Phorbol esters inhibit the dioxin receptor-mediated transcriptional activation of the mouse Cyp1a-1 and Cyp1a-2 genes by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Dendritic Cell - Fibroblast Crosstalk via TLR9 and AHR Signaling Drives Lung Fibrogenesis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressive scarring and loss of lung function. With limited treatment options, patients succumb to the disease within 2-5 years. The molecular pathogenesis of IPF regarding the immunologic changes that occur is poorly understood. We characterize a role for non-canonical aryl-hydrocarbon receptor signaling (ncAHR) in dendritic cells (DCs) that leads to production of IL-6 and IL-17, promoting fibrosis. TLR9 signaling in myofibroblasts is shown to regulate production of TDO2 which converts tryptophan into the endogenous AHR ligand kynurenine. Mice with augmented ncAHR signaling were created by crossing floxed AHR exon-2 deletion mice (AHR Δex2 ) with mice harboring a CD11c-Cre. Bleomycin was used to study fibrotic pathogenesis. Isolated CD11c+ cells and primary fibroblasts were treated ex-vivo with relevant TLR agonists and AHR modulating compounds to study how AHR signaling influenced inflammatory cytokine production. Human datasets were also interrogated. Inhibition of all AHR signaling rescued fibrosis, however, AHR Δex2 mice treated with bleomycin developed more fibrosis and DCs from these mice were hyperinflammatory and profibrotic upon adoptive transfer. Treatment of fibrotic fibroblasts with TLR9 agonist increased expression of TDO2. Study of human samples corroborate the relevance of these findings in IPF patients. We also, for the first time, identify that AHR exon-2 floxed mice retain capacity for ncAHR signaling.

The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, development, and immune responses. The complexity of AHR signaling arises from multiple factors, including the diverse ligands that activate the receptor, the expression level of AHR itself, and its interaction with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Additionally, the AHR crosstalks with the AHR repressor (AHRR) or other transcription factors and signaling pathways and it can also mediate non-genomic effects. Finally, posttranslational modifications of the AHR and its interaction partners, epigenetic regulation of AHR and its target genes, as well as AHR-mediated induction of enzymes that degrade AHR-activating ligands may contribute to the context-specificity of AHR activation. Understanding the complexity of AHR signaling is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles and developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of AHR signaling, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms controlling its diverse functions.

Aromatic hydrocarbon receptors in mitochondrial biogenesis and function

Mitochondria are ubiquitous membrane-bound organelles that not only play a key role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and metabolism but also in signaling and apoptosis. Aryl hydrocarbons receptors (AhRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that recognize a wide variety of xenobiotics, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins, and activate diverse detoxification pathways. These receptors are also activated by natural dietary compounds and endogenous metabolites. In addition, AhRs can modulate the expression of a diverse array of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The aim of the present review is to analyze scientific data available on the AhR signaling pathway and its interaction with the intracellular signaling pathways involved in mitochondrial functions, especially those related to cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Various evidence have reported the crosstalk between the AhR signaling pathway and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tyrosine kinase receptor signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The AhR signaling pathway seems to promote cell cycle progression in the absence of exogenous ligands, whereas the presence of exogenous ligands induces cell cycle arrest. However, its effects on apoptosis are controversial since activation or overexpression of AhR has been observed to induce or inhibit apoptosis depending on the cell type. Regarding the mitochondria, although activation by endogenous ligands is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, the effects of endogenous ligands are not well understood but point towards antiapoptotic effects and inducers of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Activation status of the pregnane X receptor influences vemurafenib availability in humanized mouse models

Vemurafenib is a revolutionary treatment for melanoma, but the magnitude of therapeutic response is highly variable, and the rapid acquisition of resistance is frequent. Here, we examine how vemurafenib disposition, particularly through cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation pathways, could potentially influence these outcomes using a panel of knockout and transgenic humanized mouse models. We identified CYP3A4 as the major enzyme involved in the metabolism of vemurafenib in in vitro assays with human liver microsomes. However, mice expressing human CYP3A4 did not process vemurafenib to a greater extent than CYP3A4-null animals, suggesting that other pregnane X receptor (PXR)-regulated pathways may contribute more significantly to vemurafenib metabolism in vivo. Activation of PXR, but not of the closely related constitutive androstane receptor, profoundly reduced circulating levels of vemurafenib in humanized mice. This effect was independent of CYP3A4 and was negated by cotreatment with the drug efflux transporter inhibitor elacridar. Finally, vemurafenib strongly induced PXR activity in vitro, but only weakly induced PXR in vivo. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that vemurafenib is unlikely to exhibit a clinically significant interaction with CYP3A4, but that modulation of bioavailability through PXR-mediated regulation of drug transporters (e.g., by other drugs) has the potential to markedly influence systemic exposure and thereby therapeutic outcomes.

Regulation of cytochrome P4501A by protein kinase C: the role of heat shock protein70

Carbofuran is a pesticide, which is used throughout the world as a nematicide and an acaricide. This pesticide integrates into living organisms through aquatic ecosystem. In earlier report, we had demonstrated that cytochrome P4501A was induced in cultured catfish hepatocytes in response to carbofuran, which might be responsible for the detoxification of this pesticide. As the underlying signaling mechanism associated with induction and regulation of cytochrome P4501A has not yet been well defined, we therefore in the present study have investigated to identify the regulatory network of cytochrome P4501A in catfish liver or cultured hepatocytes by targeting several key signaling molecules such as phosphatidyl inositol (PI) or protein kinase C (PKC), which are critical molecules for many important pathways. PKC and heat shock protein70 (HSP70) have been shown to be induced in response to carbofuran in catfish hepatocytes. Results also indicate that induction of CYP1A is modulated by HSP70 and PKC in fish hepatocytes. Thus our data shed light on the regulation of EROD activity, which has been used as a bio-monitoring tool for measuring aquatic pollution.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor at the crossroads of multiple signaling pathways

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has long been recognized as a ligand-activated transcription factor responsible for the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Its role in the combinatorial matrix of cell functions was established long before the first report of an AHR cDNA sequence was published. It is only recently that other functions of this protein have begun to be recognized, and it is now clear that the AHR also functions in pathways outside of its well-characterized role in xenobiotic enzyme induction. Perturbation of these pathways by xenobiotic ligands may ultimately explain much of the toxicity of these compounds. This chapter focuses on the interactions of the AHR in pathways critical to cell cycle regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, differentiation and apoptosis. Ultimately, the effect of a particular AHR ligand on the biology of the organism will depend on the milieu of critical pathways and proteins expressed in specific cells and tissues with which the AHR itself interacts.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor cross-talks with multiple signal transduction pathways

Exposure to toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons raises a number of toxic and carcinogenic responses in experimental animals and humans mediated for the most part by the aryl hydrocarbon -- or dioxin -- receptor (AHR). The AHR is a ligand-activated transcription factor whose central role in the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes has long been recognized. For quite some time now, it has become clear that the AHR also functions in pathways outside of its role in detoxification and that perturbation of these pathways by xenobiotic ligands may be an important part of the toxicity of these compounds. AHR activation by some of its ligands participates among others in pathways critical to cell cycle regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, immediate-early gene induction, cross-talk within the RB/E2F axis and mobilization of crucial calcium stores. Ultimately, the effect of a particular AHR ligand may depend as much on the adaptive interactions that it established with pathways and proteins expressed in a specific cell or tissue as on the toxic responses that it raises.

