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Zhang W, Xue Z, Cao Q, Zong Y, Li X, Ma Y, Jia C, Liu C, Ding N, Wang R. Characterization of medaka (Oryzias latipes) AHRs and the comparison of two model fishes-Medaka vs. zebrafish: The subform-specific sensitivity to dioxin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174136. [PMID: 38901578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Dioxins and the emerging dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) have recruited increasing concerns about their environmental contamination, toxicity, health impacts, and mechanisms. Based on the structural similarity of dioxins and many DLCs, their toxicity was predominantly mediated by the dioxin receptor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AHR) in animals (including human), which can be different in expression and function among species and then possibly produce the species-specific risk or toxicity. To date, characterizing the AHR of additional species other than human and rodents can increase the accuracy of toxicity/risk evaluation and increase knowledge about AHR biology. As a key model, the medaka AHR has not been clearly characterized. Through genome survey and phylogenetic analysis, we identified four AHRs (olaAHR1a, olaAHR1b, olaAHR2a, and olaAHR2b) and two ARNTs (olaARNT1 and olaARNT2). The medaka AHR pathway was conserved in expression in nine tested tissues, of which olaAHR2a represented the predominant subform with greater abundance. Medaka AHRs and ARNTs were functional and could be efficiently transactivated by the classical dioxin congener 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), although olaAHR1a did not seem to cooperate with olaARNT2. In terms of function/sensitivity, the EC50 values of medaka olaAHR1a (9.01 ± 1.43 nM), olaAHR1b (4.00 ± 1.10 nM), olaAHR2a (8.75 ± 3.34 nM), and olaAHR2b (3.06 ± 0.81 nM) showed slight differences; however, they were all at the nM level. The sensitivity of four medaka AHRs to TCDD was similar to that of zebrafish dreAHR2 (the dominant form, EC50 = 3.14 ± 4.19 nM), but these medaka AHRs were more sensitive than zebrafish dreAHR1b (EC50 = 27.05 ± 18.51 nM). The additional comparison also indicated that the EC50 values in various species were usually within the nM range, but AHRs of certain subforms/species can vary by one or two orders of magnitude. In summary, the present study will enhance the understanding of AHR and help improve research on the ecotoxicity of dioxins/DLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China.
| | - Zhenhong Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Qining Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Yanjiao Zong
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Xingyang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Yongchao Ma
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chuanxing Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Chunchen Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
| | - Ning Ding
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China.
| | - Renjun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong 273165, China
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Bonati L, Motta S, Callea L. The AhR Signaling Mechanism: A Structural Point of View. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168296. [PMID: 37797832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a well-known sensor of xenobiotics; moreover, it is considered a promising drug target as it is involved in the regulation of many patho-physiological processes. For these reasons the study of its ligand-activated transcription mechanism has stimulated several studies for over twenty years. In this review we highlight the key role of molecular structural information in understanding the different steps of the signaling mechanism. The architecture of the AhR cytosolic complex, encompassing the hsp90 chaperone protein and the XAP2 and p23 co-chaperones, has become available in the last year thanks to Cryo-EM experiments. The structure of the AhR ligand-binding (PAS-B) domain has remained elusive for a long time; it has been predicted by homology modelling, based on known PAS systems, and its ligand-bound forms were modelled through ligand molecular docking. Although very recently some structural information on this domain has become available, considerable efforts are still needed to determine the binding geometries of the AhR key ligands by experimental high-resolution studies. On the other hand, the dimeric structure of AhR with the ARNT protein, bound to the specific DNA responsive element, was partially determined by X-ray crystallography and it was completed by homology modelling. On the whole the current structural knowledge of the main protein complexes that form over the AhR mechanism opens the way to confirm and further investigate the main steps of the proposed ligand-activated transcription mechanism of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonati
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Lara Callea
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
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Alluli A, Fonseca G, Matthews J, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. Regulation of long non-coding RNA expression by aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation. Toxicol Lett 2024; 391:13-25. [PMID: 38036013 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytosolic transcription factor that can be activated by endogenous or xenobiotic ligands. Upon activation, the AhR translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translator (ARNT), and binds to specific DNA sequences called xenobiotic response elements (XRE) to promote target gene transcription, including cytochrome P450 (e.g., CYP1A1) expression. In addition to mRNA, the AhR may also regulate long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression. lncRNA are transcripts more than 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode a protein. Herein, we tested whether AhR activation regulates the expression of lncRNA in response to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We found that many lncRNA (e.g., SATB1-AS1, MIR4290HG, AC008969.1, LINC01533, VIPR1-AS1) and protein-coding RNA (e.g., CYP1A1, BX005266.2, AQP3, BTG2, DCX, and AhRR) were differentially expressed (DE) in A549 cells treated with B[a]P; many of these genes were dependent on AhR expression including CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and TiPARP. GO analyses indicated that DE protein-coding RNAs in A549WT cells are associated with distinct molecular functions compared to A549KO cells. KEGG analyses showed the hsa01100 pathway was associated with DE lncRNA only in A549WT cells. A549KO cells treated with B[a]P exhibited a distinct set of differentially-regulated lncRNA including upregulation of HOTAIR. We further confirmed that despite AhR activation in A549WT cells, B[a]P did not alter the expression of many well-characterized lncRNA including NEAT1, HOTTIP, SOX2OT, MALAT1, H19, and Linc00673. Thus, there is control over select lncRNA expression in A549 cells exposed to B[a]P, a finding which could yield insight into the molecular function of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeshah Alluli
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gregory Fonseca
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jason Matthews
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Filipovic D, Qi W, Kana O, Marri D, LeCluyse EL, Andersen ME, Cuddapah S, Bhattacharya S. Interpretable predictive models of genome-wide aryl hydrocarbon receptor-DNA binding reveal tissue-specific binding determinants. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:170-186. [PMID: 37707797 PMCID: PMC10682972 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad094] [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] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an inducible transcription factor whose ligands include the potent environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Ligand-activated AhR binds to DNA at dioxin response elements (DREs) containing the core motif 5'-GCGTG-3'. However, AhR binding is highly tissue specific. Most DREs in accessible chromatin are not bound by TCDD-activated AhR, and DREs accessible in multiple tissues can be bound in some and unbound in others. As such, AhR functions similarly to many nuclear receptors. Given that AhR possesses a strong core motif, it is suited for a motif-centered analysis of its binding. We developed interpretable machine learning models predicting the AhR binding status of DREs in MCF-7, GM17212, and HepG2 cells, as well as primary human hepatocytes. Cross-tissue models predicting transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding generally perform poorly. However, reasons for the low performance remain unexplored. By interpreting the results of individual within-tissue models and by examining the features leading to low cross-tissue performance, we identified sequence and chromatin context patterns correlated with AhR binding. We conclude that AhR binding is driven by a complex interplay of tissue-agnostic DRE flanking DNA sequence and tissue-specific local chromatin context. Additionally, we demonstrate that interpretable machine learning models can provide novel and experimentally testable mechanistic insights into DNA binding by inducible TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Filipovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Wenjie Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Omar Kana
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Daniel Marri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Edward L LeCluyse
- LifeSciences Division, LifeNet Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | | | - Suresh Cuddapah
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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Haidar R, Shabo R, Moeser M, Luch A, Kugler J. The nuclear entry of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) relies on the first nuclear localization signal and can be negatively regulated through IMPα/β specific inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19668. [PMID: 37951956 PMCID: PMC10640566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47066-z] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) undergoes continuous shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm. Binding to exogenous or endogenous ligands promotes its rapid nuclear import. The proposed mechanism for the ligand-dependent import is based on exposing the bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS) to members of the importin (IMP) superfamily. Among this, the molecular interactions involved in the basal import still need to be clarified. Utilizing fluorescently fused AHR variants, we recapitulated and characterized AHR localization and nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling in living cells. Analysis of AHR variants carrying NLS point mutations demonstrated a mandatory role of first (13RKRRK17) and second (37KR-R40) NLS segments on the basal import of AHR. Further experiments indicated that ligand-induced import is mainly regulated through the first NLS, while the second NLS is supportive but not essential. Additionally, applying IMPα/β specific inhibitors, ivermectin (IVM) and importazole (IPZ), slowed down the ligand-induced import and, correspondingly, decreased the basal nuclear accumulation of the receptor. In conclusion, our data show that ligand-induced and basal nuclear entry of AHR rely on the same mechanism but are controlled uniquely by the two NLS components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Haidar
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Reneh Shabo
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Moeser
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Kugler
