1
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Jindra M, Tumova S, Bittova L, Tuma R, Sedlak D. Agonist-dependent action of the juvenile hormone receptor. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 65:101234. [PMID: 39025365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) signaling is realized at the gene regulatory level by receptors of the bHLH-PAS transcription factor family. The sesquiterpenoid hormones and their synthetic mimics are agonist ligands of a unique JH receptor (JHR) protein, methoprene-tolerant (MET). Upon binding an agonist to its PAS-B cavity, MET dissociates from a cytoplasmic chaperone complex including HSP83 and concomitantly switches to a bHLH-PAS partner taiman, forming a nuclear, transcriptionally active JHR heterodimer. This course of events resembles the vertebrate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), activated by a plethora of endogenous and synthetic compounds. Like in AHR, the pliable PAS-B cavity of MET adjusts to diverse ligands and binds them through similar mechanisms. Despite recent progress, we only begin to discern agonist-induced conformational shifts within the PAS-B domain, with the ultimate goal of understanding how these localized changes stimulate the assembly of the active JHR complex and, thus, fully grasp the mechanism of JHR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jindra
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic.
| | - Sarka Tumova
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Bittova
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Tuma
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedlak
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
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2
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Narita Y, Tamura A, Hatakeyama S, Uemura S, Miura A, Haga A, Tsuji N, Fujie N, Izumi Y, Sugawara T, Otaka M, Okamoto K, Lu P, Okuda S, Suzuki M, Nagata K, Shimizu H, Itoh H. The components of the AhR-molecular chaperone complex differ depending on whether the ligands are toxic or non-toxic. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:1478-1490. [PMID: 38605276 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14871] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) forms a complex with the HSP90-XAP2-p23 molecular chaperone when the cells are exposed to toxic compounds. Recently, 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) was reported to be an AhR ligand. Here, we investigated the components of the molecular chaperone complex when DHNA binds to AhR. Proteins eluted from the 3-Methylcolanthrene-affinity column were AhR-HSP90-XAP2-p23 complex. The AhR-molecular chaperone complex did not contain p23 in the eluents from the DHNA-affinity column. In 3-MC-treated cells, AhR formed a complex with HSP90-XAP2-p23 and nuclear translocation occurred within 30 min, while in DHNA-treated cells, AhR formed a complex with AhR-HSP90-XAP2, and translocation was slow from 60 min. Thus, the AhR activation mechanism may differ when DHNA is the ligand compared to toxic ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiko Narita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Arisa Tamura
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Shiori Hatakeyama
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Seiya Uemura
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Atsuko Miura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center, Japan
| | - Asami Haga
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Noriko Tsuji
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Nozomi Fujie
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Yukina Izumi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Japan
| | - Taku Sugawara
- Department of Life Science, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center, Japan
| | - Michiro Otaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Okamoto
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peng Lu
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Okuda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Suzuki
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Nagata
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hideaki Itoh
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Griffith BD, Frankel TL. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Impact on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Modulation as a Potential Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:472. [PMID: 38339226 PMCID: PMC10854841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitous nuclear receptor with a broad range of functions, both in tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Activation of AhR has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in a variety of organs, through induction of cellular proliferation and migration, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inhibition of apoptosis, among other functions. However, the impact on immune cell function is more complicated, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles identified. Although targeting AhR in cancer has shown significant promise in pre-clinical studies, there has been limited efficacy in phase III clinical trials to date. With the contrasting roles of AhR activation on immune cell polarization, understanding the impact of AhR activation on the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to guide therapies targeting the AhR. This review article summarizes the state of knowledge of AhR activation on the TME, limitations of current findings, and the potential for modulation of the AhR as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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4
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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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5
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Vorontsova JE, Akishina AA, Cherezov RO, Simonova OB. A new insight into the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/cytochrome 450 signaling pathway in MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS cell lines. Biochimie 2023; 207:102-112. [PMID: 36332717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of bone, with rapid progressive growth, early distant metastases, and frequent recurrence after surgical treatment. Osteosarcoma is characterized by changes in the ratio and expression of different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms that can affect the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. The inducible expression of CYP1 genes depends on the ligand-dependent functionality of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). In this study, we examined the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway in four osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS) induced by the known AHR ligands: indirubin, indole-3-carbinol, and beta-naphthoflavone. Using qPCR and Western blot analysis, we explored the effects of these ligands on the expression of the CYP1 genes and studied the correlation between these responses and the changes in the mRNA and protein levels of AHR and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) in these osteosarcoma cell lines. The results show that the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway retains its function only in MG63 and HOS cells, and is impaired in SAOS2 and U2OS cells. Our data should be taken into account when recommending new strategies for the treatment of osteosarcoma and when evaluating new drugs against osteosarcoma in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Vorontsova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Angelina A Akishina
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman O Cherezov
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga B Simonova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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6
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Rikken G, Smith KJ, van den Brink NJM, Smits JPH, Gowda K, Alnemri A, Kuzu GE, Murray IA, Lin JM, Smits JGA, van Vlijmen-Willems IM, Amin SG, Perdew GH, van den Bogaard EH. Lead optimization of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands for treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115400. [PMID: 36574884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) modulating agents gained attention in dermatology as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that improve skin barrier properties. By exploiting AHR's known ligand promiscuity, we generated novel AHR modulating agents by lead optimization of a selective AHR modulator (SAhRM; SGA360). Twenty-two newly synthesized compounds were screened yielding two novel derivatives, SGA360f and SGA388, in which agonist activity led to enhanced keratinocyte terminal differentiation. SGA388 showed the highest agonist activity with potent normalization of keratinocyte hyperproliferation, restored expression of skin barrier proteins and dampening of chemokine expression by keratinocytes upon Th2-mediated inflammation in vitro. The topical application of SGA360f and SGA388 reduced acute skin inflammation in vivo by reducing cyclooxygenase levels, resulting in less neutrophilic dermal infiltrates. The minimal induction of cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, lack of cellular toxicity and mutagenicity classifies SGA360f and SGA388 as novel potential therapeutic AHR ligands and illustrates the potential of medicinal chemistry to fine-tune AHR signaling for the development of targeted therapies in dermatology and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Rikken
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kayla J Smith
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Noa J M van den Brink
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jos P H Smits
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Krishne Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Angela Alnemri
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Gulsum E Kuzu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Iain A Murray
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jyh-Ming Lin
- Metabolomics Facility, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jos G A Smits
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ivonne M van Vlijmen-Willems
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Shantu G Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Ellen H van den Bogaard
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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7
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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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8
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An overview of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands in the Last two decades (2002–2022): A medicinal chemistry perspective. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Hammond CL, Roztocil E, Gupta V, Feldon SE, Woeller CF. More than Meets the Eye: The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor is an Environmental Sensor, Physiological Regulator and a Therapeutic Target in Ocular Disease. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:791082. [PMID: 35295218 PMCID: PMC8915869 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.791082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor originally identified as an environmental sensor of xenobiotic chemicals. However, studies have revealed that the AHR regulates crucial aspects of cell growth and metabolism, development and the immune system. The importance of the AHR and AHR signaling in eye development, toxicology and disease is now being uncovered. The AHR is expressed in many ocular tissues including the retina, choroid, cornea and the orbit. A significant role for the AHR in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), autoimmune uveitis, and other ocular diseases has been identified. Ligands for the AHR are structurally diverse organic molecules from exogenous and endogenous sources. Natural AHR ligands include metabolites of tryptophan and byproducts of the microbiome. Xenobiotic AHR ligands include persistent environmental pollutants such as dioxins, benzo (a) pyrene [B (a) P] and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Pharmaceutical agents including the proton pump inhibitors, esomeprazole and lansoprazole, and the immunosuppressive drug, leflunomide, activate the AHR. In this review, we highlight the role of the AHR in the eye and discuss how AHR signaling is involved in responding to endogenous and environmental stimuli. We also present the emerging concept that the AHR is a promising therapeutic target for eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Collynn F. Woeller