Decreased PXR and CAR inhibit transporter and CYP mRNA Levels in the liver and intestine of mice with collagen-induced arthritis

Nuclear receptors, such as pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), regulate the transcription of transporters and cytochrome P450s (CYPs). We investigated whether quantitative and functional changes in PXR and CAR affected the transporters and CYPs in a mouse model of chronic arthritis. The mRNA levels of PXR were significantly decreased in the intestine of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) compared with control mice. The mRNA levels of CAR were significantly decreased in both the liver and intestine of CIA mice. The mRNA levels of Mdr1a/1b, Mrp3, BCRP and Cyp2b10 were decreased in the liver of CIA mice, while little change in the mRNA levels was observed for Cyp3a11 in the liver and the transporters in the intestine. Taken together, the present results reveal that the effects of CAR mRNA suppression on the regulation of transporters and CYPs differ between the liver and intestine in chronic arthritis.

Human CYP1A1GFP Expression in Transgenic Mice Serves as a Biomarker for Environmental Toxicant Exposure

The human CYP1A1 gene is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and induction of CYP1A1 is known to play an important role in xenobiotic metabolism. To examine the regulation of human CYP1A1 in vivo, we created a transgenic mouse strain (Tg-CYP1A1(GFP)) expressing a chimeric gene consisting of the entire human CYP1A1 gene (15 kb) fused with a GFP reporter gene. The treatment of Tg-CYP1A1(GFP) mice with a single intraperitoneal dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) led to the induction of CYP1A1(GFP) in both the liver and the lung as determined by fluorescence and Western blot analysis. The localization of induced fluorescence in liver also demonstrated the usefulness of cultured hepatocytes in examining the actions of AhR agonists toward induction of CYP1A1(GFP). Other routes of B[a]P administration, such as by oral exposure at 100 mg/kg for 3 days, led to reduced induction of CYP1A1(GFP) in liver and lung. In liver, expression of CYP1A1(GFP) was a sensitive marker for oral exposure, while mouse CYP1A1 was not induced at these doses. While first pass metabolism of B[a]P in the gastrointestinal tract reduces the potential of the AhR to induce CYP1A1(GFP) in the liver, adequate concentrations reach the hepatic circulation as demonstrated by induction of human UGT1A proteins in transgenic mice that express the human UGT1 locus. The capability to identify fluorescently labeled CYP1A1 in vivo provides a sensitive measurement of gene response and links exposure to potential environmental toxicants and activation of the AhR.

Probing the Control Elements of the CYP1A1 Switching Module in H4IIE Hepatoma Cells

Previous research from our laboratory has shown a switch-like response to PCB 126 mediated CYP1A1 induction in primary rat hepatocytes and in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. On a single cell level, cells appear to be either "on" or "off" for CYP1A1 induction at a given dose; some cells never respond to PCB 126. These cells represent a non-responding population. Cells that are switched "on" by PCB 126 display varying levels of induction, much like the dimmer on a light switch. The goal of the present research is to begin to uncover the mechanism for this switch-like response to CYP1A1 induction in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. The AhR pathway is modulated by multiple co-activators and by phosphorylation. This research focuses on the phosphorylation cascades initiated by PCB 126 and the role they play in CYP1A1 induction. Our research reveals a likely role for protein kinase C (PKC) in this switch response. Inhibition of PKC by H-7 dramatically reduced the percent of cells that express CYP1A1 in response to PCB 126 treatment, as determined by flow cytometry. The effect of H-7 was concentration dependent, decreasing the number of cells expressing CYP1A1 rather than decreasing the level of CYP1A1 in all cells. This finding provides further evidence for the switch-like behavior of CYP1A1 induction and implicates PKC in this response to PCB126. The protein kinase inhibitor, HA-1004, had only a minor effect on CYP1A1 induction. A high-throughput immunoblot screen for 40 proteins revealed the regulation of several proteins/phosphoproteins by PCB 126. Most importantly, two proteins containing phosphoserine/phoshothreonine residues were increased by PCB126 treatment. However, PKC translocation studies and activity studies failed to verify that PCB126 activates PKC. It is possible that constitutive PKC activity is sufficient to maintain phosphorylation of critical components of the AhR pathway. Immunoblotting studies showed that MAP kinases ERK and JNK are not activated by PCB 126 in H4IIE cells and the ERK inhibitor U0126 did not impair CYP1A1 induction. Additional studies are planned to further investigate the role of PKC in the switch-like response to PCB 126.

Molecular mechanism of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by the fungicide iprodione in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes

The dicarboximide fungicide iprodione (Ip) causes oxidative damage as a result of the production of free oxygen radicals, and induces cytochrome P4501A3 (CYP1A3) in cultured rainbow trout hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to characterise some of the molecular mechanisms by means of which Ip activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and subsequently induces the CYP1A3 gene in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The study was performed using primary hepatocytes and transfected HepG2 cells with a reporter construct, in which luciferase gene expression is under the transcriptional control of a multimerised xenobiotic response elements (4XREs), or a 2.3 Kb DNA fragment (corresponding to the trout CYP1A3 gene promoter). Ip exposure increased rainbow trout hepatocyte CYP1A3 mRNA over time and increased the expression of reporter gene in HepG2, thus suggesting that Ip induces the CYP1A3 gene by activating the AhR. Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, efficiently inhibited the Ip-mediated induction of the CYP1A3 gene as demonstrated by mRNA level decrease and the impaired activation of the luciferase reporter gene constructs. Staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, also suppressed the induction by Ip. When the AhR antagonist alpha-naphthoflavone was added to the cultures, Ip-mediated CYP1A3 induction was suppressed. These findings are consistent with a mechanism of Ip-mediated CYP1A3 gene induction that involves the activation of the AhR complex via phosphorylation-dephosphorylation reactions.

