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Sondermann NC, Faßbender S, Hartung F, Hätälä AM, Rolfes KM, Vogel CFA, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) beyond the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115371. [PMID: 36528068 PMCID: PMC9884176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses toward exogenous and endogenous signals. Research from various biomedical disciplines has provided compelling evidence that the AHR is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and disorders, including autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases, endocrine disruption, premature aging and cancer. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic measures. However, the ligand-based targeting of AHR is considerably complicated by the fact that the receptor does not always follow the beaten track, i.e. the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Instead, AHR might team up with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to shape gene expression patterns and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions in a ligand-, cell- and micromilieu-dependent manner. Herein, we provide an overview about some of the most important non-canonical functions of AHR, including crosstalk with major signaling pathways involved in controlling cell fate and function, immune responses, adaptation to low oxygen levels and oxidative stress, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Further research on these diverse and exciting yet often ambivalent facets of AHR biology is urgently needed in order to exploit the full potential of AHR modulation for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Faßbender
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederick Hartung
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna M Hätälä
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Jedrusik N, Steinberg T, Husari A, Volk L, Wang X, Finkenzeller G, Strassburg S, Tomakidi P. Gelatin nonwovens-based epithelial morphogenesis involves a signaling axis comprising EGF-receptor, MAP kinases ERK 1/2, and β1 integrin. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 107:663-677. [PMID: 30474276 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In biomaterials research, biomechanics which support tissue regeneration steadily gains of importance. Hence, we have previously shown that gelatin-based electrospun nonwoven mats (NWMs) with a distinct modulus of elasticity (3.2 kPa) promotes epithelial morphogenesis. Since molecular mechanisms of this morphogenesis are still unknown, the present study aims at identifying molecules, involved herein. Epithelia established on the NMWs showed persistence of the activated state of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), phosphorylated at the src-specific tyrosine 845 (EGF-RT845 ) throughout the observation period of 10 days. To elucidate whether the observed morphogenesis mechanistically involves EGF-R signaling, we inhibited EGF-R, by employing the EGF-RT845 specific inhibitor Gefitinib (IRESSA®). Gefitinib administration yielded a reduced expression of the β1 integrin subunit, a well-known cell-matrix interaction receptor, concomitant with downregulation of p42/44 ERK1/2 MAP-kinase activity. To elucidate whether the observed downregulation of β1 is EGF-RT845 -dependent or emerging from ERK1/2 signaling, we exposed epithelia, grown on the NWMs, with the ERK1/2-directed inhibitor U0126. In the absence of Gefitinib, inhibition of p42/44 MAP-kinase activity resulted in decreased β1 integrin protein levels, thus indicating that β1 expression is dependent on ERK1/2 and not EGF-RT845 . Our results showed the first time that an EGF-R-β1 integrin-signaling axis, including ERK1/2, promotes NWM-elasticity-based epithelial morphogenesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 663-677, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Jedrusik
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 101, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Steinberg
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ayman Husari
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 101, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Volk
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günter Finkenzeller
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Strassburg
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Tomakidi
- Division of Oral Biotechnology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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Xu T, Xie HQ, Li Y, Xia Y, Sha R, Wang L, Chen Y, Xu L, Zhao B. Dioxin induces expression of hsa-miR-146b-5p in human neuroblastoma cells. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 63:260-267. [PMID: 29406108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin can cause a series of neural toxicological effects. MicroRNAs (miRs) play important roles in regulating nervous system function and mediating cellular responses to environmental pollutants, such as dioxin. Hsa-miR-146b-5p appears to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. However, little is known about effects of dioxin on the expression of hsa-miR-146b-5p. We found that the hsa-miR-146b-5p expression and its promoter activity were significantly increased in dioxin treated SK-N-SH cells, a human-derived neuroblastoma cell line. Potential roles of hsa-miR-146b-5p in mediating neural toxicological effects of dioxin may be due to the regulation of certain target genes. We further confirmed that hsa-miR-146b-5p significantly suppressed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and targeted the 3'-untranslated region of the AChE T subunit, which has been down-regulated in dioxin treated SK-N-SH cells. Functional bioinformatic analysis showed that the known and predicted target genes of hsa-miR-146b-5p were involved in some brain functions or cyto-toxicities related to known dioxin effects, including synapse transmission, in which AChE may serve as a responsive gene for mediating the effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Heidi Q Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yunping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yingjie Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Rui Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Lingyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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Roman ÁC, Carvajal-Gonzalez JM, Merino JM, Mulero-Navarro S, Fernández-Salguero PM. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the crossroad of signalling networks with therapeutic value. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 185:50-63. [PMID: 29258844 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is well-known for its major contributions to the cellular responses against environmental toxins and carcinogens. Notably, AhR has also emerged as a key transcription factor controlling many physiological processes including cell proliferation and apoptosis, differentiation, adhesion and migration, pluripotency and stemness. These novel functions have broadened our understanding of the signalling pathways and molecular intermediates interacting with AhR under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. Recent discoveries link AhR with the function of essential organs such as liver, skin and gonads, and with complex organismal structures including the immune and cardiovascular systems. The identification of potential endogenous ligands able to regulate AhR activity, opens the possibility of designing ad hoc molecules with pharmacological and/or therapeutic value to treat human diseases in which AhR may have a causal role. Integration of experimental data from in vitro and in vivo studies with "omic" analyses of human patients affected with cancer, immune diseases, inflammation or neurological disorders will likely contribute to validate the clinical relevance of AhR and the possible benefits of modulating its activity by pharmacologically-driven strategies. In this review, we will highlight signalling pathways involved in human diseases that could be targetable by AhR modulators and discuss the feasibility of using such molecules in therapy. The pros and cons of AhR-aimed approaches will be also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel C Roman
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimoud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José M Carvajal-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Jaime M Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Sonia Mulero-Navarro
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Pedro M Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
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