- Flaum Eye Institute, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Collynn F. Woeller,
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10
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Lordo MR, Wu KG, Altynova E, Shilo N, Kronen P, Nalin AP, Weigel C, Zhang X, Yu J, Oakes CC, Caligiuri MA, Freud AG, Mundy-Bosse BL. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Alters Group 1 Innate Lymphoid Cell Differentiation from a Common Precursor. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 207:1672-1682. [PMID: 34417259 PMCID: PMC8429221 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
NK cells are known to be developmentally blocked and functionally inhibited in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), resulting in poor clinical outcomes. In this study, we demonstrate that whereas NK cells are inhibited, closely related type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) are enriched in the bone marrow of leukemic mice and in patients with AML. Because NK cells and ILC1s share a common precursor (ILCP), we asked if AML acts on the ILCP to alter developmental potential. A combination of ex vivo and in vivo studies revealed that AML skewing of the ILCP toward ILC1s and away from NK cells represented a major mechanism of ILC1 generation. This process was driven by AML-mediated activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a key transcription factor in ILCs, as inhibition of AHR led to decreased numbers of ILC1s and increased NK cells in the presence of AML. These results demonstrate a mechanism of ILC developmental skewing in AML and support further preclinical study of AHR inhibition in restoring normal NK cell development and function in the setting of AML.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Azo Compounds/pharmacology
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/agonists
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Bone Marrow/immunology
- Carbazoles/pharmacology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/blood
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/agonists
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Lordo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kevin G Wu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Nikolas Shilo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Parker Kronen
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Ansel P Nalin
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Christoph Weigel
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Center for Biostatistics/Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jianhua Yu
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Christopher C Oakes
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH; and
| | | | - Aharon G Freud
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Bethany L Mundy-Bosse
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH; and
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11
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Ravid JD, Kamel MH, Chitalia VC. Uraemic solutes as therapeutic targets in CKD-associated cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2021; 17:402-416. [PMID: 33758363 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by the retention of a myriad of solutes termed uraemic (or uremic) toxins, which inflict damage to several organs, including the cardiovascular system. Uraemic toxins can induce hallmarks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as atherothrombosis, heart failure, dysrhythmias, vessel calcification and dysregulated angiogenesis. CVD is an important driver of mortality in patients with CKD; however, reliance on conventional approaches to managing CVD risk is insufficient in these patients, underscoring a need to target risk factors that are specific to CKD. Mounting evidence suggests that targeting uraemic toxins and/or pathways induced by uraemic toxins, including tryptophan metabolites and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), can lower the risk of CVD in patients with CKD. Although tangible therapies resulting from our growing knowledge of uraemic toxicity are yet to materialize, a number of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches have the potential to abrogate the effects of uraemic toxins, for example, by decreasing the production of uraemic toxins, by modifying metabolic pathways induced by uraemic toxins such as those controlled by aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling and by augmenting the clearance of uraemic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Ravid
- School of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohamed Hassan Kamel
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vipul C Chitalia
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. .,Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA. .,Global Co-creation Lab, Institute of Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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12
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Amobi-McCloud A, Muthuswamy R, Battaglia S, Yu H, Liu T, Wang J, Putluri V, Singh PK, Qian F, Huang RY, Putluri N, Tsuji T, Lugade AA, Liu S, Odunsi K. IDO1 Expression in Ovarian Cancer Induces PD-1 in T Cells via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:678999. [PMID: 34025677 PMCID: PMC8136272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.678999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunoregulatory enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are potent mechanisms that impede effective anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer. However, whether the IDO pathway regulates PD-1 expression in T cells is currently unknown. Here we show that tumoral IDO1 expression led to profound changes in tryptophan, nicotinate/nicotinamide, and purine metabolic pathways in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, and to an increased frequency of PD-1+CD8+ tumor infiltrating T cells. We determined that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) by kynurenine induced PD-1 expression, and this effect was significantly abrogated by the AHR antagonist CH223191. Mechanistically, kynurenine alters chromatin accessibility in regulatory regions of T cell inhibitory receptors, allowing AHR to bind to consensus XRE motifs in the promoter region of PD-1. These results enable the design of strategies to target the IDO1 and AHR pathways for enhancing anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaobi Amobi-McCloud
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ravikumar Muthuswamy
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Sebastiano Battaglia
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Vasanta Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Prashant K. Singh
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Feng Qian
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ruea-Yea Huang
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Takemasa Tsuji
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Obstetrics and Gynecology-Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amit A. Lugade
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Obstetrics and Gynecology-Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Park H, Jin UH, Karki K, Allred C, Davidson LA, Chapkin RS, Orr AA, Nowshad F, Jayaraman A, Tamamis P, Safe S. Hydroxylated Chalcones as Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonists: Structure-Activity Effects. Toxicol Sci 2021; 180:148-159. [PMID: 33263770 PMCID: PMC7916741 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxylated chalcones are phytochemicals which are biosynthetic precursors of flavonoids and their 1,3-diaryl-prop-2-en-1-one structure is used as a scaffold for drug development. In this study, the structure-dependent activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-responsive CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and UGT1A1 genes was investigated in Caco2 colon cancer cells and in non-transformed young adult mouse colonocytes (YAMC) cells. The effects of a series of di- and trihydroxychalcones as AhR agonists was structure dependent with maximal induction of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and UGT1A1 in Caco2 cells observed for compounds containing 2,2'-dihydroxy substituents and this included 2,2'-dihydroxy-, 2,2',4'-trihydroxy-, and 2,2',5'-trihydroxychalcones. In contrast, 2',4,5'-, 2'3',4'-, 2',4,4'-trihydroxy, and 2',3-, 2',4-, 2',4'-, and 2',5-dihydroxychalcones exhibited low to non-detectable AhR activity in Caco2 cells. In addition, all of the hydroxychalcones exhibited minimal to non-detectable activity in YAMC cells, whereas 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induced CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and UGT1A1 in Caco2 and YAMC cells. The activity of AhR-active chalcones was confirmed by determining their effects in AhR-deficient Caco2 cells. In addition, 2,2'-dihydroxychalcone induced CYP1A1 protein and formation of an AhR-DNA complex in an in vitro assay. Simulation and modeling studies of hydroxylated chalcones confirmed their interactions with the AhR ligand-binding domain and were consistent with their structure-dependent activity as AhR ligands. Thus, this study identifies hydroxylated chalcones as AhR agonists with potential for these phytochemicals to impact AhR-mediated colonic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Park
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Un-Ho Jin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Clinton Allred
- Departments of Nutrition and Biochemistry and Biophysics, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Laurie A Davidson
- Departments of Nutrition and Biochemistry and Biophysics, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Robert S Chapkin
- Departments of Nutrition and Biochemistry and Biophysics, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Asuka A Orr
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Farrhin Nowshad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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14
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Dopamine is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist. Biochem J 2021; 477:3899-3910. [PMID: 32905582 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolites exhibit aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist activity and recent studies show that the phenylalanine metabolites serotonin and carbidopa, a drug used in treating Parkinson's disease, activated the AhR. In this study, we identified the neuroactive hormone dopamine as an inducer of drug-metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and UGT1A1 in colon and glioblastoma cells and similar results were observed for carbidopa. In contrast, carbidopa but not dopamine exhibited AhR activity in BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells whereas minimal activity was observed for both compounds in Panc1 pancreatic cancer cells. In contrast with a previous report, the induction responses and cytotoxicity of carbidopa was observed only at high concentrations (100 µM) in BxPC3 cells. Our results show that similar to serotonin and several tryptophan metabolites, dopamine is also an AhR-active compound.