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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Kober C, Roewe J, Schmees N, Roese L, Roehn U, Bader B, Stoeckigt D, Prinz F, Gorjánácz M, Roider HG, Olesch C, Leder G, Irlbacher H, Lesche R, Lefranc J, Oezcan-Wahlbrink M, Batra AS, Elmadany N, Carretero R, Sahm K, Oezen I, Cichon F, Baumann D, Sadik A, Opitz CA, Weinmann H, Hartung IV, Kreft B, Offringa R, Platten M, Gutcher I. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) with BAY 2416964: a selective small molecule inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007495. [PMID: 37963637 PMCID: PMC10649913 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007495] [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] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolism of tryptophan to kynurenines (KYN) by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase or tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase is a key pathway of constitutive and adaptive tumor immune resistance. The immunosuppressive effects of KYN in the tumor microenvironment are predominantly mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cytosolic transcription factor that broadly suppresses immune cell function. Inhibition of AhR thus offers an antitumor therapy opportunity via restoration of immune system functions. METHODS The expression of AhR was evaluated in tissue microarrays of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). A structure class of inhibitors that block AhR activation by exogenous and endogenous ligands was identified, and further optimized, using a cellular screening cascade. The antagonistic properties of the selected AhR inhibitor candidate BAY 2416964 were determined using transactivation assays. Nuclear translocation, target engagement and the effect of BAY 2416964 on agonist-induced AhR activation were assessed in human and mouse cancer cells. The immunostimulatory properties on gene and cytokine expression were examined in human immune cell subsets. The in vivo efficacy of BAY 2416964 was tested in the syngeneic ovalbumin-expressing B16F10 melanoma model in mice. Coculture of human H1299 NSCLC cells, primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells and fibroblasts mimicking the human stromal-tumor microenvironment was used to assess the effects of AhR inhibition on human immune cells. Furthermore, tumor spheroids cocultured with tumor antigen-specific MART-1 T cells were used to study the antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses. The data were analyzed statistically using linear models. RESULTS AhR expression was observed in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in HNSCC, NSCLC and CRC. BAY 2416964 potently and selectively inhibited AhR activation induced by either exogenous or endogenous AhR ligands. In vitro, BAY 2416964 restored immune cell function in human and mouse cells, and furthermore enhanced antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses and killing of tumor spheroids. In vivo, oral application with BAY 2416964 was well tolerated, induced a proinflammatory tumor microenvironment, and demonstrated antitumor efficacy in a syngeneic cancer model in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify AhR inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach to overcome immune resistance in various types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kober
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Roewe
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lars Roese
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Roehn
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Catherine Olesch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Ralf Lesche
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mine Oezcan-Wahlbrink
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ankita Sati Batra
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nirmeen Elmadany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafael Carretero
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Sahm
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iris Oezen
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik Cichon
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Baumann
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Sadik
- Brain Cancer Metabolism (B350), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane A Opitz
- Brain Cancer Metabolism (B350), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Rienk Offringa
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Piwarski SA, Salisbury TB. The effects of environmental aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands on signaling and cell metabolism in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115771. [PMID: 37652105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds are chlorinated organic pollutants formed during the manufacturing of other chemicals. Dioxins are ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), that induce AHR-mediated biochemical and toxic responses and are persistent in the environment. 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo para dioxin (TCDD) is the prototypical AHR ligand and its effects represent dioxins. TCDD induces toxicity, immunosuppression and is a suspected tumor promoter. The role of TCDD in cancer however is debated and context-dependent. Environmental particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, perfluorooctane sulfonamide, endogenous AHR ligands, and cAMP signaling activate AHR through TCDD-independent pathways. The effect of activated AHR in cancer is context-dependent. The ability of FDA-approved drugs to modulate AHR activity has sparked interest in their repurposing for cancer therapy. TCDD by interfering with endogenous pathways, and overstimulating other endogenous pathways influences all stages of cancer. Herein we review signaling mechanisms that activate AHR and mechanisms by which activated AHR modulates signaling in cancer including affected metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Piwarski
- Duke Cancer Institute, Department of GU Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, 905 South Lasalle Street, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Travis B Salisbury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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Alluli A, Rijnbout St James W, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. Dynamic relationship between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and long noncoding RNA balances cellular and toxicological responses. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115745. [PMID: 37597813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytosolic transcription factor activated by endogenous ligands and xenobiotic chemicals. Once the AhR is activated, it translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translator (ARNT) and binds to xenobiotic response elements (XRE) to promote gene transcription, notably the cytochrome P450 CYP1A1. The AhR not only mediates the toxic effects of environmental chemicals, but also has numerous putative physiological functions. This dichotomy in AhR biology may be related to reciprocal regulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). lncRNA are defined as transcripts more than 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode a protein but are implicated in many physiological processes such as cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. lncRNA are also linked to disease pathogenesis, particularly the development of cancer. Recent studies have revealed that AhR activation by environmental chemicals affects the expression and function of lncRNA. In this article, we provide an overview of AhR signaling pathways activated by diverse ligands and highlight key differences in the putative biological versus toxicological response of AhR activation. We also detail the functions of lncRNA and provide current data on their regulation by the AhR. Finally, we outline how overlap in function between AhR and lncRNA may be one way in which AhR can be both a regulator of endogenous functions but also a mediator of toxicological responses to environmental chemicals. Overall, more research is still needed to fully understand the dynamic interplay between the AhR and lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeshah Alluli
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Canada
| | - Willem Rijnbout St James
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Canada.
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Opitz CA, Holfelder P, Prentzell MT, Trump S. The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115798. [PMID: 37696456 PMCID: PMC10570930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pauline Holfelder
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, a partnership between DKFZ and Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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10
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Hanieh H, Bani Ismail M, Alfwuaires MA, Ibrahim HIM, Farhan M. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as an Anticancer Target: An Overview of Ten Years Odyssey. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28103978. [PMID: 37241719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28103978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/per-Arnt-sim (PAS) superfamily, is traditionally known to mediate xenobiotic metabolism. It is activated by structurally diverse agonistic ligands and regulates complicated transcriptional processes through its canonical and non-canonical pathways in normal and malignant cells. Different classes of AhR ligands have been evaluated as anticancer agents in different cancer cells and exhibit efficiency, which has thrust AhR into the limelight as a promising molecular target. There is strong evidence demonstrating the anticancer potential of exogenous AhR agonists including synthetic, pharmaceutical, and natural compounds. In contrast, several reports have indicated inhibition of AhR activity by antagonistic ligands as a potential therapeutic strategy. Interestingly, similar AhR ligands exert variable anticancer or cancer-promoting potential in a cell- and tissue-specific mode of action. Recently, ligand-mediated modulation of AhR signaling pathways and the associated tumor microenvironment is emerging as a potential approach for developing cancer immunotherapeutic drugs. This article reviews advances of AhR in cancer research covering publication from 2012 to early 2023. It summarizes the therapeutic potential of various AhR ligands with an emphasis on exogenous ligands. It also sheds light on recent immunotherapeutic strategies involving AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Bani Ismail
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Manal A Alfwuaires
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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11
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Grishanova AY, Klyushova LS, Perepechaeva ML. AhR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways and Their Interplay. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3848-3876. [PMID: 37232717 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As evolutionarily conserved signaling cascades, AhR and Wnt signaling pathways play a critical role in the control over numerous vital embryonic and somatic processes. AhR performs many endogenous functions by integrating its signaling pathway into organ homeostasis and into the maintenance of crucial cellular functions and biological processes. The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and many other phenomena, and this regulation is important for embryonic development and the dynamic balance of adult tissues. AhR and Wnt are the main signaling pathways participating in the control of cell fate and function. They occupy a central position in a variety of processes linked with development and various pathological conditions. Given the importance of these two signaling cascades, it would be interesting to elucidate the biological implications of their interaction. Functional connections between AhR and Wnt signals take place in cases of crosstalk or interplay, about which quite a lot of information has been accumulated in recent years. This review is focused on recent studies about the mutual interactions of key mediators of AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and on the assessment of the complexity of the crosstalk between the AhR signaling cascade and the canonical Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alevtina Y Grishanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Lyubov S Klyushova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Maria L Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