Interaction between halogenated aromatic compounds in the Ah receptor signal transduction pathway

Many toxic and biochemical responses to halogenated aromatic compounds (HACs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is an intracellular cytosolic target for HACs. Environmental exposure to HACs almost always involves complex mixtures of congeners, some of which can antagonize the action of potent HACs such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In this work we studied TCDD and representative PCB congeners, alone and in mixture, for their effect on CYP1A gene transcription and protein levels in primary rat hepatocytes. Together with our previous work, our results suggest that formation of the Ah receptor-ligand-DRE (dioxin response element) complex is the principal point of divergence in the mechanism between an AhR agonist and an AhR antagonist. The coplanar PCBs 77 and 126 and the mono-ortho PCB 156 were full agonists toward CYP1A1 gene transcription and CYP1A protein levels, showing typical additive behavior with TCDD to the target molecule AhR. In contrast, the nonplanar PCB 153 antagonized the action of TCDD, even at concentrations that occupied a significant fraction of AhR molecules. Competitive inhibition explains the commonly reported decrease of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity when PCBs are present in high concentrations and the antagonism of PCBs to the EROD activity of TCDD. The result is that Western blotting offers a much more reliable measure of CYP1A protein concentration than does the EROD assay, despite the greater convenience of the latter.

Phosphorylation of nuclear localization signal inhibits the ligand-dependent nuclear import of aryl hydrocarbon receptor

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor which plays a role as an intracellular mediator of the xenobiotic signaling pathway. We previously identified the minimum nuclear localization signal (NLS) of AhR(13-39): it is composed of two basic amino acid segments, AhR(13-16:RKRR) and AhR(37-39:KRH). In this study, we showed that the two protein kinase C (PKC) sites of Ser-12 and Ser-36 are located one amino acid upstream from each of the two segments, and that a ligand-dependent nuclear import of AhR is inhibited by substitution of aspartic acid for Ser-12 (S12D) or Ser-36 (S36D), which mimics the negative charge of phosphorylation. This observation was supported by microinjection analysis, an in vitro nuclear transport assay, and a luciferase reporter assay, suggesting a two-step mechanism in the ligand-dependent nuclear translocation of AhR.

The human CYP1A1 gene is regulated in a developmental and tissue-specific fashion in transgenic mice

Regulation and expression of human CYP1A1 is demonstrated in transgenic mice. We have developed two transgenic mouse lines. One mouse strain (CYPLucR) carries a functional human CYP1A1 promoter (-1612 to +293)-luciferase reporter gene, and the other strain (CYP1A1N) expresses CYP1A1 under control of the full-length human CYP1A1 gene and 9 kb of flanking regulatory DNA. With CYPLucR(+/-) mice, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and several other aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands induced hepatocyte-specific luciferase activity. When other tissues were examined, TCDD induced luciferase activity in brain with limited induction in lung and no detectable luciferase activity in kidney. Treatment of CYP1A1N(+/-) mice with TCDD resulted in induction of human CYP1A1 in liver and lung, while mouse Cyp1a1 was induced in liver, lung, and kidney. Although induced CYP1A1/Cyp1a1 could not be detected by Western blot analysis in brains from CYP1A1N(+/-) mice, induction in brain was verified by detection of CYP1A1/Cyp1a1 RNA. The administration of TCDD to nursing mothers to examine the effect of lactational exposure via milk demonstrated prominent induction of luciferase activity in livers of CYPLucR(+/-) newborn pups with limited induction in brain. However, TCDD treatment of adult CYPLucR(+/-) mice led to a 7-10-fold induction of brain luciferase activity. Combined these results indicate that tissue-specific and developmental factors are controlling aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated induction of human CYP1A1.

A dynamic role for the Ah receptor in cell signaling? Insights from a diverse group of Ah receptor interacting proteins

The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (AhR) is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) transcription factor family. Consistent with the notion that PAS proteins are biological sensors, AhR binding to Ah toxicants induces or represses transcription of a wide range of genes and results in a cascade of toxic responses. However, an endogenous role for AhR in development and homeostasis is supported by (1) the discovery of low affinity, endogenous ligands; (2) studies demonstrating a role for the receptor in development of liver and vascular systems, that were established using mice lacking AhR expression; and (3) the presence of functional dioxin-responsive elements in promoter regions of genes involved in cellular growth and differentiation. A large body of recent literature has implicated AhR in multiple signal transduction pathways. AhR is known to interact with signaling pathways that are mediated by estrogen receptor and other hormone receptors, hypoxia, nuclear factor kappaB, and retinoblastoma protein. In addition, AhR complexes may affect cellular signaling through interactions with various other regulatory and signaling proteins, including PAS heterodimerization partners (ARNT), chaperone and immunophilin-like proteins (e.g. HSP90, XAP2/ARA9/AIP, p23), protein kinases and phosphatases (e.g. tyrosine kinases, casein kinase 2, protein kinase C), and coactivators (e.g. SRC-1, RIP 140, CBP/p300). Here we summarize the types of molecular cross talk that have been identified between AhR and cell signaling pathways.

DNA binding and protein interactions of the AHR/ARNT heterodimer that facilitate gene activation

Gene activation by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and its DNA binding partner, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) requires a number of sequential steps that occur following the binding of ligand and entry of the AHR into the nuclear compartment. This includes heterodimerization of the AHR and ARNT, formation of the appropriate amino acid/nucleotide contacts at the GCGTG recognition site and interactions between either the AHR or ARNT with proteins that facilitate changes in chromatin structure. The majority of these steps are likely modulated by changes in both phosphorylation and oxidation status of the AHR, ARNT and associated proteins. Studies of both the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors and the nuclear hormone receptor family can provide significant insights into how this unique signaling pathway activates its target genes.

Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cell cycle regulation

Traditionally, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is considered to be a ligand-activated receptor and transcription factor responsible for the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Its role in the combinatorial matrix of cell functions was neatly established long before the first report of an AHR cDNA sequence was published. Only recently, other functions of this protein have begun to be recognized. This review addresses novel findings relating to AHR functions that have resulted from experimental approaches markedly outside traditional receptor analyses. Here we examine the aspects of AHR biology relevant to its role in cell cycle regulation, from the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases to the cross-talk between AHR and the RAS pathway and the functional significance of the interaction between AHR and the retinoblastoma protein. We have attempted to provide the reader with a balanced interpretation of the evidence, highlighting areas of consensus as well as areas still being contested.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) by aromatic hydrocarbons: role in the regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) function

The aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (AHR) is the only known cellular receptor of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and of many other widespread environmental contaminants that cause diverse toxic effects in animals and humans. Most, if not all, the biological effects of TCDD are mediated by the activation of AHR, which is a ligand-activated transcription factor required for ligand-induced expression of several detoxification genes, including those encoding for cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1. Environmental agents also activate several mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, believed to modulate transcription factor function and to regulate gene expression. However, the contribution to TCDD toxicity resulting from cross-talk between AHR and MAPK pathways has yet to be determined. In this study, we show that TCDD and other AHR ligands induced the immediate activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases and the Jun N-terminal kinases, but not the p38 MAPKs. MAPK activation by TCDD did not require the AHR, since it occurred equally well in AHR-negative CV-1 cells and in Ahr (-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts as in AHR-positive cells. Distinct from serum factors and the tumor promoter TPA-induced MAPKs, which resulted in transcriptional activation of ELK or c-JUN, TCDD-stimulated MAPKs were critical for the induction of AHR-dependent gene transcription and CYP1A1 expression. These data indicate that AHR ligands elicit AHR-independent non-genomic events that are essential for AHR activation and function.