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15
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Unraveling the Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in AcuteMyeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020320. [PMID: 33477248 PMCID: PMC7830843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive form of cancer found in the blood and bone marrow with poor survival rates. Patients with AML are known to have many defects in their immune system which render immune cells unable to detect and/or kill cancer cells. Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune effector cells responsible for surveying the body to eliminate cancer cells as well as alert other immune cells to help clear the cancer cells. NK cells have developmental and functional defects in AML patients. While advances have been made to understand these NK cell defects in the setting of AML, the role of other closely related and recently discovered members of the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family is much less clear. The ILC family is comprised of NK cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s, and due in part to their recent discovery, non-NK ILCs are just now beginning to be investigated in the setting of AML. By better understanding how AML alters the normal function of these cell types, and how the alteration regulates AML growth, we may be able to target and tailor new forms of therapy for patients. Abstract Over the past 50 years, few therapeutic advances have been made in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer, despite vast improvements in our ability to classify the disease. Emerging evidence suggests the immune system is important in controlling AML progression and in determining prognosis. Natural killer (NK) cells are important cytotoxic effector cells of the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family that have been shown to have potent anti-leukemic functions. Recent studies are now revealing impairment or dysregulation of other ILCs in various types of cancers, including AML, which limits the effectiveness of NK cells in controlling cancer progression. NK cell development and function are inhibited in AML patients, which results in worse clinical outcomes; however, the specific roles of other ILC populations in AML are just now beginning to be unraveled. In this review, we summarize what is known about the role of ILC populations in AML.
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Wang Z, Snyder M, Kenison JE, Yang K, Lara B, Lydell E, Bennani K, Novikov O, Federico A, Monti S, Sherr DH. How the AHR Became Important in Cancer: The Role of Chronically Active AHR in Cancer Aggression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010387. [PMID: 33396563 PMCID: PMC7795223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was studied for its role in environmental chemical toxicity i.e., as a quirk of nature and a mediator of unintended consequences of human pollution. During that period, it was not certain that the AHR had a “normal” physiological function. However, the ongoing accumulation of data from an ever-expanding variety of studies on cancer, cancer immunity, autoimmunity, organ development, and other areas bears witness to a staggering array of AHR-controlled normal and pathological activities. The objective of this review is to discuss how the AHR has gone from a likely contributor to genotoxic environmental carcinogen-induced cancer to a master regulator of malignant cell progression and cancer aggression. Particular focus is placed on the association between AHR activity and poor cancer outcomes, feedback loops that control chronic AHR activity in cancer, and the role of chronically active AHR in driving cancer cell invasion, migration, cancer stem cell characteristics, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Megan Snyder
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Jessica E. Kenison
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Kangkang Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Brian Lara
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (B.L.); (K.B.)
| | - Emily Lydell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
| | - Kawtar Bennani
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (B.L.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Anthony Federico
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Monti
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (A.F.); (S.M.)
| | - David H. Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (Z.W.); (K.Y.); (E.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-358-1707
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17
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AHR Signaling Interacting with Nutritional Factors Regulating the Expression of Markers in Vascular Inflammation and Atherogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218287. [PMID: 33167400 PMCID: PMC7663825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a high-fat diet (HFD) increase the risk of mortality from atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies indicate that PM2.5 generated by combustion activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and inflammatory cytokines contributing to PM2.5-mediated atherogenesis. Here we investigate the effects of components of a HFD on PM-mediated activation of AHR in macrophages. Cells were treated with components of a HFD and AHR-activating PM and the expression of biomarkers of vascular inflammation was analyzed. The results show that glucose and triglyceride increase AHR-activity and PM2.5-mediated induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 mRNA in macrophages. Cholesterol, fructose, and palmitic acid increased the PM- and AHR-mediated induction of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Treatment with palmitic acid significantly increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and markers of vascular injury in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) after treatment with PM2.5. The PM2.5-mediated activation of the atherogenic markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and S100A9, a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, was found to be AHR-dependent and involved protein kinase A (PKA) and a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) binding element. This study identified nutritional factors interacting with AHR signaling and contributing to PM2.5-induced markers of atherogenesis and future cardiovascular risk.
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18
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Shi Y, Zeng Z, Yu J, Tang B, Tang R, Xiao R. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: An environmental effector in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105180. [PMID: 32877693 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly conserved transcription factor that can be activated by small molecules provided by dietary, plant, or microbial metabolites, and environmental pollutants. AhR is expressed in many cell types and engages in crosstalk with other signaling pathways, and therefore provides a molecular pathway that integrates environmental cues and metabolic processes. Fibrosis, which is defined as an aberrant extracellular matrix formation, is a reparative process in the terminal stage of chronic diseases. Both environmental and internal factors have been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of fibrosis; however, the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. In this review, the potential role of AhR in the process of fibrosis, as well as potential opportunities and challenges in the development of AhR targeting therapeutics, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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19
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Safe S, Jayaraman A, Chapkin RS. Ah receptor ligands and their impacts on gut resilience: structure-activity effects. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 50:463-473. [PMID: 32597352 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1773759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin) and structurally related halogenated aromatics modulate gene expression and induce biochemical and toxic responses that are mediated by initial binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The AhR also binds structurally diverse compound including pharmaceuticals, endogenous biochemicals, health-promoting phytochemicals, and microbial metabolites. Many of these AhR ligands do not induce TCDD-like toxic responses and some AhR ligands such as microbial metabolites of tryptophan play a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation and cancer. Many AhR ligands exhibit tissue- and response-specific AhR agonist or antagonist activities, and act as selective AhR modulators (SAhRMs) and this SAhRM-like activity has also been observed in AhR-ligand-mediated effects in the intestine. This review summarizes studies showing that several AhR ligands including phytochemicals and TCDD protect against dextran sodium sulfate-induced intestinal inflammation. In contrast, AhR ligands such as oxazole compounds enhance intestinal inflammation suggesting that AhR-mediated gut health can be enhanced or decreased by selective AhR modulators and this needs to be considered in development of AhR ligands for therapeutic applications in treating intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Robert S Chapkin
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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20
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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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21
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Quercetin induces an immunoregulatory phenotype in maturing human dendritic cells. Immunobiology 2020; 225:151929. [PMID: 32115260 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.151929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environmental sensor and ligand-activated transcription factor that is critically involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses and the induction of tolerance by modulating immune cells. As dendritic cells (DCs) express high AhR levels, they are efficient to induce immunomodulatory effects after being exposed to AhR-activating compounds derived from the environment or diet. To gain new insights into the molecular targets following AhR-activation in human monocyte-derived (mo)DCs, we investigated whether the natural AhR ligand quercetin or the synthetic ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) modulates the function of human moDCs regarding their capability to prime naïve T cells or to migrate. As only quercetin, but not TCDD, impaired T cell activation and migration of LPS-matured DCs (LPS-DCs), we analyzed the mode of action of quercetin on moDCs in more detail. Here, we found a specific down-regulation of the immunomodulatory molecule CD83 through the direct binding of the activated AhR to the CD83 promoter. Furthermore, treatment of LPS-DCs with quercetin resulted in a reduced production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12p70 and in an increased expression of the immunoregulatory molecules disabled adaptor protein (Dab) 2, immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-3, ILT4, ILT5 as well as ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, thereby inducing a tolerogenic phenotype in quercetin-treated maturing DCs. Overall, these data demonstrate that quercetin represents a potent immunomodulatory agent to alter human DC phenotype and function, shifting the immune balance from inflammation to resolution.