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12
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Pracht K, Wittner J, Kagerer F, Jäck HM, Schuh W. The intestine: A highly dynamic microenvironment for IgA plasma cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114348. [PMID: 36875083 PMCID: PMC9977823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve longevity, IgA plasma cells require a sophisticated anatomical microenvironment that provides cytokines, cell-cell contacts, and nutrients as well as metabolites. The intestinal epithelium harbors cells with distinct functions and represents an important defense line. Anti-microbial peptide-producing paneth cells, mucus-secreting goblet cells and antigen-transporting microfold (M) cells cooperate to build a protective barrier against pathogens. In addition, intestinal epithelial cells are instrumental in the transcytosis of IgA to the gut lumen, and support plasma cell survival by producing the cytokines APRIL and BAFF. Moreover, nutrients are sensed through specialized receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by both, intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. However, the intestinal epithelium is highly dynamic with a high cellular turn-over rate and exposure to changing microbiota and nutritional factors. In this review, we discuss the spatial interplay of the intestinal epithelium with plasma cells and its potential contribution to IgA plasma cell generation, homing, and longevity. Moreover, we describe the impact of nutritional AhR ligands on intestinal epithelial cell-IgA plasma cell interaction. Finally, we introduce spatial transcriptomics as a new technology to address open questions in intestinal IgA plasma cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Pracht
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jens Wittner
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fritz Kagerer
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Jäck
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schuh
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Tanaka M, Komaki Y, Toyooka T, Ibuki Y. Butyrate Enhances γ-H2AX Induced by Benzo[ a]pyrene. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:2241-2251. [PMID: 36399157 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is known to form DNA adduct following metabolic activation, which causes phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ-H2AX). Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors enhanced BaP-induced CYP1A1 gene expression. In this study, we examined the relationship between the HDAC inhibitor-augmented metabolic activation and BaP-induced γ-H2AX. Sodium butyrate (SB), a typical HDAC inhibitor, enhanced BaP-induced γ-H2AX. The enhanced DNA damage was further confirmed by biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis, which detects DNA double-strand breaks. SB remarkably augmented BaP-induced CYP1A1 gene expression, and CYP1A1-overexpressing cells showed elevated generation of γ-H2AX. Furthermore, SB enhanced intracellular oxidation after treatment with BaP. These results suggested that SB-induced CYP1A1 upregulation facilitated BaP metabolism, which might result in excess DNA adducts or oxidative DNA damages, leading to augmentation of γ-H2AX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Tanaka
- Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Yada 52-1, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Yukako Komaki
- Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Yada 52-1, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Toyooka
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 6-21-1 Nagao, Tama-ku, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan
| | - Yuko Ibuki
- Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Yada 52-1, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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14
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Riaz F, Pan F, Wei P. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: The master regulator of immune responses in allergic diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057555. [PMID: 36601108 PMCID: PMC9806217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a widely studied ligand-activated cytosolic transcriptional factor that has been associated with the initiation and progression of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and allergies. Generally, AhR responds and binds to environmental toxins/ligands, dietary ligands, and allergens to regulate toxicological, biological, cellular responses. In a canonical signaling manner, activation of AhR is responsible for the increase in cytochrome P450 enzymes which help individuals to degrade and metabolize these environmental toxins and ligands. However, canonical signaling cannot be applied to all the effects mediated by AhR. Recent findings indicate that activation of AhR signaling also interacts with some non-canonical factors like Kruppel-like-factor-6 (KLF6) or estrogen-receptor-alpha (Erα) to affect the expression of downstream genes. Meanwhile, enormous research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of AhR signaling on innate and adaptive immunity. It has been shown that AhR exerts numerous effects on mast cells, B cells, macrophages, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), Th1/Th2 cell balance, Th17, and regulatory T cells, thus, playing a significant role in allergens-induced diseases. This review discussed how AhR mediates immune responses in allergic diseases. Meanwhile, we believe that understanding the role of AhR in immune responses will enhance our knowledge of AhR-mediated immune regulation in allergic diseases. Also, it will help researchers to understand the role of AhR in regulating immune responses in autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Riaz
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
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15
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Paeslack N, Mimmler M, Becker S, Gao Z, Khuu MP, Mann A, Malinarich F, Regen T, Reinhardt C. Microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites in vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Amino Acids 2022; 54:1339-1356. [PMID: 35451695 PMCID: PMC9641817 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-022-03161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized by gut commensals, yielding in compounds that affect innate immune cell functions directly, but also acting on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), thus regulating the maintenance of group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), promoting T helper 17 (TH17) cell differentiation, and interleukin-22 production. In addition, microbiota-derived Trp metabolites have direct effects on the vascular endothelium, thus influencing the development of vascular inflammatory phenotypes. Indoxyl sulfate was demonstrated to promote vascular inflammation, whereas indole-3-propionic acid and indole-3-aldehyde had protective roles. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence for a contributory role of microbiota-derived indole-derivatives in blood pressure regulation and hypertension. Interestingly, there are indications for a role of the kynurenine pathway in atherosclerotic lesion development. Here, we provide an overview on the emerging role of gut commensals in the modulation of Trp metabolism and its influence in cardiovascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Paeslack
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maximilian Mimmler
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Becker
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Zhenling Gao
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - My Phung Khuu
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Amrit Mann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frano Malinarich
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tommy Regen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Reinhardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany.
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16
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Wu SE, Hsu JC, Chang YL, Chuang HC, Chiu YL, Chen WL. Benzo[a]pyrene exposure in muscle triggers sarcopenia through aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated reactive oxygen species production. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 239:113599. [PMID: 35567930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a toxic carcinogen, is associated with various adverse effects but is rarely discussed in muscle-related disorders. This study investigated in vitro and in vivo effects triggered by BaP exposure in muscles and hypothesized that exposure might induce conditions similar to sarcopenia due to the shared mechanism of oxidative stress. In vitro experiments used C2C12 mouse myoblasts to examine effects induced by BaP exposure in control (untreated) and BaP-treated (10 µM/ml) muscle cells. An established TNF-α-treated sarcopenia model was utilized to verify our results. In vivo experiments compared immunohistochemical staining of sarcopenia-related markers in rats exposed to clean air and polluted air. RESULTS In C2C12 cells, after 2-72 h of BaP exposure, elevated mRNA and protein expressions were observed in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and cytochrome P450 1A1, subsequently in ROS (NOX2 and NOX4) production, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-kB), and proteins mediating apoptotic cell death (caspase-3 and PARP). Two myokines also altered mRNA and protein expressions akin to changes in sarcopenia, namely decreased irisin levels and increased myostatin levels. In addition, N-acetylcysteine, a well-known antioxidant, led to decrease in oxidative markers induced by BaP. The validation by TNF-α-treated sarcopenia model revealed comparable biological responses in either TNF-α or BaP treated C2C12 cells. In vivo experiments with rats exposed to air pollution showed increased expression of BaP, AhR, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and myostatin and decreased irisin expression in immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that BaP exerts deleterious effects on the muscle, leading to conditions indicative of sarcopenia. Antioxidant supplementation may be a treatment option for BaP-induced sarcopenia, but further validation studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-En Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C); Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C); Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Ju-Chun Hsu
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Yung-Lung Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C); Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C); Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Yi-Lin Chiu
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan (R.O.C)
| | - Wei-Liang Chen
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C); Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C); Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan (R.O.C).