Response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) D-11 cell line to 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) exposure

The rainbow trout cytochrome P4501A gene subfamily consists of two members, CYP1A1 and CYP1A3, which are induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, we investigated the induction of cytochrome P4501A3 in the rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) D-11 cell line after 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) exposure by generating chimeric constructs in which a 2.3 kb fragment or portion of the 5'-flanking region of the trout cytochrome CYP1A3 gene was fused to the firefly luciferase (Luc) gene. The constructs were then transiently transfected into the trout D-11 cells and their transcriptional activity measured by luciferase assay after treatment with different 3MC concentrations. Maximal induction following exposure to 2 microM 3MC was 2.2-fold after 72 h. Deletion of the region specifying the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the mRNA encoding the CYP1A3 gene increased unstimulated luciferase activity but also led to a loss of response to 3MC treatment. This finding suggests that the region specifying the 5'UTR contains a negative element that is also involved in the transcriptional response to 3MC.

Suppression of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-mediated CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 induction by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate: role of transforming growth factor beta and mitogen-activated protein kinases

The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) enhances or suppresses the transcriptional activation of CYP1A1 by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in a cell/tissue-specific manner. The basis for these effects is not known. Exposure of the immortalized human breast epithelial cell line MCF10A-Neo to TPA at the time of, or up to 12 hr prior to, the addition of TCDD strongly suppressed the transcriptional activation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 (IC(50) approximately 0.5 nM). A recent study (Carcinogenesis 2000;21:1303-12) demonstrated that TPA-treated MCF10A-Neo cells rapidly activate the latent transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) in the serum used to supplement the culture medium. The suppressive effects of TPA on CYP1A1 induction by TCDD in MCF10A-Neo cultures could be partially suppressed by: (a) co-incubation of TCDD + TPA-treated cultures with a neutralizing TGFbeta pan antibody; (b) prior removal of latent TGFbeta from the culture medium; or (c) switching cultures to serum- and growth factor-free medium immediately before the addition of TPA and TCDD. Exposure of cultures to TPA 24-48 hr prior to subsequent TPA + TCDD treatment not only inhibited the suppressive effects of TPA, but markedly enhanced CYP1A1 mRNA accumulation. TPA caused a rapid and protracted activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Pretreatment of cultures with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD184352 [2-(2-chloro-4-iodo-phenylamino)-N-cyclopropyl-methoxy-3,4-difluoro-benzamide] completely inhibited ERK activation by TPA. However, PD184352 did not prevent the suppressive effects of TPA on CYP1A1 activation by TCDD. These studies demonstrate that TPA initiates protein kinase C-dependent, ERK-independent processes that suppress CYP1A1 activation by TCDD in MCF10A-Neo cells. Furthermore, TGFbeta mediates a small portion of this suppressive activity.

Impact of copper on biomonitoring enzyme ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase in cultured catfish hepatocytes

The enzyme ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) of the cytochrome P4501A family (CYP1A) in fish liver is increasingly being used as a molecular marker for qualitative and quantitative estimation of aquatic pollution throughout the world. The regulation and expression of this enzyme protein is very important from the toxicological point of view. The regulation of gene expression for this enzyme is mediated by the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor. In addition, cellular glutathione status influences expression of CYP1A. In this study, we explored the relationships among glutathione, EROD, and copper in cultured hepatocytes from Indian catfish. EROD activity in cultured hepatocytes was induced by carbofuran (CF), a widely used agricultural pesticide, and by beta-napthoflavone (BNF), a known inducer of CYP1A. Addition of copper into the culture media of hepatocytes inhibited EROD activity significantly. The activity of EROD elevated by CF and BNF was inhibited in hepatocytes pretreated with CF and BNF exposed to CuSO4. This effect was reflected in the glutathione status of the cells. The level of glutathione was increased by 3.4 and 3.0 times in hepatocytes treated with CF and BNF, respectively. These levels were inhibited in hepatocytes exposed to CuSO(4). Thus, copper interactions with glutathione may play a role in regulating EROD in hepatocytes.

Regulation of DNA binding activity of the ligand-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor by tyrosine phosphorylation

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a member of the bHLH-PAS family, is a ligand-activated transcription factor which plays an important role in normal liver development and in mediating the toxicity of polycyclic and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Phosphorylation is known to regulate the transformation process of unliganded AhR into functionally active AhR/ARNT heterodimer that has high affinity for dioxin-responsive elements (DRE) and transactivation activity. Here, we report that DRE binding activity of the AhR is regulated by phosphorylation on the AhR/ARNT complex itself. Studies with specific protein phosphatases indicated that tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in this modulation. In addition, the AhR is phosphorylated at tyrosine residue(s) as determined by anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblot analysis. These results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation on the AhR is required for its DNA binding activity and may provide mammalian cells with another layer of control mechanism that allows cell type specific and developmental stage specific induction of the AhR target genes.

Transcriptional suppression of cytochrome P450 2C11 gene expression by 3-methylcholanthrene

Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor-mediated transcriptional up-regulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes of the CYP1A subfamily by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) is accompanied by down-regulation of rat hepatic CYP2C11 expression at the catalytic activity, protein, and mRNA levels. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of this CYP2C11 suppression response, we have used a nuclear run-on assay to assess directly the effect of MC on the hepatic transcription rate of the CYP2C11 gene following in vivo administration of MC to adult male rats. A single intraperitoneal dose of MC (40 mg/kg) caused a 179-fold increase in the rate of CYP1A gene transcription at 6 hr, and the rate of CYP2C11 gene transcription was reduced by 51% at this time point, compared with vehicle controls. By 48 hr after MC treatment, the rates of CYP1A and CYP2C11 gene transcription were no longer significantly different from the corresponding vehicle controls. These results indicate for the first time that the suppression of hepatic CYP2C11 caused by in vivo administration of PAHs to adult male rats is at least partially due to a decrease in the rate of transcription of the CYP2C11 gene.