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22
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Dolciami D, Ballarotto M, Gargaro M, López-Cara LC, Fallarino F, Macchiarulo A. Targeting Aryl hydrocarbon receptor for next-generation immunotherapies: Selective modulators (SAhRMs) versus rapidly metabolized ligands (RMAhRLs). Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111842. [PMID: 31727470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) constitutes a major network hub of genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways, connecting host's immune cells to environmental factors. It shapes innate and adaptive immune processes to environmental stimuli with species-, cell- and tissue-type dependent specificity. Although an ever increasing number of studies has thrust AhR into the limelight as attractive target for the development of next-generation immunotherapies, concerns exist on potential safety issues associated with small molecule modulation of the receptor. Selective AhR modulators (SAhRMs) and rapidly metabolized AhR ligands (RMAhRLs) are two classes of receptor agonists that are emerging as interesting lead compounds to bypass AhR-related toxicity in favor of therapeutic effects. In this article, we discuss SAhRMs and RMAhRLs reported in literature, covering concepts underlying their definitions, specific binding modes, structure-activity relationships and AhR-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dolciami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Ballarotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazz.le Gambuli, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Carlota López-Cara
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18010, Granada, Spain
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazz.le Gambuli, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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Jin UH, Karki K, Cheng Y, Michelhaugh SK, Mittal S, Safe S. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a tumor suppressor-like gene in glioblastoma. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:11342-11353. [PMID: 31171720 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.008882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and also in pathophysiology. For example, the interplay between the gut microbiome and microbially derived AhR ligands protects against inflammation along the gut-brain axis. The AhR and its ligands also inhibit colon carcinogenesis, but it has been reported that the AhR and its ligand kynurenine enhance glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, using both established and patient-derived GBM cells, we re-examined the role of kynurenine and the AhR in GBM, observing that kynurenine does not modulate AhR-mediated gene expression and does not affect invasion of GBM cells. Therefore, using an array of approaches, including ChIP, quantitative real-time PCR, and cell migration assays, we primarily focused on investigating the role of the AhR in GBM at the functional molecular and genomic levels. The results of transient and stable CRISPR/Cas9-mediated AhR knockdown in GBM cells indicated that loss of AhR enhances GBM tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model, increases GBM cell invasion, and up-regulates expression of pro-invasion/pro-migration genes, as determined by ingenuity pathway analysis of RNA-Seq data. We conclude that the AhR is a tumor suppressor-like gene in GBM; future studies are required to investigate whether the AhR could be a potential drug target for treating patients with GBM who express this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un-Ho Jin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Yating Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | | | - Sandeep Mittal
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
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24
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Akishina AA, Vorontsova JE, Cherezov RO, Slezinger MS, Simonova OB, Kuzin BA. NAP Family CG5017 Chaperone Pleiotropically Regulates Human AHR Target Genes Expression in Drosophila Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010118. [PMID: 30597983 PMCID: PMC6337364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the regulatory mechanism of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), target genes of transcription are necessary for understanding the normal developmental and pathological processes. Here, we examined the effects of human AHR ligands on male fecundity. To induce ectopic human AhR gene expression, we used Drosophilamelanogaster transformed with human AhR under the control of a yeast UAS promoter element capable of activation in the two-component UAS-GAL4 system. We found that exogenous AHR ligands decrease the number of Drosophila gonadal Tj-positive cells. We also found both an increase and decrease of AHR target gene expression, including in genes that control homeostasis and testis development. This suggests that gonadal AHR activation may affect the expression of gene networks that control sperm production and could be critical for fertility not just in Drosophila but also in humans. Finally, we found that the activation of the expression for some AHR target genes depends on the expression of testis-specific chaperone CG5017 in gonadal cells. Since CG5017 belongs to the nucleosome assembly protein (NAP) family and may participate in epigenetic regulation, we propose that this nucleotropic chaperone is essential to provide the human AHR with access to only the defined set of its target genes during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina A Akishina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Julia E Vorontsova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Roman O Cherezov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Mikhail S Slezinger
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Olga B Simonova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Boris A Kuzin
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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25
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Li M, Zhu D, Wang T, Xia X, Tian J, Wang S. Roles of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Subpopulations in Autoimmune Arthritis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2849. [PMID: 30564242 PMCID: PMC6288996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests the promise of the use of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in inflammatory disorders based on their unique immune-intervention properties. However, the roles of MDSCs in autoimmune arthritis are not completely understood. Indeed, their immunosuppressive functions in arthritic conditions remain controversial, with heterogeneity among MDSCs and differential effects among subpopulations receiving much attention. As a result, it is necessary to determine the roles of MDSC subpopulations in autoimmune arthritis to clarify their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Interestingly, in the inflammation niche of autoimmune arthritis, each MDSC subpopulation can exhibit both alternatives of a given characteristic. Moreover, polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) are likely to be more suppressive and stable compared with monocytic MDSCs (MO-MDSCs). Although various important cytokines associated with the differentiation of MDSCs or MDSC subpopulations from immature myeloid precursors, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), have been largely applied in external inductive systems, their roles are not entirely clear. Moreover, MDSC-based clinical treatments in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) continue to represent a significant challenge, as also reported for other autoimmune diseases. In this review, we describe the effects and actions of MDSC subpopulations on the development of autoimmune arthritis and analyze several types of MDSC-based therapeutic strategies to provide comprehensive information regarding immune networks and a foundation for more effective protocols for autoimmune arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dongwei Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Xueli Xia
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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26
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Safe S, Han H, Goldsby J, Mohankumar K, Chapkin RS. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Ligands as Selective AhR Modulators: Genomic Studies. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2018; 11-12:10-20. [PMID: 31453421 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) binds structurally diverse ligands that vary from the environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-B-dioxin (TCDD) to AhR- active pharmaceuticals and health-promoting phytochemicals. There are remarkable differences in the toxicity of TCDD and related halogenated aromatics (HAs) vs. health promoting AhR ligands, and genomic analysis shows that even among the toxic HAs, there are differences in their regulation of genes and pathways. Thus, like ligands for other receptors, AhR ligands are selective AhR modulators (SAhRMs) which exhibit variable tissue-, organ- and species-specific genomic and functional activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology
| | - Huajun Han
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Department of Nutrition & Food Science
- Program in Integrative Nutrition & Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Goldsby
- Department of Nutrition & Food Science
- Program in Integrative Nutrition & Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Robert S Chapkin