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17
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Xi X, Ye Q, Fan D, Cao X, Wang Q, Wang X, Zhang M, Xu Y, Xiao C. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Front Immunol 2022; 13:797815. [PMID: 35392076 PMCID: PMC8981517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.797815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common autoimmune disease, is characterized by symmetrical synovial inflammation of multiple joints with the infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells and increased cytokines (CKs) levels. In the past few years, numerous studies have indicated that several factors could affect RA, such as mutations in susceptibility genes, epigenetic modifications, age, and race. Recently, environmental factors, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have attracted increasing attention in RA pathogenesis. Therefore, exploring the specific mechanisms of PAHs in RA is vitally critical. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of PAHs and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs) in RA. Additionally, the development of therapeutic drugs that target AHR is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives on AHR application in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qinbin Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danping Fan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxue Cao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxiao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Emergency, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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18
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Guarnieri T. Hypothesis: Emerging Roles for Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Orchestrating CoV-2-Related Inflammation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040648. [PMID: 35203299 PMCID: PMC8869960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic agent of Coronavirus-Induced Disease-2019 (COVID-19), a multi-organ syndrome which primarily targets the respiratory system. In this review, considering the large amount of data pointing out the role of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in the inflammatory response and in the modulation of innate and adaptive immunity, we describe some mechanisms that strongly suggest its involvement in the management of COVID-19′s inflammatory framework. It regulates both the expression of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and its stabilizing partner, the Broad neutral Amino acid Transporter 1 (B0AT1). It induces Indolamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO-1), the enzyme which, starting from Tryptophan (Trp), produces Kynurenine (Kyn, Beta-Anthraniloyl-L-Alanine). The accumulation of Kyn and the depletion of Trp arrest T cell growth and induce apoptosis, setting up an immune-tolerant condition, whereas AhR and interferon type I (IFN-I) build a mutual inhibitory loop that also involves NF-kB and limits the innate response. AhR/Kyn binding boosts the production of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), thus reinforcing the inflammatory state and counteracting the IDO-dependent immune tolerance in the later stage of COVID-19. Taken together, these data depict a framework where sufficient clues suggest the possible participation of AhR in the management of COVID-19 inflammation, thus indicating an additional therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Guarnieri
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Interuniversity Consortium “Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi” (INBB–Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute), 00136 Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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19
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Sabuz Vidal O, Deepika D, Schuhmacher M, Kumar V. EDC-induced mechanisms of immunotoxicity: a systematic review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 51:634-652. [PMID: 35015608 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.2009438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) refer to a group of chemicals that cause adverse effects in human health, impairing hormone production and regulation, resulting in alteration of homeostasis, reproductive, and developmental, and immune system impairments. The immunotoxicity of EDCs involves many mechanisms altering gene expression that depend on the activation of nuclear receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), the estrogen receptor (ER), and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), which also results in skin and intestinal disorders, microbiota alterations and inflammatory diseases. This systematic review aims to review different mechanisms of immunotoxicity and immunomodulation of T cells, focusing on T regulatory (Treg) and Th17 subsets, B cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) caused by specific EDCs such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), bisphenols (BPs) and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). To achieve this objective, a systematic study was conducted searching various databases including PubMed and Scopus to find in-vitro, in-vivo, and biomonitoring studies that examine EDC-dependent mechanisms of immunotoxicity. While doing the systematic review, we found species- and cell-specific outcomes and a translational gap between in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. Finally, an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework is proposed, which explains mechanistically toxicity endpoints emerging from different EDCs having similar key events and can help to improve our understanding of EDCs mechanisms of immunotoxicity. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the mechanisms of immunotoxicity mediated by EDCs and will help to improve human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Sabuz Vidal
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Deepika Deepika
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain.,IISPV, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Reus, Spain
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20
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Vazquez-Rivera E, Rojas B, Parrott JC, Shen AL, Xing Y, Carney PR, Bradfield CA. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a model PAS sensor. Toxicol Rep 2021; 9:1-11. [PMID: 34950569 PMCID: PMC8671103 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) domains are commonly associated with environmental adaptation in a variety of organisms. The PAS domain is found in proteins throughout Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya and often binds small-molecules, supports protein-protein interactions, and transduces input signals to mediate an adaptive physiological response. Signaling events mediated by PAS sensors can occur through induced phosphorelays or genomic events that are often dependent upon PAS domain interactions. In this perspective, we briefly discuss the diversity of PAS domain containing proteins, with particular emphasis on the prototype member, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This ligand-activated transcription factor acts as a sensor of the chemical environment in humans and many chordates. We conclude with the idea that since mammalian PAS proteins often act through PAS-PAS dimers, undocumented interactions of this type may link biological processes that we currently think of as independent. To support this idea, we present a framework to guide future experiments aimed at fully elucidating the spectrum of PAS-PAS interactions with an eye towards understanding how they might influence environmental sensing in human and wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Vazquez-Rivera
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Brenda Rojas
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Jessica C. Parrott
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Anna L. Shen
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Yongna Xing
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Patrick R. Carney
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Christopher A. Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
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21
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The role of DNA-binding and ARNT dimerization on the nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18194. [PMID: 34521881 PMCID: PMC8440571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97507-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is predominantly located in the cytoplasm, while activation depends on its nuclear translocation. Binding to endogenous or xenobiotic ligands terminates the basal nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling and stabilizes an exclusive nuclear population. The precise mechanisms that facilitate such stable nuclear accumulation remain to be clarified as essential step in the activation cascade. In this study, we have tested whether the sustained nuclear compartmentalization of ligand-bound or basal AHR might further require heterodimerization with the AHR-nuclear translocator (ARNT) and binding to the cognate XRE-motif. Mutagenesis of the DNA-binding motif or of selected individual residues in the ARNT-binding motif did not lead to any variation in AHR’s nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution. In response to ligands, all mutants were retained in the nucleus demonstrating that the stable compartmentalization of activated AHR in the nucleus is neither dependent on interactions with DNA, nor ARNT. Knocking down the ARNT gene using small interfering RNA confirmed that ARNT does not play any role in the intracellular trafficking of AHR.
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22
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Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor that is a member of the PER-ARNT-SIM superfamily of environmental sensors. This receptor has been a molecule of interest for many years in the field of toxicology, as it was originally discovered to mediate the toxic effects of certain environmental pollutants like benzo(a)pyrene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. While all animals express this protein, there is naturally occurring variability in receptor size and responsiveness to ligand. This naturally occurring variation, particularly in mice, has been an essential tool in the discovery and early characterization of the AHR. Genetic models including congenic mice and induced mutations at the Ahr locus have proven invaluable in further understanding the role of the AHR in adaptive metabolism and TCDD-induced toxicity. The creation and examination of Ahr null mice revealed an important physiological role for the AHR in vascular and hepatic development and mediation of the immune system. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview to many of the AHR models that have aided in the understanding of AHR biology thus far. We describe the naturally occurring polymorphisms, congenic models, induced mutations at the Ahr locus and at the binding partner Ah Receptor Nuclear Translocator and chaperone, Ah receptor associated 9 loci in mice, with a brief description of naturally occurring and induced mutations in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Wilson
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christopher A Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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23
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Roles of the ubiquitin ligase CUL4B and ADP-ribosyltransferase TiPARP in TCDD-induced nuclear export and proteasomal degradation of the transcription factor AHR. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100886. [PMID: 34146543 PMCID: PMC8318916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor activated by exogenous halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, including the environmental toxin TCDD, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and naturally occurring dietary and endogenous compounds. The activated AHR enhances transcription of specific genes including phase I and phase II metabolism enzymes and other targets genes such as the TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (TiPARP). The regulation of AHR activation is a dynamic process: immediately after transcriptional activation of the AHR by TCDD, the AHR is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it is subjected to proteasomal degradation. However, the mechanisms regulating AHR degradation are not well understood. Here, we studied the role of two enzymes reported to enhance AHR breakdown: the cullin 4B (CUL4B)AHR complex, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets the AHR and other proteins for ubiquitination, and TiPARP, which targets proteins for ADP-ribosylation, a posttranslational modification that can increase susceptibility to degradation. Using a WT mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line and an MEF cell line in which CUL4B has been deleted (MEFCul4b-null), we discovered that loss of CUL4B partially prevented AHR degradation after TCDD exposure, while knocking down TiPARP in MEFCul4b-null cells completely abolished AHR degradation upon TCDD treatment. Increased TCDD-activated AHR protein levels in MEFCul4b-null and MEFCul4b-null cells in which TiPARP was knocked down led to enhanced AHR transcriptional activity, indicating that CUL4B and TiPARP restrain AHR action. This study reveals a novel function of TiPARP in controlling TCDD-activated AHR nuclear export and subsequent proteasomal degradation.
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24
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The role of mucosal barriers in human gut health. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:325-341. [PMID: 33890250 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal mucosa is continuously exposed to a large number of commensal or pathogenic microbiota and foreign food antigens. The intestinal epithelium forms a dynamic physicochemical barrier to maintain immune homeostasis. To efficiently absorb nutrients from food, the epithelium in the small intestine has thin, permeable layers spread over a vast surface area. Epithelial cells are renewed from the crypt toward the villi, accompanying epithelial cell death and shedding, to control bacterial colonization. Tight junction and adherens junction proteins provide epithelial cell-cell integrity. Microbial signals are recognized by epithelial cells via toll-like receptors. Environmental signals from short-chain fatty acids derived from commensal microbiota metabolites, aryl hydrocarbon receptors, and hypoxia-induced factors fortify gut barrier function. Here we summarize recent findings regarding various environmental factors for gut barrier function. Further, we discuss the role of gut barriers in the pathogenesis of human intestinal disease and the challenges of therapeutic strategies targeting gut barrier restoration.
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25
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Plant Occurring Flavonoids as Modulators of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082315. [PMID: 33923487 PMCID: PMC8073824 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor deeply implicated in health and diseases. Historically identified as a sensor of xenobiotics and mainly toxic substances, AhR has recently become an emerging pharmacological target in cancer, immunology, inflammatory conditions, and aging. Multiple AhR ligands are recognized, with plant occurring flavonoids being the largest group of natural ligands of AhR in the human diet. The biological implications of the modulatory effects of flavonoids on AhR could be highlighted from a toxicological and environmental concern and for the possible pharmacological applicability. Overall, the possible AhR-mediated harmful and/or beneficial effects of flavonoids need to be further investigated, since in many cases they are contradictory. Similar to other AhR modulators, flavonoids commonly exhibit tissue, organ, and species-specific activities on AhR. Such cellular-context dependency could be probably beneficial in their pharmacotherapeutic use. Flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and isoflavones are the main subclasses of flavonoids reported as AhR modulators. Some of the structural features of these groups of flavonoids that could be influencing their AhR effects are herein summarized. However, limited generalizations, as well as few outright structure-activity relationships can be suggested on the AhR agonism and/or antagonism caused by flavonoids.