Lack of an absolute requirement for the native aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and AhR nuclear translocator transactivation domains in protein kinase C-mediated modulation of the AhR pathway

Protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated modulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway was examined in CHOK1-derived L10.I cells stably transfected with the pGUDLUC6.1 reporter; pGUDLUC6.1 is solely controlled by four dioxin-responsive enhancer elements. Co treatment of L10.I cells with 10 nM 2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 81 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of sn-1,2-diacylglyerol binding PKCs, enhanced transactivation of the reporter construct several-fold relative to cells treated with a saturating 10 nM TCDD dose alone; this effect was dubbed the "PMA effect." A domain swapping and deletional analysis of the native AhR and AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) protein transactivation domains (TADs) was performed to determine if these domains are absolutely required for the AhR x ARNT dimer-mediated PMA effect in the L10.I model system; controls demonstrate the suitability of the L10.I model for these analyses and that endogenous AhR and ARNT levels are extremely low in this model. Transient coexpression of the AhR and ARNT-474-FLAG, an ARNT protein lacking the native ARNT TAD, in L10.I cells reveals the native ARNT TAD is not absolutely required for the AhR x ARNT-474-FLAG dimer to mediate the PMA effect. Transient coexpression of AhRDeltaCVP, a chimeric AhR protein in which the native AhR TAD has been replaced with the VP16 (herpes simplex virus protein 16) TAD (which control experiments demonstrate is unaffected by PMA), and ARNT in L10.I cells indicates that the native AhR TAD is not absolutely required for this AhRDeltaCVP x ARNT dimer to mediate the PMA effect. These observations strongly suggest that PKC-mediated modulation of the AhR pathway is not absolutely dependent on coactivators recruited to the AhR. ARNT dimer by the native TADs of the AhR and its heterodimerization partner ARNT.

Regulation of cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) in mouse embryo fibroblast (C3H10T1/2) cells by protein kinase C (PKC)

The effects of co-treatment of C3H10T1/2 (10T1/2) cells with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the expression of the novel cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) were investigated. As monitored by CYP1B1-catalyzed 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) metabolism, TPA suppressed basal and TCDD-induced DMBA metabolism in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximum inhibitory concentration of 100 nM. The suppression of CYP1B1 catalytic activity occurred at two time points during which protein kinase C (PKC) was activated and down-regulated in these cells as judged by analyses of cellular PKC content and PKC-inhibitor (chelerythrine chloride)-influenced suppression of CYP1B1 catalytic activity. Experiments in which TCDD and benzanthracene (BA)-induced DMBA metabolism were monitored in PKCbeta1-overexpressing 10T1/2 cells revealed that the suppression of CYP1B1 activity is a consequence of cellular PKC elevation. This suppression phenomenon could be accounted for by PKC-mediated suppression of TCDD-induced CYP1B1 mRNA and apoprotein and of nuclear translocation of the Ah-receptor. In contrast, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins ERKs 1 and 2 were stimulated by TCDD under conditions in which PKC was activated. Collectively, our results suggest that PKC participates in the regulation of CYP1B1 in 10T1/2 cells, positively by directly suppressing the Ah-receptor signaling pathway, followed by an indirect or negative activation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Species differences in hepatocyte induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 by omeprazole

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor therapeutically administered for the treatment of gastric ulcers, induces the expression of cytochromes P4501A1/2 (CYP1A1/2) through transcriptional activation mediated by the Ah-dioxin)-receptor. Primary cultures of hepatocytes isolated from rabbit, rat, mouse and human livers were compared for CYP1A1/2 mRNA inducibility by omeprazole (1 to 100 microM). Primary cultures of human hepatocytes were the most sensitive to the inducing effects of omeprazole. Rabbit hepatocytes were the only other cells studied that showed induced CYP1A1/2 mRNA expression from a concentration lower than 100 microM (i.e., 10 microM). Rat hepatocytes were the least sensitive to omeprazole induction. The response of mouse hepatocytes to omeprazole treatment was variable, with CYP1A1/2 mRNA expression being induced in only two of the three cultures examined. Differences in the time dependence of CYP1A1/2 mRNA expression were observed between species. In general, after treatment of hepatocytes with omeprazole the levels of CYP1A1 mRNA peaked prior to that of CYP1A2 mRNA. Due to the interspecific variability of CYP1A mRNA inducibility by omeprazole, we conclude that human hepatocytes in culture are probably the only appropriate animal model for prediction of CYP1A induction in humans.

Mechanisms of ligand-induced aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated biochemical and toxic responses

The ubiquitous environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin) is a member of a broad group of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) that is known to induce a wide range of toxic and biochemical responses in laboratory animals and humans. The effects of HAH exposure are mediated by binding to the cytosolic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is expressed in a tissue- and cell type-specific manner. The AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-AhR-Arnt-Sim (bHLH/PAS) superfamily of proteins. The mechanism of induction of gene transcription by TCDD involves ligand recognition and binding by the AhR, nuclear translocation, and dimerization with the AhR cofactor, AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt). The nuclear heterodimer interacts with cognate xenobiotic responsive elements (XREs) in promoter/enhancer regions of multiple Ah-responsive genes. Subsequent changes in chromatin structure and/or interaction of the AhR complex with the basal transcriptional machinery play a significant role in AhR-mediated gene expression. Although Arnt is a necessary component of a functional nuclear AhR complex, this protein also forms transcriptionally active heterodimers with other bHLH/PAS factors, including those involved in the transcriptional response to hypoxia. Arnt is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian systems, and results from transgenic mouse studies suggest that this protein plays a vital role in early mammalian embryonic development. Similar experiments suggest that the AhR may be involved in development of various organ systems. Thus, molecular mechanistic studies of TCDD action have contributed significantly to an improved understanding of the role of at least 2 bHLH/PAS proteins, as well as organ- and tissue-specific biochemical and toxic responses to this class of environmental toxins.

Suppression of CYP1A1 transcription by H2O2 is mediated by xenobiotic-response element

We have previously demonstrated that H2O2 downregulates CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 transcription in isolated rat hepatocytes (C. W. Barker, et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269, 3985-3990). In the present study, induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression driven by 3.1 kb of rat CYP1A1 upstream regulatory sequences was suppressed by 56% in Hepa-1 cells treated with H2O2. Similarly, H2O2 inhibited CAT expression from vectors containing two copies of either xenobiotic-response element (XRE) 1 or XRE2. H2O2 did not inhibit basal CAT expression in cells that were not treated with the inducer beta-napthoflavone. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that the suppression of XRE-dependent transcription by H2O2 was not due to changes in nuclear aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor DNA binding activity. Several types of experiments indicated that modulation of XRE enhancer strength by various means could modify H2O2-dependent suppression of CAT expression. Conditions that increased the transactivation potential of the Ah receptor (increase in XRE copy number or shortening of the distance between XREs and the minimal CYP1A1 promoter) attenuated the action of H2O2, while conditions that reduced XRE-mediated transactivation potential (decrease in XRE copy number, increase of the distance between the XRE and the promoter, or reduction of the number of bound Ah receptors by lowering the concentration of inducer) potentiated the inhibitory action of H2O2.