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Department of Nutrition & Food Science
- Program in Integrative Nutrition & Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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27
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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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28
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Brown MR, Garside H, Thompson E, Atwal S, Bean C, Goodall T, Sullivan M, Graham MJ. From the Cover: Development and Application of a Dual Rat and Human AHR Activation Assay. Toxicol Sci 2018; 160:408-419. [PMID: 29029351 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant prolonged aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation, classically exhibited following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, can cause a variety of undesirable toxicological effects. Novel pharmaceutical chemistries also have the potential to cause activation of AHR and consequent toxicities in pre-clinical species and man. Previous methods either employed relatively expensive and low-throughput primary hepatocyte dosing with PCR endpoint, or low resolution overexpressing reporter gene assays. We have developed, validated and applied an in vitro microtitre plate imaging-based medium throughput screening assay for the assessment of endogenous species-specific AHR activation potential via detection of induction of the surrogate transcriptional target Cytochrome P450 CYP1A1. Routine testing of pharmaceutical drug development candidate chemistries using this assay can influence the chemical design process and highlight AHR liabilities. This assay should be introduced such that human AHR activation liability is flagged early for confirmatory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Brown
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D Darwin, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Helen Garside
- Discovery Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Emma Thompson
- Discovery Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Saseela Atwal
- Discovery Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Chloe Bean
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leics LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Tony Goodall
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leics LE11 5RH, UK
| | | | - Mark J Graham
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leics LE11 5RH, UK
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29
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Ligand-mediated cytoplasmic retention of the Ah receptor inhibits macrophage-mediated acute inflammatory responses. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1471-1487. [PMID: 28892097 PMCID: PMC5711556 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ah receptor (AHR) has been shown to exhibit both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity in a context-specific manner. In vivo macrophage-driven acute inflammation models were utilized here to test whether the selective Ah receptor modulator 1-allyl-7-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-3-yl]-4-methoxyphenol (SGA360) would reduce inflammation. Exposure to SGA360 was capable of significantly inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated endotoxic shock in a mouse model, both in terms of lethality and attenuating inflammatory signaling in tissues. Topical exposure to SGA360 was also able to mitigate joint edema in a monosodium urate (MSU) crystal gout mouse model. Inhibition was dependent on the expression of the high-affinity allelic AHR variant in both acute inflammation models. Upon peritoneal MSU crystal exposure SGA360 pretreatment inhibited neutrophil and macrophage migration into the peritoneum. RNA-seq analysis revealed that SGA360 attenuated the expression of numerous inflammatory genes and genes known to be directly regulated by AHR in thioglycolate-elicited primary peritoneal macrophages treated with LPS. In addition, expression of the high-affinity allelic AHR variant in cultured macrophages was necessary for SGA360-mediated repression of inflammatory gene expression. Mechanistic studies revealed that SGA360 failed to induce nuclear translocation of the AHR and actually enhanced cytoplasmic localization. LPS treatment of macrophages enhanced the occupancy of the AHR and p65 to the Ptgs2 promoter, whereas SGA360 attenuated occupancy. AHR ligand activity was detected in peritoneal exudates isolated from MSU-treated mice, thus suggesting that the anti-inflammatory activity of SGA360 is mediated at least in part through AHR antagonism of endogenous agonist activity. These results underscore an important role of the AHR in participating in acute inflammatory signaling and warrants further investigations into possible clinical applications.
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30
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Abdu SB, Abdu F, Khalil WKB. Ginger Nanoparticles Modulate the Apoptotic Activity in Male Rats Exposed to Dioxin-Induced Cancer Initiation. INT J PHARMACOL 2017. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2017.946.957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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31
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Akishina AA, Vorontsova JE, Cherezov RO, Mertsalov IB, Zatsepina OG, Slezinger MS, Panin VM, Petruk S, Enikolopov GN, Mazo A, Simonova OB, Kuzin BA. Xenobiotic-induced activation of human aryl hydrocarbon receptor target genes in Drosophila is mediated by the epigenetic chromatin modifiers. Oncotarget 2017; 8:102934-102947. [PMID: 29262535 PMCID: PMC5732701 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is the key transcription factor that controls animal development and various adaptive processes. The AHR’s target genes are involved in biodegradation of endogenous and exogenous toxins, regulation of immune response, organogenesis, and neurogenesis. Ligand binding is important for the activation of the AHR signaling pathway. Invertebrate AHR homologs are activated by endogenous ligands whereas vertebrate AHR can be activated by both endogenous and exogenous ligands (xenobiotics). Several studies using mammalian cultured cells have demonstrated that transcription of the AHR target genes can be activated by exogenous AHR ligands, but little is known about the effects of AHR in a living organism. Here, we examined the effects of human AHR and its ligands using transgenic Drosophila lines with an inducible human AhR gene. We found that exogenous AHR ligands can increase as well as decrease the transcription levels of the AHR target genes, including genes that control proliferation, motility, polarization, and programmed cell death. This suggests that AHR activation may affect the expression of gene networks that could be critical for cancer progression and metastasis. Importantly, we found that AHR target genes are also controlled by the enzymes that modify chromatin structure, in particular components of the epigenetic Polycomb Repressive complexes 1 and 2. Since exogenous AHR ligands (alternatively – xenobiotics) and small molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modifiers are often used as pharmaceutical anticancer drugs, our findings may have significant implications in designing new combinations of therapeutic treatments for oncological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina A Akishina
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julia E Vorontsova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman O Cherezov
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Il'ya B Mertsalov
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga G Zatsepina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail S Slezinger
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav M Panin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Svetlana Petruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Grigori N Enikolopov
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Mazo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olga B Simonova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris A Kuzin
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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32
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Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in carcinogenesis and potential as an anti-cancer drug target. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2497-2513. [PMID: 28508231 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was initially identified as the receptor that binds and mediates the toxic effects induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and structurally related halogenated aromatics. Other toxic compounds including some polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons act through the AhR; however, during the last 25 years, it has become apparent that the AhR plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Moreover, the scope of ligands that bind the AhR includes endogenous compounds such as multiple tryptophan metabolites, other endogenous biochemicals, pharmaceuticals and health-promoting phytochemicals including flavonoids, indole-3-carbinol and its metabolites. It has also been shown that like other receptors, the AhR is a drug target for multiple diseases including cancer, where both AhR agonists and antagonists effectively block many of the critical hallmarks of cancer in multiple tumor types. This review describes the anti-cancer activities of AhR ligands and demonstrates that it is time to separate the AhR from TCDD and exploit the potential of the AhR as a novel target for cancer chemotherapy.