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26
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Zaragoza-Ojeda M, Apatiga-Vega E, Arenas-Huertero F. Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in central nervous system tumors: Biological and therapeutic implications. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:460. [PMID: 33907570 PMCID: PMC8063300 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, whose canonical pathway mainly regulates the genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. However, it can also regulate several responses in a non-canonical manner, such as proliferation, differentiation, cell death and cell adhesion. AhR plays an important role in central nervous system tumors, as it can regulate several cellular responses via different pathways. The polymorphisms of the AHR gene have been associated with the development of gliomas. In addition, the metabolism of tumor cells promotes tumor growth, particularly in tryptophan synthesis, where some metabolites, such as kynurenine, can activate the AhR pathway, triggering cell proliferation in astrocytomas, medulloblastomas and glioblastomas. Furthermore, as part of the changes in neuroblastomas, AHR is able to downregulate the expression of proto-oncogene c-Myc, induce differentiation in tumor cells, and cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Collectively, these data suggested that the modulation of the AhR pathway may downregulate tumor growth, providing a novel strategy for applications for the treatment of certain tumors through the control of the AhR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Zaragoza-Ojeda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, México
| | - Elisa Apatiga-Vega
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, México
| | - Francisco Arenas-Huertero
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, México
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27
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Torti MF, Giovannoni F, Quintana FJ, García CC. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Modulator of Anti-viral Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624293. [PMID: 33746961 PMCID: PMC7973006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which interacts with a wide range of organic molecules of endogenous and exogenous origin, including environmental pollutants, tryptophan metabolites, and microbial metabolites. The activation of AHR by these agonists drives its translocation into the nucleus where it controls the expression of a large number of target genes that include the AHR repressor (AHRR), detoxifying monooxygenases (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1), and cytokines. Recent advances reveal that AHR signaling modulates aspects of the intrinsic, innate and adaptive immune response to diverse microorganisms. This review will focus on the increasing evidence supporting a role for AHR as a modulator of the host response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Torti
- Laboratory of Antiviral Strategies, Biochemistry Department, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francisco Javier Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cybele Carina García
- Laboratory of Antiviral Strategies, Biochemistry Department, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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28
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Barroso A, Mahler JV, Fonseca-Castro PH, Quintana FJ. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the gut-brain axis. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:259-268. [PMID: 33408340 PMCID: PMC8027889 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor initially identified as the receptor for dioxin. Almost half a century after its discovery, AHR is now recognized as a receptor for multiple physiological ligands, with important roles in health and disease. In this review, we discuss the role of AHR in the gut-brain axis and its potential value as a therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Barroso
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - João Vitor Mahler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Fonseca-Castro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - 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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29
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Gurczynski SJ, Pereira NL, Hrycaj SM, Wilke C, Zemans RL, Moore BB. Stem cell transplantation uncovers TDO-AHR regulation of lung dendritic cells in herpesvirus-induced pathology. JCI Insight 2021; 6:139965. [PMID: 33491663 PMCID: PMC7934859 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an intracellular sensor of aromatic hydrocarbons that sits at the top of various immunomodulatory pathways. Here, we present evidence that AHR plays a role in controlling IL-17 responses and the development of pulmonary fibrosis in response to respiratory pathogens following bone marrow transplant (BMT). Mice infected intranasally with gamma-herpesvirus 68 (γHV-68) following BMT displayed elevated levels of the AHR ligand, kynurenine (kyn), in comparison with control mice. Inhibition or genetic ablation of AHR signaling resulted in a significant decrease in IL-17 expression as well as a reduction in lung pathology. Lung CD103+ DCs expressed AHR following BMT, and treatment of induced CD103+ DCs with kyn resulted in altered cytokine production in response to γHV-68. Interestingly, mice deficient in the kyn-producing enzyme indolamine 2-3 dioxygenase showed no differences in cytokine responses to γHV-68 following BMT; however, isolated pulmonary fibroblasts infected with γHV-68 expressed the kyn-producing enzyme tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO2). Our data indicate that alterations in the production of AHR ligands in response to respiratory pathogens following BMT results in a pro-Th17 phenotype that drives lung pathology. We have further identified the TDO2/AHR axis as a potentially novel form of intercellular communication between fibroblasts and DCs that shapes immune responses to respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Gurczynski
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Nicolas L Pereira
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Steven M Hrycaj
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Carol Wilke
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Rachel L Zemans
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Bethany B Moore
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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30
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Brinkmann V, Schiavi A, Shaik A, Puchta DR, Ventura N. Dietary and environmental factors have opposite AhR-dependent effects on C. elegans healthspan. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:104-133. [PMID: 33349622 PMCID: PMC7835051 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic, dietary, and environmental factors concurrently shape the aging process. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was discovered as a dioxin-binding transcription factor involved in the metabolism of different environmental toxicants in vertebrates. Since then, the variety of pathophysiological processes regulated by the AhR has grown, ranging from immune response, metabolic pathways, and aging. Many modulators of AhR activity may impact on aging and age-associated pathologies, but, whether their effects are AhR-dependent has never been explored. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans, as an elective model organism for aging studies, we show for the first time that lack of CeAHR-1 can have opposite effects on health and lifespan in a context-dependent manner. Using known mammalian AhR modulators we found that, ahr-1 protects against environmental insults (benzo(a)pyrene and UVB light) and identified a new role for AhR-bacterial diet interaction in animal lifespan, stress resistance, and age-associated pathologies. We narrowed down the dietary factor to a bacterially extruded metabolite likely involved in tryptophan metabolism. This is the first study clearly establishing C. elegans as a good model organism to investigate evolutionarily conserved functions of AhR-modulators and -regulated processes, indicating it can be exploited to contribute to the discovery of novel information about AhR in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Brinkmann
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfonso Schiavi
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anjumara Shaik
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Rüdiger Puchta
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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31
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Thomas G, Frederick E, Thompson L, Bar-Or R, Mulugeta Y, Hausburg M, Roshon M, Mains C, Bar-Or D. LMWF5A suppresses cytokine release by modulating select inflammatory transcription factor activity in stimulated PBMC. J Transl Med 2020; 18:452. [PMID: 33256749 PMCID: PMC7702209 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of transcription and cytokine expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety inflammatory diseases. The resulting imbalance between inflammatory and resolving transcriptional programs can cause an overabundance of pro-inflammatory, classically activated macrophage type 1 (M1) and/or helper T cell type 1 (Th1) products, such as IFNγ, TNFα, IL1-β, and IL12, that prevent immune switching to resolution and healing. The low molecular weight fraction of human serum albumin (LMWF5A) is a novel biologic drug that is currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of osteoarthritis and the hyper-inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. This study aims to elucidate transcriptional mechanisms of action involved with the ability of LMWF5A to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Methods ELISA arrays were used to identify cytokines and chemokines influenced by LMWF5A treatment of LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The resulting profiles were analyzed by gene enrichment to gain mechanistic insight into the biologic processes and transcription factors (TFs) underlying the identified differentially expressed cytokines. DNA-binding ELISAs, luciferase reporter assays, and TNFα or IL-1β relative potency were then employed to confirm the involvement of enriched pathways and TFs. Results LMWF5A was found to significantly inhibit a distinct set of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-12, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) associated with pro-inflammatory M1/Th1 immune profiles. Gene enrichment analysis also suggests these cytokines are, in part, regulated by NF-κB and STAT transcription factors. Data from DNA-binding and reporter assays support this with LMWF5A inhibition of STAT1α DNA-binding activity as well as a reduction in overall NF-κB-driven luciferase expression. Experiments using antagonists specific for the immunomodulatory and NF-κB/STAT-repressing transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), indicate these pathways are involved in the LMWF5A mechanisms of action by reducing LMWF5A drug potency as measured by TNFα and IL-1β release. Conclusion In this report, we provide evidence that LMWF5A reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine release by activating the immunoregulatory transcription factors PPARγ and AhR. In addition, our data indicate that LMWF5A suppresses NF-κB and STAT1α pro-inflammatory pathways. This suggests that LMWF5A acts through these mechanisms to decrease pro-inflammatory transcription factor activity and subsequent inflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Thomas
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO, 80122, USA
| | - Elizabeth Frederick
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO, 80122, USA
| | - Lisa Thompson
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO, 80122, USA
| | - Raphael Bar-Or
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO, 80122, USA.,Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden Ave. Rm 4-454, Englewood, CO, 80113, USA.,Trauma Research Department, St. Anthony Hospital, 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO, 80228, USA.,Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, USA.,Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO, 80112, USA
| | - Yetti Mulugeta
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO, 80122, USA
| | - Melissa Hausburg
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden Ave. Rm 4-454, Englewood, CO, 80113, USA.,Trauma Research Department, St. Anthony Hospital, 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO, 80228, USA.,Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, USA.,Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO, 80112, USA
| | - Michael Roshon
- Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, USA
| | - Charles Mains
- Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO, 80112, USA
| | - David Bar-Or
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden Ave. Rm 4-454, Englewood, CO, 80113, USA. .,Trauma Research Department, St. Anthony Hospital, 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO, 80228, USA. .,Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907, USA. .,Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO, 80112, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology, Rocky Vista University, 8401 S Chambers Rd, Parker, CO, 80134, USA.