Expression of functional aromatic hydrocarbon receptor and aromatic hydrocarbon nuclear translocator proteins in murine bone marrow stromal cells

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) acting through the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its dimerization partner, the AhR nuclear translocator protein (arnt), elicits numerous toxicological effects including immunosuppression and thymic atrophy. Previous work has shown that TCDD alters bone marrow prothymocyte populations. These effects could be mediated at the lymphocyte level directly and/or through effects on bone marrow stromal cells, a population important in the support of lymphopoiesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize AhR and arnt expression in three murine bone marrow stromal cell lines (S17, M2-10B4, and BMS2) and in primary stromal cell cultures. Immunoblot analysis detected AhR protein in M2-10B4 and BMS2 cells. AhR protein was also detected in the primary cultures. Arnt protein could be detected in all cell cultures. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays detected TCDD-dependent dioxin-responsive element (DRE) binding in all three cell lines. DNA binding was sequence-specific and dependent on AhR, as demonstrated by the addition of unlabeled DRE DNA or of anti-AhR antibody. Results obtained with the primary cultures paralleled those seen with the stromal cell lines. The ED50 for induction of TCDD-dependent DRE binding in M2-10B4 cells was 0.21 nM. TCDD treatment did not induce stromal P4501A1 mRNA expression but did increase P4501B1 mRNA levels in all three cell lines and in the primary cultures. These results indicate that murine bone marrow stromal cells express AhR and arnt proteins. Furthermore, these proteins are functional in terms of their DRE-binding ability and potential to regulate mRNA levels in a gene-specific fashion.

Protein kinase C activity is required for aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway-mediated signal transduction

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (hAhR) signal transduction pathway was examined in cell lines stably transfected with pGUDLUC6.1, in which luc+ is solely controlled by four dioxin-responsive elements (DREs). These cell lines, P5A11 and HG40/6, were derived from HeLa and HepG2 cells respectively. Simultaneous treatment of these cells with 2,3,7,8, -tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) enhanced trans-activation of the reporter construct several-fold relative to cells treated with TCDD alone. PKC inhibitors block the PMA effect and hAhR-mediated signal transduction, demonstrating these processes require PKC activity. Examination of other independently generated, HeLa-derived cell lines stably transfected with pGUDLUC6.1 demonstrates the PMA effect in P5A11 cells is not a clonal artifact. Transient transfections indicate the PMA effect is not due to a luciferase message/gene product stabilization mechanism or stimulation of the basal transcription machinery. Examination of cytosolic preparations demonstrates PKC stimulation or inhibition does not alter hAhR and hAhR nuclear translocator protein levels or TCDD-induced down-regulation of hAhR levels. Similarly, examination of nuclear extracts indicated PKC stimulation or inhibition does not alter nuclear AhR levels or hAhR/hAhR nuclear translocator protein heterodimer DRE-binding activity as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These results demonstrate a PKC-mediated event is required for the hAhR to form a functional transcriptional complex that leads to trans-activation and that the DRE is the minimal DNA element required for PMA to enhance AhR-mediated trans-activation.

Inhibitors of serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatases stimulate transcription by the Ah receptor/Arnt dimer by affecting a step subsequent to XRE binding

The Ah receptor binds aryl hydrocarbons such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) with high affinity. After binding aryl hydrocarbons, the receptor releases the 90-kDa heat shock protein and forms a dimer with the Arnt protein capable of binding at xenobiotic-responsive elements (XREs) and stimulating the transcription of genes involved in the metabolism of aryl hydrocarbons. The activity of the Ah receptor/ Arnt dimer can be decreased by treatments causing the down-regulation of protein kinase C and decreasing the nuclear accumulation of the receptor. Incubation with acid phosphatase or with alkaline phosphatase has been reported to block XRE binding. Thus the literature suggests that phosphorylation regulates Ah receptor activity by affecting DNA binding and/or nuclear transport. A reporter plasmid containing two XREs was used to investigate the effects of phosphatase inhibitors on TCDD-dependent transcription by the Hepa-1 mouse liver cell line. The inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid caused two- to threefold increases in TCDD-dependent transcription at concentrations capable of selectively inhibiting protein phosphatase 1 and protein phosphatase 2A. The inhibitor cyclosporin A doubled TCDD-dependent transcription at a concentration capable of selectively inhibiting protein phosphatase 2B. All three of the phosphatase inhibitors increased TCDD-dependent transcription without affecting transcription in the absence of TCDD. Nuclear extracts were prepared from cells treated with concentrations of okadaic acid or cyclosporin A which substantially stimulated TCDD-dependent transcription. Neither of the inhibitors significantly increased the level of TCDD-dependent XRE binding in the extracts. GAL4-Arnt fusion proteins were used to further investigate whether the phosphatase inhibitors affected a step other than DNA binding. Okadaic acid treatment specifically increased the ability of a GAL4 fusion protein containing the Arnt PAS and transactivation domains to stimulate transcription. These results suggest that serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatases can act at a level subsequent to XRE binding to inhibit the ability of the Ah receptor/Arnt dimer to stimulate transcription.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated signal transduction

The aryl hydrocarbon (or dioxin) receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein that heterodimerizes with the bHLH protein ARNT (aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator) forming a complex that binds to xenobiotic regulatory elements in target gene enhancers. Genetic, biochemical, and molecular biology studies have revealed that the AhR mediates the toxic and biological effects of environmentally persistent dioxins and related compounds. Cloning of the receptor and its DNA-binding partner, ARNT, has facilitated detailed efforts to understand the mechanisms of AhR-mediated signal transduction. These studies have determined that this unique receptor consists of several functional domains and belongs to a subfamily of bHLH proteins that share a conserved motif termed the PAS domain. In addition, recent genetic studies have revealed that expression of the AhR is a requirement for proper embryonal development, which appears to be a common function shared by many other bHLH proteins. This review is a summary of recent molecular studies of AhR-mediated gene regulation.

Protein kinase C modulates regulation of the CYP1A1 gene by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Transcriptional activation of the human CYP1A1 gene by halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) complex, a ligand-dependent transcription factor. A competent AhR comprises at least two components following nuclear translocation and DNA binding, the AhR and the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) protein, whose combined action on human CYP1A1 gene transcription is shown to be dependent upon functional protein kinase C (PKC). In the present study, we examined the effects of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a potent PKC activator, on the ligand-induced transcriptional activation of the CYP1A1 gene and cellular function of the AhR in human HepG2 101L cells. The 101L cells carry a stable transgene consisting of 1800 bases of 5'-flanking DNA and the promoter of the human CYP1A1 gene linked to the firefly luciferase structural gene (Postlind, H., Vu, T. P., Tukey, R. H. & Quattrochi, L. C. (1993) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 118, 255-262). Pretreatment of cells with 12-myristate 13-acetate enhanced ligand-induced CYP1A1 gene expression 2-3-fold. Inhibition of PKC activity blocked directly the transcriptional activation and the transactivation of the CYP1A1 gene, indicating a role for PKC in the AhR-mediated transcriptional activation process. However, the DNA binding activities of the in vitro activated and the induced nuclear AhR as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis were not affected when CYP1A1 transcription was inhibited, indicating the actions of PKC to be a nuclear event that works in concert with or precedes AhR binding to the gene. These results illustrate that PKC is absolutely essential for the cellular and molecular events that control induction of CYP1A1 gene transcription.