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33
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Abstract
Deficits in immunological tolerance against self-antigens and antigens provided by the diet and commensal microbiota can result in the development of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal regulators of the immune response, specialized in antigen presentation to drive T cell priming and differentiation. DCs also have a tolerogenic function, participating in the enforcement of central and peripheral tolerance and the resolution of ongoing immune responses. Thus, DCs control effector and regulatory mechanisms relevant to the pathology of autoimmune disorders. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the control of the adaptive immune response by tolerogenic DCs. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms that control the tolerogenic DC phenotype will guide the development of novel strategies for the treatment of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa C Takenaka
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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34
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Denison MS, Faber SC. And Now for Something Completely Different: Diversity in Ligand-Dependent Activation of Ah Receptor Responses. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 2:124-131. [PMID: 28845473 PMCID: PMC5570615 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-dependent activation of the Ah receptor (AhR) can result in an extremely diverse spectrum of biological and toxic effects that occur in a ligand-, species- and tissue-specific manner. While the classical mechanism of AhR-dependent signal transduction is directly related to its ability to modulate gene expression, the dramatic diversity in responses observed following AhR activation or inhibition is inconsistent with a single molecular mechanism of AhR action. Recent studies have revealed that key molecular events underlying the AhR signaling pathway are significantly more varied and complex than previously established, and the specificity and diversity in AhR response can be selectively modulated by a variety of factors. Here we describe new insights into the mechanistic diversity in AhR signal transduction that can contribute to ligand-, species- and tissue-specific differences in AhR reponse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Denison
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Samantha C Faber
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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35
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Xue Z, Li D, Yu W, Zhang Q, Hou X, He Y, Kou X. Mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of polyphenols as modulators of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Food Funct 2017; 8:1414-1437. [DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01810f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Polyphenolic AhR modulators displayed concentration-, XRE-, gene-, species- and cell-specific agonistic/antagonistic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Xue
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072
- China
| | - Dan Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072
- China
| | - Wancong Yu
- Medical Plant Laboratory
- Tianjin Research Center of Agricultural Biotechnology
- Tianjin 3000381
- China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072
- China
| | - Xiaonan Hou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072
- China
| | - Yulong He
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072
- China
| | - Xiaohong Kou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072
- China
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36
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Oka K, Kohno S, Ohta Y, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T, Katsu Y. Molecular cloning and characterization of the aryl hydrocarbon receptors and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocators in the American alligator. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:13-22. [PMID: 27174749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, binds to a variety of chemical compounds including various environmental contaminants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. This receptor regulates expression of target genes through dimerization with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Since AHR-ARNT signaling pathways differ among species, characterization of AHR and ARNT is important to assess the effects of environmental contamination and for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the intrinsic function. In this study, we isolated the cDNAs encoding three types of AHR and two types of ARNT from a reptile, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). In vitro reporter gene assays showed that all complexes of alligator AHR-ARNT were able to activate ligand-dependent transcription on a xenobiotic response element. We found that AHR-ARNT complexes had higher sensitivities to a ligand than AHR-ARNT2 complexes. Alligator AHR1B showed the highest sensitivity in transcriptional activation induced by indigo when compared with AHR1A and AHR2. Taken together, our data revealed that all three alligator AHRs and two ARNTs were functional in the AHR signaling pathway with ligand-dependent and isoform-specific transactivations in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Oka
- Graduate School of Life Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Medical University of South Carolina, and Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yasuhiko Ohta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Koyama, Tottori, Japan
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Medical University of South Carolina, and Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Katsu
- Graduate School of Life Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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37
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Differential cellular metabolite alterations in HaCaT cells caused by exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-binding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons chrysene, benzo[ a]pyrene and dibenzo[ a,l]pyrene. Toxicol Rep 2016; 3:763-773. [PMID: 28959603 PMCID: PMC5616077 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in the human environment. Since they are present in crude oilfractions used for the production of rubber and plastics, consumers may come into direct dermal contacts with these compounds (e.g., via tool handles) on a daily basis. Some individual PAHs are identified as genotoxic mutagens thereby prompting particular toxicological and environmental concern. Among this group, benzo[a]pyrene (BAP) constitutes a model carcinogen which is also used as reference compound for risk assessment purposes. It acts as a strong agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and becomes metabolically activated toward mutagenic and carcinogenic intermediates by cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases (CYPs). While BAP has been exhaustively characterized with regard to its toxicological properties, there is much less information available for other PAHs. We treated an AHR-proficient immortal human keratinocyte cell line (i.e., HaCaT) with three selected PAHs: BAP, chrysene (CRY) and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DALP). Compound-mediated alterations of endogenous metabolites were investigated by an LC–MS/MS-based targeted approach. To examine AHR-dependent changes of the measured metabolites, AHR-deficient HaCaT knockdown cells (AHR-KD) were used for comparison. Our results reveal that 24 metabolites are sufficient to separate the PAH-exposed cells from untreated controls by application of a multivariate model. Alterations in the metabolomics profiles caused by each PAH show influences on the energy and lipid metabolism of the cells indicating reduced tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity and β-oxidation. Up-regulation of sphingomyelin levels after exposure to BAP and DALP point to pro-apoptotic processes caused by these two potent PAHs. Our results suggest that in vitro metabolomics can serve as tool to develop bioassays for application in hazard assessment.
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Key Words
- AAs, amino acids
- ACs, acyl carnitines
- AHR, aryl hydrocarbon receptor
- Aryl hydrocarbon receptor
- BAP, benzo[a]pyrene
- BAs, biogenic amines
- CRY, chrysene
- DALP, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene
- Keratinocytes
- LPCs, lysophosphatidylcholines
- Metabolomics
- PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- PCs, phosphatidylcholines
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- SMs, sphingomyelines
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38
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Time-dependent transcriptomic and biochemical responses of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are explained by AHR activation time. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 115:134-43. [PMID: 27301797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and bind to the AHR with high affinity. Until recently, TCDD was considered to be the most potent AHR agonist, but several recent studies indicate that FICZ binds with greater affinity to the AHR than TCDD. To advance our understanding of the similarities and differences of the effects of FICZ and TCDD exposure in chicken embryo hepatocyte (CEH) cultures, we compared relative expression changes of 27 dioxin-responsive genes by the use of a chicken PCR array, porphyrin accumulation and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity at different time points. In addition, an egg injection study was performed to assess the effects of FICZ on the developing chicken embryo. The results of the current study showed: (1) mean EROD-derived relative potency values for FICZ compared to TCDD changed as a function of time (i.e. 9, 0.004, 0.0008 and 0.00008 at 3, 8, 24, and 48h, respectively) in CEH cultures; (2) FICZ exposure did not result in porphyrin accumulation in CEH cultures; (3) concordance between gene expression profiles for FICZ and TCDD was time- and concentration-dependent, and (4) no mortality or morphological abnormalities were observed in chicken embryos injected with 0.87ng FICZ/g egg into the air cell. The results presented herein suggest that while FICZ and TCDD share similar molecular targets, transient versus sustained AHR activation by FICZ and TCDD result in differential transcriptomic responses. Moreover, rapid metabolism of FICZ in hepatocytes resulted in a significant decrease in the induction of EROD activity.