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32
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Aftabi Y, Rafei S, Zarredar H, Amiri-Sadeghan A, Akbari-Shahpar M, Khoshkam Z, Seyedrezazadeh E, Khalili M, Mehrnejad F, Fereidouni S, Lawrence BP. Refinement of coding SNPs in the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene using ISNPranker: An integrative-SNP ranking web-tool. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 90:107416. [PMID: 33264727 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107416] [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: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Different bioinformatic methods apply various approaches to predict how much the effect of a SNP could be deleterious and therefore their results may differ significantly. However, variation studies often need to consider an integrated prediction result to analyze the effect of SNPs. To address this problem, we used an algorithm to map ordinal predictions to a numeral space and averaging them, and based on it we developed the ISNPranker web-tool (http://isnpranker.semilab.ir/). It takes heterogonous outputs of different predictors and generates integrated numerical predictions and ranks SNPs based on them. Afterward, we used ISNPranker to identify the most deleterious coding SNPs (cSNPs) of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) gene. AHR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that governs many molecular and cellular mechanisms and cSNPs may affect its structure, interactions, and function. Forty validated cSNPs of AHR were initially analyzed using 16 publicly available SNP analyzers and the results were introduced to the ISNPranker and integrated predictions were obtained. The cSNPs were ranked in 34 levels of danger and rs200257782 in the ARNT dimerization domain (ADD121-289) of AHR was identified as the most deleterious cSNP. The rs148360742, which affect ADD40-79 and Hsp90 binding domain (HBD27-79) was in the second rank and the third and fourth ranks were occupied by ADD121-289-located variations rs571123681 and rs141667112 respectively. In conclusion, we introduced ISNPranker, which is a web-tool for integrative ranking of SNPs, and we showed that AHR structure and function may be highly sensitive to the cSNPs in the ARNT dimerization domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Aftabi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 53714161, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Saleh Rafei
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Habib Zarredar
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 53714161, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Amiri-Sadeghan
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 53714161, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Akbari-Shahpar
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Khoshkam
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 53714161, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensiyeh Seyedrezazadeh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 53714161, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Khalili
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 53714161, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faramarz Mehrnejad
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Fereidouni
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Departments of Environmental Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Environmental pollutants and the immune response. Nat Immunol 2020; 21:1486-1495. [PMID: 33046888 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-0802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is one of the most serious challenges to health in the modern world. Pollutants alter immune responses and can provoke immunotoxicity. In this Review, we summarize the major environmental pollutants that are attracting wide-ranging concern and the molecular basis underlying their effects on the immune system. Xenobiotic receptors, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), sense and respond to a subset of environmental pollutants by activating the expression of detoxification enzymes to protect the body. However, chronic activation of the AHR leads to immunotoxicity. KEAP1-NRF2 is another important system that protects the body against environmental pollutants. KEAP1 is a sensor protein that detects environmental pollutants, leading to activation of the transcription factor NRF2. NRF2 protects the body from immunotoxicity by inducing the expression of genes involved in detoxification, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Intervening in these sensor-response systems could protect the body from the devastating immunotoxicity that can be induced by environmental pollutants.
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Zablocki-Thomas L, Menzies SA, Lehner PJ, Manel N, Benaroch P. A genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies regulation factors of the TLR3 signalling pathway. Innate Immun 2020; 26:459-472. [PMID: 32248720 PMCID: PMC7491238 DOI: 10.1177/1753425920915507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of TLRs is specialised in the detection of incoming pathogens by sampling endosomes for nucleic acid contents. Among them, TLR3 senses the abnormal presence of double-stranded RNA in the endosomes and initiates a potent innate immune response via activation of NF-κB and IRF3. Nevertheless, mechanisms governing TLR3 regulation remain poorly defined. To identify new molecular players involved in the TLR3 pathway, we performed a genome-wide screen using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We generated TLR3+ reporter cells carrying a NF-κB-responsive promoter that controls GFP expression. Cells were next transduced with a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) library, subjected to sequential rounds of stimulation with poly(I:C) and sorting of the GFP-negative cells. Enrichments in sgRNA estimated by deep sequencing identified genes required for TLR3-induced activation of NF-κB. Among the hits, five genes known to be critically involved in the TLR3 pathway, including TLR3 itself and the chaperone UNC93B1, were identified by the screen, thus validating our strategy. We further studied the top 40 hits and focused on the transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Depletion of AhR had a dual effect on the TLR3 response, abrogating IL-8 production and enhancing IP-10 release. Moreover, in primary human macrophages exposed to poly(I:C), AhR activation enhanced IL-8 and diminished IP-10 release. Overall, these results reveal AhR plays a role in the TLR3 cellular innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam A Menzies
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK
| | - Paul J Lehner
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK
| | - Nicolas Manel
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, France
| | - Philippe Benaroch
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, France,Philippe Benaroch, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, France. Nicolas Manel, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, France.
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Hayashi A, Denison MS. Development of a novel recombinant cell line for detection and characterization of Ah receptor nuclear translocation in intact cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 66:104873. [PMID: 32333947 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Ah receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcriptional factor that mediates the effects of structurally diverse chemicals. Ligand binding stimulates nuclear translocation of the AhR and leads to AhR DNA binding and increased gene expression. Studies of the molecular mechanisms by which ligands bind to and activate the AhR and AhR-dependent signal transduction require methods to easily examine each step of the AhR signaling pathway. While current assays can measure ligand and DNA binding in vitro and gene expression in cells, there is no simple method to monitor AhR nuclear translocation. We developed a stably transfected mouse hepatoma cell line (yAHAYc6) that expresses yellow fluorescent protein-tagged AhR (yAhR) for use in qualitative or semiquantitative assessment of nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of yAhR in living cells by fluorescent microscopy. yAhR nuclear translocation was stimulated in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by AhR agonists and inhibited by antagonists. Inhibition of nuclear export channels by leptomycin B, resulted in increased nuclear accumulation of yAhR in the absence of added ligand, indicating endogenous nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of unliganded AhR and demonstrating the utility of these cells. This novel cell line can be used to detect and characterize AhR ligands and will facilitate mechanistic studies of AhR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Hayashi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Michael S Denison
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Transitional States in Ligand-Dependent Transformation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor into Its DNA-Binding Form. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072474. [PMID: 32252465 PMCID: PMC7177239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the biological and toxicological effects of an AhR lacking the entire PASB structurally diverse chemicals, including halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Ligand-dependent transformation of the AhR into its DNA binding form involves a ligand-dependent conformational change, heat shock protein 90 (hsp90), dissociation from the AhR complex and AhR dimerization with the AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) protein. The mechanism of AhR transformation was examined using mutational approaches and stabilization of the AhR:hsp90 complex with sodium molybdate. Insertion of a single mutation (F281A) in the hsp90-binding region of the AhR resulted in its constitutive (ligand-independent) transformation/DNA binding in vitro. Mutations of AhR residues within the Arg-Cys-rich region (R212A, R217A, R219A) and Asp371 (D371A) impaired AhR transformation without a significant effect on ligand binding. Stabilization of AhR:hsp90 binding with sodium molybdate decreased transformation/DNA binding of the wild type AhR but had no effect on constitutively active AhR mutants. Interestingly, transformation of the AhR in the presence of molybdate allowed detection of an intermediate transformation ternary complex containing hsp90, AhR, and ARNT. These results are consistent with a stepwise transformation mechanism in which binding of ARNT to the liganded AhR:hsp90 complex results in a progressive displacement of hsp90 and conversion of the AhR into its high affinity DNA binding form. The available molecular insights into the signaling mechanism of other Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domains and structural information on hsp90 association with other client proteins are consistent with the proposed transformation mechanism of the AhR.
