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Giovannoni F, Li Z, Garcia CC, Quintana FJ. A potential role for AHR in SARS-CoV-2 pathology. RESEARCH SQUARE 2020:rs.3.rs-25639. [PMID: 32702728 PMCID: PMC7336521 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-25639/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus infection is associated to life-threatening respiratory failure. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was recently identified as a host factor for Zika and dengue viruses; AHR antagonists decrease viral titers and ameliorate ZIKV-induced pathology in vivo. Here we report that AHR is activated during coronavirus infection, impacting anti-viral immunity and lung basal cells associated to tissue repair. Hence, AHR antagonists are candidate therapeutics for the management of coronavirus-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
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16
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Brinkmann V, Ale-Agha N, Haendeler J, Ventura N. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in the Aging Process: Another Puzzling Role for This Highly Conserved Transcription Factor. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1561. [PMID: 32009975 PMCID: PMC6971224 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the most important risk factor for the development of major life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. The aging process is characterized by the accumulation of damage to intracellular macromolecules and it is concurrently shaped by genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. These factors influence the functionality of mitochondria, which play a central role in the aging process. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging and is associated with increased fluxes of ROS leading to damage of mitochondrial components, impaired metabolism of fatty acids, dysregulated glucose metabolism, and damage of adjacent organelles. Interestingly, many of the environmental (e.g., pollutants and other toxicants) and nutritional (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids) factors influencing aging and mitochondrial function also directly or indirectly affect the activity of a highly conserved transcription factor, the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). Therefore, it is not surprising that many studies have already indicated a role of this versatile transcription factor in the aging process. We also recently found that the AhR promotes aging phenotypes across species. In this manuscript, we systematically review the existing literature on the contradictory studies indicating either pro- or anti-aging effects of the AhR and try to reconcile the seemingly conflicting data considering a possible dependency on the animal model, tissue, as well as level of AhR expression and activation. Moreover, given the crucial role of mitochondria in the aging process, we summarize the growing body of evidence pointing toward the influence of AhR on mitochondria, which can be of potential relevance for aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Brinkmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niloofar Ale-Agha
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Judith Haendeler
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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17
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Esser C, Lawrence BP, Sherr DH, Perdew GH, Puga A, Barouki R, Coumoul X. Old Receptor, New Tricks-The Ever-Expanding Universe of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Functions. Report from the 4th AHR Meeting, 29⁻31 August 2018 in Paris, France. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113603. [PMID: 30445691 PMCID: PMC6274973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In a time where "translational" science has become a mantra in the biomedical field, it is reassuring when years of research into a biological phenomenon suddenly points towards novel prevention or therapeutic approaches to disease, thereby demonstrating once again that basic science and translational science are intimately linked. The studies on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) discussed here provide a perfect example of how years of basic toxicological research on a molecule, whose normal physiological function remained a mystery for so long, has now yielded a treasure trove of actionable information on the development of targeted therapeutics. Examples are autoimmunity, metabolic imbalance, inflammatory skin and gastro-intestinal diseases, cancer, development and perhaps ageing. Indeed, the AHR field no longer asks, "What does this receptor do in the absence of xenobiotics?" It now asks, "What doesn't this receptor do?".
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Esser
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf´m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - David H Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Robert Barouki
- Toxicologie Pharmacologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, INSERM UMR-S1124, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France.
- UFR des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France.
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Toxicologie Pharmacologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, INSERM UMR-S1124, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France.
- UFR des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Université Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France.
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18
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Rannug A, Rannug U. The tryptophan derivative 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole, FICZ, a dynamic mediator of endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, balances cell growth and differentiation. Crit Rev Toxicol 2018; 48:555-574. [PMID: 30226107 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2018.1493086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is not essential to survival, but does act as a key regulator of many normal physiological events. The role of this receptor in toxicological processes has been studied extensively, primarily employing the high-affinity ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). However, regulation of physiological responses by endogenous AHR ligands remains to be elucidated. Here, we review developments in this field, with a focus on 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), the endogenous ligand with the highest affinity to the receptor reported to date. The binding of FICZ to different isoforms of the AHR seems to be evolutionarily well conserved and there is a feedback loop that controls AHR activity through metabolic degradation of FICZ via the highly inducible cytochrome P450 1A1. Several investigations provide strong evidence that FICZ plays a critical role in normal physiological processes and can ameliorate immune diseases with remarkable efficiency. Low levels of FICZ are pro-inflammatory, providing resistance to pathogenic bacteria, stimulating the anti-tumor functions, and promoting the differentiation of cancer cells by repressing genes in cancer stem cells. In contrast, at high concentrations FICZ behaves in a manner similar to TCDD, exhibiting toxicity toward fish and bird embryos, immune suppression, and activation of cancer progression. The findings are indicative of a dual role for endogenously activated AHR in barrier tissues, aiding clearance of infections and suppressing immunity to terminate a vicious cycle that might otherwise lead to disease. There is not much support for the AHR ligand-specific immune responses proposed, the differences between FICZ and TCDD in this context appear to be explained by the rapid metabolism of FICZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Rannug
- a Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ulf Rannug
- b Department of Molecular Biosciences , The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
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19
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Roman ÁC, Carvajal-Gonzalez JM, Merino JM, Mulero-Navarro S, Fernández-Salguero PM. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the crossroad of signalling networks with therapeutic value. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 185:50-63. [PMID: 29258844 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is well-known for its major contributions to the cellular responses against environmental toxins and carcinogens. Notably, AhR has also emerged as a key transcription factor controlling many physiological processes including cell proliferation and apoptosis, differentiation, adhesion and migration, pluripotency and stemness. These novel functions have broadened our understanding of the signalling pathways and molecular intermediates interacting with AhR under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. Recent discoveries link AhR with the function of essential organs such as liver, skin and gonads, and with complex organismal structures including the immune and cardiovascular systems. The identification of potential endogenous ligands able to regulate AhR activity, opens the possibility of designing ad hoc molecules with pharmacological and/or therapeutic value to treat human diseases in which AhR may have a causal role. Integration of experimental data from in vitro and in vivo studies with "omic" analyses of human patients affected with cancer, immune diseases, inflammation or neurological disorders will likely contribute to validate the clinical relevance of AhR and the possible benefits of modulating its activity by pharmacologically-driven strategies. In this review, we will highlight signalling pathways involved in human diseases that could be targetable by AhR modulators and discuss the feasibility of using such molecules in therapy. The pros and cons of AhR-aimed approaches will be also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel C Roman
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimoud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José M Carvajal-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Jaime M Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Sonia Mulero-Navarro
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Pedro M Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
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