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Atranorin and lecanoric acid antagonize TCDD-induced xenobiotic response element-driven activity, but not xenobiotic response element-independent activity. J Nat Med 2016; 70:476-82. [PMID: 26979434 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-016-0983-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms that consist of fungi and photosynthetic symbionts (algae and/or cyanobacteria). Previous studies of their constituents suggested lichens produce many kinds of aromatic secondary metabolites, such as depsides, quinones, and dibenzofurans. In this study, we evaluated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonistic activity of 17 lichen substances and demonstrated that atranorin (1) and lecanoric acid (2), isolated from Parmotrema tinctorum Hale, showed an inhibitory effect on luciferase activity increased by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), using an XRE-driven pX4TK-Luc reporter gene assay. In addition, CYP1A1 mRNA and protein levels increased by TCDD were also suppressed by 1 and 2. Conversely, neither 1 nor 2 antagonized the suppressive effect of TCDD on interleukin (IL)-1β-induced acute-phase response (APR) gene expression. Thus, we concluded that 1 and 2 were selective AhR modulators that antagonize XRE-dependent activity, but not XRE-independent activity. However, 1 has different characteristics to 2 in that 1 alone showed a suppressive effect on IL-1β-induced APR gene expression in a similar fashion to TCDD.
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Hubbard TD, Murray IA, Perdew GH. Indole and Tryptophan Metabolism: Endogenous and Dietary Routes to Ah Receptor Activation. Drug Metab Dispos 2015; 43:1522-35. [PMID: 26041783 PMCID: PMC4576673 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.064246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor recognized for its role in xenobiotic metabolism. The physiologic function of AHR has expanded to include roles in immune regulation, organogenesis, mucosal barrier function, and the cell cycle. These functions are likely dependent upon ligand-mediated activation of the receptor. High-affinity ligands of AHR have been classically defined as xenobiotics, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. Identification of endogenous AHR ligands is key to understanding the physiologic functions of this enigmatic receptor. Metabolic pathways targeting the amino acid tryptophan and indole can lead to a myriad of metabolites, some of which are AHR ligands. Many of these ligands exhibit species selective preferential binding to AHR. The discovery of specific tryptophan metabolites as AHR ligands may provide insight concerning where AHR is activated in an organism, such as at the site of inflammation and within the intestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy D Hubbard
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (T.D.H.), and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis and the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (T.D.H., I.A.M., G.H.P)., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Iain A Murray
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (T.D.H.), and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis and the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (T.D.H., I.A.M., G.H.P)., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology (T.D.H.), and Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis and the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (T.D.H., I.A.M., G.H.P)., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Lahoti TS, Boyer JA, Kusnadi A, Muku GE, Murray IA, Perdew GH. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation Synergistically Induces Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Expression of Proinflammatory Chemokine (c-c motif) Ligand 20. Toxicol Sci 2015; 148:229-40. [PMID: 26259605 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ah receptor (AHR) is directly involved in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. However, these activities are poorly understood at the level of gene regulation. The chemokine (c-c motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) plays a nonredundant role in the chemoattraction of C-C motif receptor 6 expressing cells (eg, T cells and others). A survey of promoter regions of chemokine genes revealed that there are several putative dioxin responsive elements in the mouse Ccl20 promoter. The addition of an AHR agonist along with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to cultured primary peritoneal macrophages results in synergistic induction of both Ccl20 mRNA and protein, compared with each compound alone. Through the use of macrophage cultures derived from Ahr(-) (/) (-) and Ahr(nls/nls) mice, it was established that expression of the AHR and its ability to translocate into the nucleus are necessary for AHR ligand-mediated synergistic induction of Ccl20. Gel shift analysis determined that a potent tandem AHR binding site ~3.1 kb upstream from the transcriptional start site can efficiently bind the AHR/ARNT (aryl hydrocarbon receptor/AHR nuclear translocator) heterodimer upon activation with a number of AHR agonists. Furthermore, studies reveal that LPS increases AHR levels on the Ccl20 promoter while decreasing HDAC1 occupancy. The level of Ccl20 constitutive expression in the colon is greatly attenuated in Ahr(-) (/) (-) mice. These studies suggest that the presence of AHR ligands during localized inflammation may augment chemokine expression, thus participating in the overall response to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas S Lahoti
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Jacob A Boyer
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Ann Kusnadi
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Gulsum E Muku
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Iain A Murray
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Gary H Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
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Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is best known for mediating the toxicity and tumour-promoting properties of the carcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, commonly referred to as ‘dioxin’. AHR influences the major stages of tumorigenesis — initiation, promotion, progression and metastasis — and physiologically relevant AHR ligands are often formed during disease states or during heightened innate and adaptive immune responses. Interestingly, ligand specificity and affinity vary between rodents and humans. Studies of aggressive tumours and tumour cell lines show increased levels of AHR and constitutive localization of this receptor in the nucleus. This suggests that the AHR is chronically activated in tumours, thus facilitating tumour progression. This Review discusses the role of AHR in tumorigenesis and the potential for therapeutic modulation of its activity in tumours.
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Jaronen M, Quintana FJ. Immunological Relevance of the Coevolution of IDO1 and AHR. Front Immunol 2014; 5:521. [PMID: 25368620 PMCID: PMC4202789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor initially identified because of its role in controlling the cellular response to environmental molecules. More recently, AHR has been shown to play a crucial role in controlling innate and adaptive immune responses through several mechanisms, one of which is the regulation of tryptophan metabolism. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are considered rate-limiting enzymes in the tryptophan catabolism and play important roles in the regulation of the immunity. Moreover, AHR and IDO/TDO are closely interconnected: AHR regulates IDO and TDO expression, and kynurenine produced by IDO/TDO is an AHR agonist. In this review, we propose to examine the relationship between AHR and IDO/TDO and its relevance for the regulation of the immune response in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merja Jaronen
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
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Hughes T, Briercheck EL, Freud AG, Trotta R, McClory S, Scoville SD, Keller K, Deng Y, Cole J, Harrison N, Mao C, Zhang J, Benson DM, Yu J, Caligiuri MA. The transcription Factor AHR prevents the differentiation of a stage 3 innate lymphoid cell subset to natural killer cells. Cell Rep 2014; 8:150-62. [PMID: 24953655 PMCID: PMC4133146 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that human natural killer (NK) cells develop in secondary lymphoid tissue (SLT) through a so-called "stage 3" developmental intermediate minimally characterized by a CD34(-)CD117(+)CD94(-) immunophenotype that lacks mature NK cell function. This stage 3 population is heterogeneous, potentially composed of functionally distinct innate lymphoid cell (ILC) types that include interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R1)-positive, IL-22-producing ILC3s. Whether human ILC3s are developmentally related to NK cells is a subject of ongoing investigation. Here, we show that antagonism of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) or silencing of AHR gene expression promotes the differentiation of tonsillar IL-22-producing IL-1R1(hi) human ILC3s to CD56(bright)CD94(+) interferon (IFN)-γ-producing cytolytic mature NK cells expressing eomesodermin (EOMES) and T-Box Protein 21 (TBX21 or TBET). Hence, we demonstrate the lineage plasticity of human ILCs by identifying AHR as a transcription factor that prevents IL-1R1(hi) ILC3s from differentiating into NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Hughes
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Edward L Briercheck
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aharon G Freud
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Rossana Trotta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Susan McClory
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steven D Scoville
- Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Karen Keller
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Youcai Deng
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jordan Cole
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nicholas Harrison
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Charlene Mao
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Don M Benson