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Aranguren-Abadía L, Lille-Langøy R, Madsen AK, Karchner SI, Franks DG, Yadetie F, Hahn ME, Goksøyr A, Karlsen OA. Molecular and Functional Properties of the Atlantic Cod ( Gadus morhua) Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors Ahr1a and Ahr2a. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1033-1044. [PMID: 31852180 PMCID: PMC7003535 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxicity of halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vertebrates. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) has recently emerged as a model organism in environmental toxicology studies, and increased knowledge of Ahr-mediated responses to xenobiotics is imperative. Genome mining and phylogenetic analyses revealed two Ahr-encoding genes in the Atlantic cod genome, gmahr1a and gmahr2a. In vitro binding assays showed that both gmAhr proteins bind to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), but stronger binding to gmAhr1a was observed. Transactivation studies with a reporter gene assay revealed that gmAhr1a is one order of magnitude more sensitive to TCDD than gmAhr2a, but the maximal responses of the receptors were similar. Other well-known Ahr agonists, such as β-naphthoflavone (BNF), 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), also activated the gmAhr proteins, but gmAhr1a was, in general, the more sensitive receptor and produced the highest efficacies. The induction of cyp1a in exposed precision-cut cod liver slices confirmed the activation of the Ahr signaling pathway ex vivo. In conclusion, the differences in transcriptional activation by gmAhr's with various agonists, the distinct binding properties with TCDD and BNF, and the distinct tissue-specific expression profiles indicate different functional specializations of the Atlantic cod Ahr's.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sibel I. Karchner
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Diana G. Franks
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Fekadu Yadetie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Odd André Karlsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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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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Arenas-Huertero F, Zaragoza-Ojeda M, Sánchez-Alarcón J, Milić M, Šegvić Klarić M, Montiel-González JM, Valencia-Quintana R. Involvement of Ahr Pathway in Toxicity of Aflatoxins and Other Mycotoxins. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2347. [PMID: 31681212 PMCID: PMC6798329 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present information about the role of activation of aflatoxins and other mycotoxins, of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Aflatoxins and other mycotoxins are a diverse group of secondary metabolites that can be contaminants in a broad range of agricultural products and feeds. Some species of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicilium, and Fusarium are major producers of mycotoxins, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic. Several aflatoxins are planar molecules that can activate the AhR. AhR participates in the detoxification of several xenobiotic substances and activates phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. But it is important to recognize that AhR activation also affects differentiation, cell adhesion, proliferation, and immune response among others. Any examination of the effects of aflatoxins and other toxins that act as activators to AhR must consider the potential of the disruption of several cellular functions in order to extend the perception thus far about the toxic and carcinogenic effects of these toxins. There have been no Reviews of existing data between the relation of AhR and aflatoxins and this one attempts to give information precisely about this dichotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Arenas-Huertero
- Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Montserrat Zaragoza-Ojeda
- Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juana Sánchez-Alarcón
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Mirta Milić
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Šegvić Klarić
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - José M. Montiel-González
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Rafael Valencia-Quintana
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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Subcellular Localization Signals of bHLH-PAS Proteins: Their Significance, Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194746. [PMID: 31554340 PMCID: PMC6801399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The bHLH-PAS (basic helix-loop-helix/ Period-ARNT-Single minded) proteins are a family of transcriptional regulators commonly occurring in living organisms. bHLH-PAS members act as intracellular and extracellular "signals" sensors, initiating response to endo- and exogenous signals, including toxins, redox potential, and light. The activity of these proteins as transcription factors depends on nucleocytoplasmic shuttling: the signal received in the cytoplasm has to be transduced, via translocation, to the nucleus. It leads to the activation of transcription of particular genes and determines the cell response to different stimuli. In this review, we aim to present the current state of knowledge concerning signals that affect shuttling of bHLH-PAS transcription factors. We summarize experimentally verified and published nuclear localization signals/nuclear export signals (NLSs/NESs) in the context of performed in silico predictions. We have used most of the available NLS/NES predictors. Importantly, all our results confirm the existence of a complex system responsible for protein localization regulation that involves many localization signals, which activity has to be precisely controlled. We conclude that the current stage of knowledge in this area is still not complete and for most of bHLH-PAS proteins an experimental verification of the activity of further NLS/NES is needed.
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Kim HY, Yoo TH, Cho JY, Kim HC, Lee WW. Indoxyl sulfate-induced TNF-α is regulated by crosstalk between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, NF-κB, and SOCS2 in human macrophages. FASEB J 2019; 33:10844-10858. [PMID: 31284759 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900730r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with chronic kidney disease. Despite the crucial role of uremia-related immune dysfunction, a majority of studies attempting to elucidate its pathogenic role in CVD have focused on IS-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Thus, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in IS-induced production of TNF-α, a major cardiotoxic cytokine, by human macrophages. We found that crosstalk between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), NF-κB, and the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)2 is important for TNF-α production in IS-stimulated human macrophages. IS-activated AhR rapidly associates with the p65 NF-κB subunit, resulting in mutual inhibition of AhR and NF-κB and inhibition of TNF-α production at an early time point. Later, this repression of TNF-α production is alleviated when SOCS2, a negative modulator of NF-κB, is directly induced by IS-activated AhR. In addition, once free of inhibition, activated AhR induces TNF-α expression by interacting with AhR binding sites in the TNF-α gene. Lastly, we confirmed decreased AhR and increased SOCS2 expression in monocytes of patients with end-stage renal disease, indicating the activation of AhR. Taken together, our results suggest that IS-induced TNF-α production in macrophages is regulated through a complicated mechanism involving interaction of AhR, NF-κB, and SOCS2.-Kim, H. Y., Yoo, T.-H., Cho, J.-Y., Kim, H. C., Lee, W.-W. Indoxyl sulfate-induced TNF-α is regulated by crosstalk between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, NF-κB, and SOCS2 in human macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Young Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Cancer Research Institute
| | | | - Joo-Youn Cho
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine-Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Chang Kim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Won-Woo Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Cancer Research Institute.,Department of Biomedical Sciences.,Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
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Viluksela M, Pohjanvirta R. Multigenerational and Transgenerational Effects of Dioxins. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2947. [PMID: 31212893 PMCID: PMC6627869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioxins are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants whose background levels are still reason for concern. There is mounting evidence from both epidemiological and experimental studies that paternal exposure to the most potent congener of dioxins, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), can lower the male/female ratio of offspring. Moreover, in laboratory rodents and zebrafish, TCDD exposure of parent animals has been reported to result in reduced reproductive performance along with other adverse effects in subsequent generations, foremost through the paternal but also via the maternal germline. These impacts have been accompanied by epigenetic alterations in placenta and/or sperm cells, including changes in methylation patterns of imprinted genes. Here, we review recent key studies in this field with an attempt to provide an up-to-date picture of the present state of knowledge to the reader. These studies provide biological plausibility for the potential of dioxin exposure at a critical time-window to induce epigenetic alterations across multiple generations and the significance of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in mediating these effects. Currently available data do not allow to accurately estimate the human health implications of these findings, although epidemiological evidence on lowered male/female ratio suggests that this effect may take place at realistic human exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Viluksela
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
- Environmental Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Raimo Pohjanvirta
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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Emerging Roles of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors in the Altered Clearance of Drugs during Chronic Kidney Disease. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11040209. [PMID: 30959953 PMCID: PMC6521271 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem, since 300,000,000 people in the world display a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73m². Patients with CKD have high rates of complications and comorbidities. Thus, they require the prescription of numerous medications, making the management of patients very complex. The prescription of numerous drugs associated with an altered renal- and non-renal clearance makes dose adjustment challenging in these patients, with frequent drug-related adverse events. However, the mechanisms involved in this abnormal drug clearance during CKD are not still well identified. We propose here that the transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which is the cellular receptor for indolic uremic toxins, could worsen the metabolism and the excretion of drugs in CKD patients.
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Jeschke U, Zhang X, Kuhn C, Jalaguier S, Colinge J, Pfender K, Mayr D, Ditsch N, Harbeck N, Mahner S, Sixou S, Cavaillès V. The Prognostic Impact of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in Primary Breast Cancer Depends on the Lymph Node Status. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051016. [PMID: 30813617 PMCID: PMC6429124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a possible regulator of mammary carcinogenesis. This study aims to clarify its prognostic impact in breast cancer (BC). Meta-analyses performed at the mRNA level demonstrated that the predictive value of AhR expression in BC depends on the lymph node (LN) status. AhR expression and sub-cellular location were then analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 302 primary BC samples. AhR was expressed in almost 90% of cases with a predominant nuclear location. Nuclear and cytoplasmic AhR levels were significantly correlated and associated with the expression of RIP140 (receptor-interacting protein of 140 kDa), an AhR transcriptional coregulator and target gene. Interestingly, total and nuclear AhR levels were only significantly correlated with short overall survival in node-negative patients. In this sub-group, total and nuclear AhR expression had an even stronger prognostic impact in patients with low RIP140-expressing tumors. Very interestingly, the total AhR prognostic value was also significant in luminal-like BCs and was an independent prognostic marker for LN-negative patients. Altogether, this study suggests that AhR is a marker of poor prognosis for patients with LN-negative luminal-like BCs, which warrants further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Jeschke
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Xi Zhang
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Christina Kuhn
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Stéphan Jalaguier
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, 34298 Montpellier, France.
- Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France.
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France.
| | - Jacques Colinge
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, 34298 Montpellier, France.
- Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France.
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France.
| | - Kristina Pfender
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Doris Mayr
- LMU Munich, Department of Pathology, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Nina Ditsch
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Nadia Harbeck
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Sven Mahner
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Sophie Sixou
- LMU Munich, University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 31062 Toulouse CEDEX 09, France.