Regulation of constitutive rat hepatic cytochromes P450 by 3-methylcholanthrene

1. Induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes of the CYP1A subfamily by aromatic hydrocarbons such as 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) is accompanied by down-regulation of other CYPs that are expressed constitutively in rat liver. 2. We examined the time-course of the effects of MC on the expression of CYP2C11 and 3A2 in the liver of male rats at the catalytic activity, apoprotein and mRNA levels. 3. A single intraperitoneal dose of MC (50 mg/kg) caused an increase in total hepatic microsomal CYP and haem content, and a marked induction of CYP1A1 catalytic activity (7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase) and apoprotein. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase was not altered. 4. MC treatment decreased CYP2C11 and 3A catalytic activity (testosterone 16 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxylase respectively) and apoprotein, and there was a trend for suppression of 2C11 and 3A2 mRNA. Following this initial down-regulation, CYP2C11 catalytic activity and 3A catalytic activity and apoprotein were elevated above control levels. Although CYP2C11 and 3A2 mRNA levels showed a similar trend, these effects did not achieve statistical significance. 5. CYP2C11 and 3A2 appear to be regulated by MC at a pre-translational level. CYP2C11 suppression will serve as a valuable model for study on the mechanisms by which aromatic hydrocarbons act to negatively influence gene expression.

Phenobarbital induction of CYP1A1 gene expression in a primary culture of rainbow trout hepatocytes

In mammals, phenobarbital (PB) is an in vivo inducer of the cytochrome P4502B (CYP2B) family, whereas in teleosts PB induction of cytochrome P450 is unclear. We show that teleost cytochrome P4502K1 (CYP2K1) protein levels and 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity were not induced by exposure of primary cultures of rainbow trout hepatocytes to PB. Instead, cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) gene expression was strongly induced by PB, based upon observations of marked increases in CYP1A1 mRNA, CYP1A1 protein, and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity. In accordance with these data we provide a temporal study employing antibodies for the aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor that showed an increase in Ah receptor in nuclear extracts prepared from cells exposed to PB. Employment of the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed PB to cause activation or "transformation" of the Ah receptor in nuclear extracts. Studies employing actinomycin D and cycloheximide indicated that PB induction of CYP1A1 was regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Nuclear run-off experiments confirm that PB causes an increase in CYP1A1 transcription. Inhibition of protein synthesis led to the superinduction of CYP1A1 mRNA, suggesting the regulation of teleost CYP1A1 may involve a labile repressor protein. These findings suggest that PB induction of the CYP1A1 gene involves the Ah receptor and is via transcriptional activation.

Induction of CYP1A1 gene by benzimidazole derivatives during Caco-2 cell differentiation. Evidence for an aryl-hydrocarbon receptor-mediated mechanism

The Caco-2 cell line, derived from a human colon adenocarcinoma, is unique in its property of spontaneously differentiating into a mature enterocyte cell type during its growth in culture. In this work, we compared the response of the CYP1A1 gene with the benzimidazole derivatives omeprazole and lansoprazole, and with the classical inducer beta-naphthoflavone in the Caco-2 cells at various culture stages. In addition, we characterized the Caco-2 aryl-hydrocarbon receptor. The protein-synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide led to a derepression of the CYP1A1 gene transcription, and to a superinduction when combined with either beta-naphthoflavone or benzimidazoles. Taking advantage of the spontaneous differentiation of Caco-2 cells in long-term cultures, we observed a difference in behavior between the classical inducer beta-naphthoflavone and the atypical inducer omeprazole. In the poorly differentiated cells, both compounds elicited comparable dose/response and rate of induction of CYP1A1 gene expression. In the fully differentiated cells, in contrast, the induction by omeprazole was only transient, whereas the response to beta-naphthoflavone was long lasting. The Caco-2 aryl-hydrocarbon receptor exhibited binding characteristics similar to those determined for human liver and other tissues. The induction of CYP1A1 transcription by benzimidazole derivatives in Caco-2 cells occurred with no direct binding of benzimidazole derivatives to the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor, as in human hepatocytes. However, transient transfection experiments clearly showed that the xenobiotic-responsive element enhancer, with which the activated aryl-hydrocarbon receptor interacts, could drive the induction of a heterologous promoter in the presence of benzimidazoles. Finally the presence of the activated aryl-hydrocarbon receptor in the nuclei of the Caco-2 cells exposed to these molecules was clearly demonstrated by gel-retardation experiments. These results question about the mechanism of ligand-independent activation of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor and intracellular signaling, initiated by benzimidazole derivatives.

Identification of a novel domain in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor required for DNA binding

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds DNA in the form of a heterodimer with the AHR nuclear translocator protein (ARNT). Both proteins possess basic helix-loop-helix motifs. ARNT binds to the side of the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) that resembles an E-box (the sequence recognized by the majority of other basic helix-loop-helix proteins), whereas AHR binds to the side of the XRE that does not conform to the E-box sequence. The basic region of ARNT closely resembles those of other E-box-binding proteins, whereas the "nominal basic region" of AHR (amino acids 27 39), although required for XRE binding, deviates from this consensus. By extensive mutational analysis it is shown here that an additional block of amino acids of AHR (from tyrosine 9 to lysine 20) that contains a highly basic segment is required for XRE binding and transcriptional activation. Deletion of the first nine amino acids negates XRE binding. Substitution of either tyrosine 9 or arginine 14 with alanine eliminates XRE binding, whereas alanine substitutions at certain other sites within the block reduce but do not eliminate binding. The reported absence of the first nine amino acids in the purified protein may therefore be artifactual. These results suggest that the amino acids of AHR involved in binding to the XRE constitute a novel DNA-binding domain, comprising amino acids located within and amino-terminal to the nominal basic region.