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Integrated Biomedical Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Jin UH, Lee SO, Pfent C, Safe S. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand omeprazole inhibits breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:498. [PMID: 25011475 PMCID: PMC4226953 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with ER-negative breast tumors are among the most difficult to treat and exhibit low survival rates due, in part, to metastasis from the breast to various distal sites. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands show promise as antimetastatic drugs for estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer. METHODS Triple negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were treated with eight AHR-active pharmaceuticals including 4-hydroxtamoxifen, flutamide leflunomide, mexiletine, nimodipine, omeprazole, sulindac and tranilast, and the effects of these compounds on cell proliferation (MTT assay) and cell migration (Boyden chamber assay) were examined. The role of the AHR in mediating inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cell invasion was investigated by RNA interference (RNAi) and knockdown of AHR or cotreatment with AHR agonists. Lung metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated in mice administered cells by tail vein injection and prometastatic gene expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We showed that only the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole decreased MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasion in vitro. Omeprazole also significantly decreased MDA-MB-231 cancer cell metastasis to the lung in a mouse model (tail vein injection), and in vitro studies showed that omeprazole decreased expression of at least two prometastatic genes, namely matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Results of RNA interference studies confirmed that omeprazole-mediated downregulation of CXCR4 (but not MMP-9) was AHR-dependent. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that omeprazole recruited the AHR to regions in the CXCR4 promoter that contain dioxin response elements (DREs) and this was accompanied by the loss of pol II on the promoter and decreased expression of CXCR4. CONCLUSIONS AHR-active pharmaceuticals such as omeprazole that decrease breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis may have important clinical applications for late stage breast cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephen Safe
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, 2121 W, Holcombe Blvd,, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Ligand promiscuity of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists and antagonists revealed by site-directed mutagenesis. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:1707-19. [PMID: 24591650 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01183-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that can be activated by structurally diverse chemicals. To examine the mechanisms responsible for the promiscuity in AhR ligand binding, we determined the effects of mutations within the AhR ligand-binding domain (LBD) on the activity of diverse AhR ligands. Site-directed mutagenesis identified Ile319 of the mouse AhR and, to a lesser extent, Phe318 as residues involved in ligand-selective modulation of AhR transformation using a panel of 12 AhR ligands. These ligands could be categorized into four distinct structurally related groups based on their ability to activate AhR mutants at position 319 in vitro. The mutation I319K was selectively activated by FICZ and not by other examined ligands in vitro and in cell culture. F318L and F318A mutations resulted in the conversion of AhR agonists β-naphthoflavone and 3-methylcholanthrene, respectively, into partial agonists/antagonists. Hsp90 binding to the AhR was decreased with several mutations and was inversely correlated with AhR ligand-binding promiscuity. Together, these data define overlapping amino acid residues within the AhR LBD involved in the selectivity of ligand binding, the agonist or antagonist mode of ligand binding, and hsp90 binding and provide insights into the ligand diversity of AhR activators.
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47
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Lowe MM, Mold JE, Kanwar B, Huang Y, Louie A, Pollastri MP, Wang C, Patel G, Franks DG, Schlezinger J, Sherr DH, Silverstone AE, Hahn ME, McCune JM. Identification of cinnabarinic acid as a novel endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand that drives IL-22 production. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87877. [PMID: 24498387 PMCID: PMC3912126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) binds to environmental toxicants including synthetic halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and is involved in a diverse array of biological processes. Recently, the AHR was shown to control host immunity by affecting the balance between inflammatory T cells that produce IL-17 (Th17) and IL-22 versus regulatory T cells (Treg) involved in tolerance. While environmental AHR ligands can mediate this effect, endogenous ligands are likely to be more relevant in host immune responses. We investigated downstream metabolites of tryptophan as potential AHR ligands because (1) tryptophan metabolites have been implicated in regulating the balance between Th17 and Treg cells and (2) many of the AHR ligands identified thus far are derivatives of tryptophan. We characterized the ability of tryptophan metabolites to bind and activate the AHR and to increase IL-22 production in human T cells. We report that the tryptophan metabolite, cinnabarinic acid (CA), is an AHR ligand that stimulates the differentiation of human and mouse T cells producing IL-22. We compare the IL-22-stimulating activity of CA to that of other tryptophan metabolites and define stimulation conditions that lead to CA production from immune cells. Our findings link tryptophan metabolism to AHR activation and define a novel endogenous AHR agonist with potentially broad biological functions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cells, Cultured
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1/metabolism
- Humans
- Interleukins/metabolism
- Ligands
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Oxazines/metabolism
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/physiology
- Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Th17 Cells
- Tryptophan/metabolism
- Interleukin-22
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. Lowe
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jeff E. Mold
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Bittoo Kanwar
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yong Huang
- Drug Studies Unit, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander Louie
- Drug Studies Unit, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Pollastri
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cuihua Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gautam Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Diana G. Franks
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Schlezinger
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David H. Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Allen E. Silverstone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. McCune
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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48
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Shiizaki K, Ohsako S, Kawanishi M, Yagi T. Identification of amino acid residues in the ligand-binding domain of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor causing the species-specific response to omeprazole: possible determinants for binding putative endogenous ligands. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 85:279-89. [PMID: 24265133 DOI: 10.1124/mol.113.088856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Omeprazole (OME) induces the expression of genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP1A1, via activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) both in vivo and in vitro. However, the precise mechanism of OME-mediated AhR activation is still under investigation. While elucidating species-specific susceptibility to dioxin, we found that OME-mediated AhR activation was mammalian species specific. Moreover, we previously reported that OME has inhibitory activity toward CYP1A1 enzymes. From these observations, we speculated that OME-mediated AhR target gene transcription is due to AhR activation by increasing amounts of putative AhR ligands in serum by inhibition of CYP1A1 activity. We compared the amino acid sequences of OME-sensitive rabbit AhR and nonsensitive mouse AhR to identify the residues responsible for the species-specific response. Chimeric AhRs were constructed by exchanging domains between mouse and rabbit AhRs to define the region required for the response to OME. OME-mediated transactivation was observed only with the chimeric AhR that included the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the rabbit AhR. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed three amino acids (M328, T353, and F367) in the rabbit AhR that were responsible for OME-mediated transactivation. Replacing these residues with those of the mouse AhR abolished the response of the rabbit AhR. In contrast, substitutions of these amino acids with those of the rabbit AhR altered nonsensitive mouse AhR to become sensitive to OME. These results suggest that OME-mediated AhR activation requires a specific structure within LBD that is probably essential for binding with enigmatic endogenous ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Shiizaki
- Division of Cancer Development System, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan (K.S.); Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan (S.O.); Department of Life Science, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea (T.Y.); and Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan (M.K., T.Y.)
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Budinsky RA, Schrenk D, Simon T, Van den Berg M, Reichard JF, Silkworth JB, Aylward LL, Brix A, Gasiewicz T, Kaminski N, Perdew G, Starr TB, Walker NJ, Rowlands JC. Mode of action and dose–response framework analysis for receptor-mediated toxicity: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a case study. Crit Rev Toxicol 2013; 44:83-119. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.835787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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50
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Quintana FJ. Regulation of central nervous system autoimmunity by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Semin Immunopathol 2013; 35:627-35. [PMID: 23999753 PMCID: PMC3819215 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-013-0397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor controls the activity of several components of the immune system, many of which play an important role in neuroinflammation. This review discusses the role of AhR in T cells and dendritic cells, its relevance for the control of autoimmunity in the central nervous system, and its potential as a therapeutic target for immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Quintana
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,
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