- Cholesterol Metabolism and Therapeutic Innovations, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), UMR 1037, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Inserm, UPS, 31037 Toulouse, France.
| | - Vincent Cavaillès
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, 34298 Montpellier, France.
- Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France.
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier, France.
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Fujisawa N, Yoshioka W, Yanagisawa H, Tohyama C. Significance of AHR nuclear translocation sequence in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced cPLA 2α activation and hydronephrosis. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:1255-1264. [PMID: 30790002 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a major role in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced toxicity phenotypes. TCDD bound to AHR elicits both genomic action in which target genes are transcriptionally upregulated and nongenomic action in which cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) is rapidly activated. However, how either of these actions, separately or in combination, induces toxicity phenotypes is largely unknown. In this study, we used AHRnls/nls mice as a model in which AHR was mutated to lack nuclear translocation sequence (NLS), and AHRd/- mice as the corresponding control. Using this model, we studied TCDD-induced alterations in cPLA2α activation and related factors because of the pivotal roles of cPLA2α both in AHR's nongenomic action and in regulation of causative genes of TCDD-induced hydronephrosis. Dams were orally administered TCDD at a dose of 300 µg/kg body weight on postnatal day 1, and pups subsequently exposed to TCDD via milk were examined for gene expression on PND 7 and for histological changes on PND 14. The activation of the AHR genomic action and hydronephrosis onset were observed in the control group but not in the AHRnls/nls group. An ex vivo experiment using peritoneal macrophages exposed to 100 nM TCDD resulted in rapid activation of cPLA2α, an indicator of the nongenomic action, only in the control group but not in the AHRnls/nls group. These results indicated that an NLS is required for the AHR's genomic and nongenomic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Fujisawa
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Wataru Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Yanagisawa
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tohyama
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan.
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46
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O'Driscoll CA, Mezrich JD. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as an Immune-Modulator of Atmospheric Particulate Matter-Mediated Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2833. [PMID: 30574142 PMCID: PMC6291477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the current literature on the effects of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) on autoimmune disease and proposes a new role for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as a modulator of T cells in PM-mediated autoimmune disease. There is a significant body of literature regarding the strong epidemiologic correlations between PM exposures and worsened autoimmune diseases. Genetic predispositions account for 30% of all autoimmune disease leaving environmental factors as major contributors. Increases in incidence and prevalence of autoimmune disease have occurred concurrently with an increase in air pollution. Currently, atmospheric PM is considered to be the greatest environmental health risk worldwide. Atmospheric PM is a complex heterogeneous mixture composed of diverse adsorbed organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins, among others. Exposure to atmospheric PM has been shown to aggravate several autoimmune diseases. Despite strong correlations between exposure to atmospheric PM and worsened autoimmune disease, the mechanisms underlying aggravated disease are largely unknown. The AHR is a ligand activated transcription factor that responds to endogenous and exogenous ligands including toxicants present in PM, such as PAHs and dioxins. A few studies have investigated the effects of atmospheric PM on AHR activation and immune function and demonstrated that atmospheric PM can activate the AHR, change cytokine expression, and alter T cell differentiation. Several studies have found that the AHR modulates the balance between regulatory and effector T cell functions and drives T cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo using murine models of autoimmune disease. However, there are very few studies on the role of AHR in PM-mediated autoimmune disease. The AHR plays a critical role in the balance of effector and regulatory T cells and in autoimmune disease. With increased incidence and prevalence of autoimmune disease occurring concurrently with increases in air pollution, potential mechanisms that drive inflammatory and exacerbated disease need to be elucidated. This review focuses on the AHR as a potential mechanistic target for modulating T cell responses associated with PM-mediated autoimmune disease providing the most up-to-date literature on the role of AHR in autoreactive T cell function and autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea A O'Driscoll
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joshua D Mezrich
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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47
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Guerrina N, Traboulsi H, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and the Maintenance of Lung Health. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3882. [PMID: 30563036 PMCID: PMC6320801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of what is known about the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) centers on its ability to mediate the deleterious effects of the environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin). However, the AhR is both ubiquitously-expressed and evolutionarily-conserved, suggesting that it evolved for purposes beyond strictly mediating responses to man-made environmental toxicants. There is growing evidence that the AhR is required for the maintenance of health, as it is implicated in physiological processes such as xenobiotic metabolism, organ development and immunity. Dysregulation of AhR expression and activity is also associated with a variety of disease states, particularly those at barrier organs such as the skin, gut and lungs. The lungs are particularly vulnerable to inhaled toxicants such as cigarette smoke. However, the role of the AhR in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-a respiratory illness caused predominately by cigarette smoking-and lung cancer remains largely unexplored. This review will discuss the growing body of literature that provides evidence that the AhR protects the lungs against the damaging effects of cigarette smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necola Guerrina
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
| | - Hussein Traboulsi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - David H Eidelman
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada.
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48
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Knutsen HK, Alexander J, Barregård L, Bignami M, Brüschweiler B, Ceccatelli S, Cottrill B, Dinovi M, Edler L, Grasl-Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Nebbia CS, Oswald IP, Petersen A, Rose M, Roudot AC, Schwerdtle T, Vleminckx C, Vollmer G, Wallace H, Fürst P, Håkansson H, Halldorsson T, Lundebye AK, Pohjanvirta R, Rylander L, Smith A, van Loveren H, Waalkens-Berendsen I, Zeilmaker M, Binaglia M, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Horváth Z, Christoph E, Ciccolallo L, Ramos Bordajandi L, Steinkellner H, Hoogenboom LR. Risk for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed and food. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05333. [PMID: 32625737 PMCID: PMC7009407 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and DL-PCBs in feed and food. The data from experimental animal and epidemiological studies were reviewed and it was decided to base the human risk assessment on effects observed in humans and to use animal data as supportive evidence. The critical effect was on semen quality, following pre- and postnatal exposure. The critical study showed a NOAEL of 7.0 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g fat in blood sampled at age 9 years based on PCDD/F-TEQs. No association was observed when including DL-PCB-TEQs. Using toxicokinetic modelling and taking into account the exposure from breastfeeding and a twofold higher intake during childhood, it was estimated that daily exposure in adolescents and adults should be below 0.25 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. The CONTAM Panel established a TWI of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week. With occurrence and consumption data from European countries, the mean and P95 intake of total TEQ by Adolescents, Adults, Elderly and Very Elderly varied between, respectively, 2.1 to 10.5, and 5.3 to 30.4 pg TEQ/kg bw/week, implying a considerable exceedance of the TWI. Toddlers and Other Children showed a higher exposure than older age groups, but this was accounted for when deriving the TWI. Exposure to PCDD/F-TEQ only was on average 2.4- and 2.7-fold lower for mean and P95 exposure than for total TEQ. PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs are transferred to milk and eggs, and accumulate in fatty tissues and liver. Transfer rates and bioconcentration factors were identified for various species. The CONTAM Panel was not able to identify reference values in most farm and companion animals with the exception of NOAELs for mink, chicken and some fish species. The estimated exposure from feed for these species does not imply a risk.
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49
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Gutiérrez-Vázquez C, Quintana FJ. Regulation of the Immune Response by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Immunity 2018; 48:19-33. [PMID: 29343438 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 573] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is activated by small molecules provided by the diet, microorganisms, metabolism, and pollutants. AhR is expressed by a number of immune cells, and thus AhR signaling provides a molecular pathway that integrates the effects of the environment and metabolism on the immune response. Studies have shown that AhR signaling plays important roles in the immune system in health and disease. As its activity is regulated by small molecules, AhR also constitutes a potential target for therapeutic immunomodulation. In this review we discuss the role of AhR in the regulation of the immune response in the context of autoimmunity, infection, and cancer, as well as the potential opportunities and challenges of developing AhR-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gutiérrez-Vázquez
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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50
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Mackowiak B, Hodge J, Stern S, Wang H. The Roles of Xenobiotic Receptors: Beyond Chemical Disposition. Drug Metab Dispos 2018; 46:1361-1371. [PMID: 29759961 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.081042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the ability of the xenobiotic receptors to coordinate an array of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in response to endogenous and exogenous stimuli has been extensively characterized and well documented. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are the xenobiotic receptors that have received the most attention since they regulate the expression of numerous proteins important to drug metabolism and clearance and formulate a central defensive mechanism to protect the body against xenobiotic challenges. However, accumulating evidence has shown that these xenobiotic sensors also control many cellular processes outside of their traditional realms of xenobiotic metabolism and disposition, including physiologic and/or pathophysiologic responses in energy homeostasis, cell proliferation, inflammation, tissue injury and repair, immune response, and cancer development. This review will highlight recent advances in studying the noncanonical functions of xenobiotic receptors with a particular focus placed on the roles of CAR and PXR in energy homeostasis and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Mackowiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessica Hodge
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sydney Stern
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
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