Purification and properties of a new beta-naphthoflavone inducible cytochrome P-450, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase from rat kidney

In rat kidney, beta-naphthoflavone induced 53 kDa and 55 kDa proteins, which were both recognized by the antibodies against rat liver cytochrome P-450 1A1 (55kDa). The major inducible 53 kDa protein was purified from the beta naphthoflavone-treated rat kidney and shown to be a new cytochrome P-450 having a high aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. Purified cytochrome P-450, named P-450KAh, was homogeneous on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the apparent molecular weight was estimated to be 53 kDa. The absorption spectra of the oxidized form of P-450KAh showed a Soret peak at 416 nm, a characteristic of low-spin hemoprotein, and the Soret peak of the reduced cytochrome P-450-CO complex was at 446 nm. In the reconstituted system, purified P-450KAh showed high catalytic activity for benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation. P-450KAh could activate genotoxicities of not only B[a]P, but also 2-acetylaminofluorene and aflatoxin B1 on the umu test. These catalytic properties of P-450KAh were almost the same as those of P-4501A1, a major P-450 form having arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase in liver microsomes of 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats, and P-450KAh could not be distinguished from P-4501A1 even by immunochemical analysis. However, the electrophoretic peptide patterns after alpha-chymotrypsin or trypsin treatment of P-450KAh were different from those of P-4501A1, and the NH2-terminal 11 amino acid sequence of the P-450 was also different from that of P-4501A1 and any other P-450s of rat.

Definition of a minimal domain of the dioxin receptor that is associated with Hsp90 and maintains wild type ligand binding affinity and specificity

The dioxin receptor is a cytoplasmic basic helix-loop-helix/Per-Arnt-Sim homology (bHLH/PAS) protein known to bind planar polycyclic ligands including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzoflavones, heterocyclic amines, and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. dioxins. Ligand-induced activation of the dioxin receptor initiates a process whereby the receptor is transformed into a nuclear transcription factor complex with a specific bHLH/PAS partner protein, Arnt. In analogy to the glucocorticoid receptor, the latent dioxin receptor is found associated with the molecular chaperone hsp90. We have defined and isolated a minimal ligand binding domain of the dioxin receptor from the central PAS region, comprising of amino acids 230 to 421, and found this domain to interact with hsp90 in vitro. Expression of the minimal ligand binding domain in wheat germ lysates or bacteria, systems which harbor hsp90 homologs unable to interact with the glucocorticoid or dioxin receptors, resulted in non-ligand binding forms of this minimal 230 to 421 fragment. Importantly, affinity of the minimal ligand binding domain for dioxin was similar to the affinity inherent in the full-length dioxin receptor, and a profile of ligand structures which specifically bound the minimal ligand binding domain was found to be conserved between this domain and the native receptor. These experiments show that the minimal ligand binding domain maintains the quantitative and qualitative aspects of ligand binding exhibited by the full-length receptor, implying that the central ligand binding pocket may exist to accommodate all classes of specific dioxin receptor ligands, and that this pocket is critically dependent upon hsp90 for its ligand binding conformation.

Dioxins: model chemicals for assessing receptor-mediated toxicity

Dioxins and related compounds are chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons that are persistent in both environmental and biological samples. Many members of this class of compounds produce a similar spectrum of toxicity which is mediated by interaction with the Ah receptor. The toxic effects of these chemicals can best be described by their actions as growth dysregulators. Dioxins disrupt normal homeostatic processes that tightly regulate cellular growth and differentiation. Disruption in these processes produce a variety of toxicities and pathologies. The available data indicate that humans are sensitive to the toxic effects of these chemicals. Clearer definition of human responses and the body burdens associated with such effects requires more research. Comprehensive risk assessments of dioxins should include all Ah receptor ligands such as the halogenated dibenzofurans and biphenyls.

Neonatal exposure to xenobiotics alters adult hepatic protein kinase C alpha levels and testosterone metabolism: differential effects by diethylstilbestrol and phenobarbital

Hepatic enzymes that metabolize endogenous and xenobiotic compounds have been shown to be altered in adult rats that had been exposed to xenobiotics as neonates. Protein kinase C (PKC) is important in intracellular signaling and has been implicated in the regulation of hepatic monooxygenases. Therefore, we examined the effects of neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and phenobarbital (PB) on hepatic microsomal testosterone metabolism and on the alpha form of protein kinase C (PKC alpha) in adult rats. In adult males, neonatal exposure to DES altered adult testosterone metabolism such that 7 alpha-hydroxylation was increased by 58% but 2 alpha-, 16 alpha-, and 6 beta-hydroxylations and conversion to androstenedione were decreased 31-44%. In contrast, adult males neonatally exposed to PB showed increased (20-27%) testosterone 2 alpha- and 16 alpha-hydroxylations and androstenedione formation, but no effect was observed in the rate of 6 beta- or 7 alpha-hydroxylations. Western blot analyses indicated that cytosolic PKC alpha levels in male rats neonatally exposed to PB were decreased by approximately 63% relative to the vehicle control group but were not significantly altered in the DES males. The PKC alpha levels generally correlated (r = -.75) with 16 alpha-hydroxytestosterone formation in all samples. These results show that neonatal treatment with DES or PB differentially alters hepatic monooxygenase enzyme activities and PKC alpha levels in adult rats.

Expression of cytochrome P450 1A1, an estrogen hydroxylase, in ovarian granulosa cells is developmentally regulated

In this paper we report the analysis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells for the expression of several known hepatic estrogen hydroxylase RNAs. Of the P450s examined, only CYP 1A1 RNA was detected. Accordingly, the regulation of this mRNA was studied. The RNA for CYP 1A1 was dramatically and completely induced within 2 hours after exposure of immortalized granulosa cells to 3-methyl-cholanthrene (3MC) and expression could be inhibited with 10 microM phorbol myristate acetate. This message was also inducible by 3MC in cultured primary granulosa cells isolated from immature and developing follicles. Dexamethasone increased the relative expression of CYP 1A1 RNA in 3MC treated cells. In the absence of 3MC, the CYP 1A1 message was expressed in cultured granulosa cells from developing but not immature follicles, indicating developmental regulation of this enzyme. Further support for developmental regulation was provided by studies which detected the appearance of CYP 1A1 RNA during growth of ovarian follicles in vivo. This is the first report identifying a specific P450 estrogen hydroxylase RNA in ovarian granulosa cells.

Modulation of gene expression and endocrine response pathways by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds

The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor binds several different structural classes of chemicals, including halogenated aromatics, typified by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), polynuclear aromatic and heteropolynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. TCDD induces expression of several genes including CYP1A1, and molecular biology studies show that the Ah receptor acts as a nuclear ligand-induced transcription factor that interacts with xenobiotic or dioxin responsive elements located in 5'-flanking regions of responsive genes. TCDD also elicits diverse toxic effects, modulates endocrine pathways and inhibits a broad spectrum of estrogen (17 beta-estradiol)-induced responses in rodents and human breast cancer cell lines. Molecular biology studies show that TCDD inhibited 17 beta-estradiol-induced cathepsin D gene expression by targeted interaction of the nuclear Ah receptor with imperfect dioxin responsive elements strategically located within the estrogen receptor-Sp1 enhancer sequence of this gene.