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Yu J, Li L, Tao X, Chen Y, Dong D. Metabolic interactions of host-gut microbiota: New possibilities for the precise diagnosis and therapeutic discovery of gastrointestinal cancer in the future-A review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 203:104480. [PMID: 39154670 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge. Recent advances in our understanding of the complex relationship between the host and gut microbiota have shed light on the critical role of metabolic interactions in the pathogenesis and progression of GI cancer. In this study, we examined how microbiota interact with the host to influence signalling pathways that impact the formation of GI tumours. Additionally, we investigated the potential therapeutic approach of manipulating GI microbiota for use in clinical settings. Revealing the complex molecular exchanges between the host and gut microbiota facilitates a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive cancer development. Metabolic interactions hold promise for the identification of microbial signatures or metabolic pathways associated with specific stages of cancer. Hence, this study provides potential strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and management of GI cancers to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Xufeng Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China.
| | - Yanwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China.
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China.
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2
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Sies H, Mailloux RJ, Jakob U. Fundamentals of redox regulation in biology. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:701-719. [PMID: 38689066 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are central to the existence of life. Reactive species of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur mediate redox control of a wide range of essential cellular processes. Yet, excessive levels of oxidants are associated with ageing and many diseases, including cardiological and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Hence, maintaining the fine-tuned steady-state balance of reactive species production and removal is essential. Here, we discuss new insights into the dynamic maintenance of redox homeostasis (that is, redox homeodynamics) and the principles underlying biological redox organization, termed the 'redox code'. We survey how redox changes result in stress responses by hormesis mechanisms, and how the lifelong cumulative exposure to environmental agents, termed the 'exposome', is communicated to cells through redox signals. Better understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of redox biology will guide novel redox medicine approaches aimed at preventing and treating diseases associated with disturbed redox regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Sies
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Ryan J Mailloux
- School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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3
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Mosa FES, Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, Dyck JRB, Barakat K, El-Kadi AOS. Identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor allosteric antagonists from clinically approved drugs. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22232. [PMID: 38992915 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in a diverse array of pathways in biological and pathophysiological events. This position AhR as a promising target for both carcinogenesis and antitumor strategies. In this study we utilized computational modeling to screen and identify FDA-approved drugs binding to the allosteric site between α2 of bHLH and PAS-A domains of AhR, with the aim of inhibiting its canonical pathway activity. Our findings indicated that nilotinib effectively fits into the allosteric pocket and forms interactions with crucial residues F82, Y76, and Y137. Binding free energy value of nilotinib is the lowest among top hits and maintains stable within its pocket throughout entire (MD) simulations time. Nilotinib has also substantial interactions with F295 and Q383 when it binds to orthosteric site and activate AhR. Surprisingly, it does not influence AhR nuclear translocation in the presence of AhR agonists; instead, it hinders the formation of the functional AhR-ARNT-DNA heterodimer assembly, preventing the upregulation of regulated enzymes like CYP1A1. Importantly, nilotinib exhibits a dual impact on AhR, modulating AhR activity via the PAS-B domain and working as a noncompetitive allosteric antagonist capable of blocking the canonical AhR signaling pathway in the presence of potent AhR agonists. These findings open a new avenue for the repositioning of nilotinib beyond its current application in diverse diseases mediated via AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jason R B Dyck
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Teffera M, Veith AC, Ronnekleiv-Kelly S, Bradfield CA, Nikodemova M, Tussing-Humphreys L, Malecki K. Diverse mechanisms by which chemical pollutant exposure alters gut microbiota metabolism and inflammation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108805. [PMID: 38901183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome, the host, and the environment are inextricably linked across the life course with significant health impacts. Consisting of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other micro-organisms, microbiota living within our gut are particularly dynamic and responsible for digestion and metabolism of diverse classes of ingested chemical pollutants. Exposure to chemical pollutants not only in early life but throughout growth and into adulthood can alter human hosts' ability to absorb and metabolize xenobiotics, nutrients, and other components critical to health and longevity. Inflammation is a common mechanism underlying multiple environmentally related chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, multiple cancer types, and mental health. While growing research supports complex interactions between pollutants and the gut microbiome, significant gaps exist. Few reviews provide descriptions of the complex mechanisms by which chemical pollutants interact with the host microbiome through either direct or indirect pathways to alter disease risk, with a particular focus on inflammatory pathways. This review focuses on examples of several classes of pollutants commonly ingested by humans, including (i) heavy metals, (ii) persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and (iii) nitrates. Digestive enzymes and gut microbes are the first line of absorption and metabolism of these chemicals, and gut microbes have been shown to alter compounds from a less to more toxic state influencing subsequent distribution and excretion. In addition, chemical pollutants may interact with or alter the selection of more harmful and less commensal microbiota, leading to gut dysbiosis, and changes in receptor-mediated signaling pathways that alter the integrity and function of the gut intestinal tract. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead (heavy metals), influence the microbiome directly by altering different classes of bacteria, and subsequently driving inflammation through metabolite production and different signaling pathways (LPS/TLR4 or proteoglycan/TLR2 pathways). POPs can alter gut microbial composition either directly or indirectly depending on their ability to activate key signaling pathways within the intestine (e.g., PCB-126 and AHR). Nitrates and nitrites' effect on the gut and host may depend on their ability to be transformed to secondary and tertiary metabolites by gut bacteria. Future research should continue to support foundational research both in vitro, in vivo, and longitudinal population-based research to better identify opportunities for prevention, gain additional mechanistic insights into the complex interactions between environmental pollutants and the microbiome and support additional translational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menna Teffera
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US.
| | - Alex C Veith
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US.
| | - Sean Ronnekleiv-Kelly
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US.
| | - Christopher A Bradfield
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US.
| | - Maria Nikodemova
- College of Public Health and Health Professionals, University of Florida, FL, US.
| | - Lisa Tussing-Humphreys
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, US; University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, US.
| | - Kristen Malecki
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US; University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, US; Environmental Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, US.
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5
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Houser CL, Fenner KN, Lawrence BP. Timing influences the impact of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation on the humoral immune response to respiratory viral infection. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 489:117010. [PMID: 38901696 PMCID: PMC11240840 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.117010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Humoral responses to respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, develop over time and are central to protection from repeated infection with the same or similar viruses. Epidemiological and experimental studies have linked exposures to environmental contaminants that bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) with modulated antibody responses to pathogenic microorganisms and common vaccinations. Other studies have prompted investigation into the potential therapeutic applications of compounds that activate AHR. Herein, using two different AHR ligands [2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 2-(1H-Indol-3-ylcarbonyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), to modulate the duration of AHR activity, we show that the humoral response to viral infection is dependent upon the duration and timing of AHR signaling, and that different cellular elements of the response have different sensitivities. When AHR activation was initiated prior to infection with influenza A virus, there was suppression of all measured elements of the humoral response (i.e., the frequency of T follicular helper cells, germinal center B cells, plasma cells, and circulating virus-specific antibody). However, when the timing of AHR activation was adjusted to either early (days -1 to +5 relative to infection) or later (days +5 onwards), then AHR activation affected different aspects of the overall humoral response. These findings highlight the importance of considering the timing of AHR activation in relation to triggering an immune response, particularly when targeting the AHR to manipulate disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Houser
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA
| | - Kristina N Fenner
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA.
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Jonić N, Koprivica I, Chatzigiannis CM, Tsiailanis AD, Kyrkou SG, Tzakos EP, Pavić A, Dimitrijević M, Jovanović A, Jovanović MB, Marinho S, Castro-Almeida I, Otašević V, Moura-Alves P, Tzakos AG, Stojanović I. Development of FluoAHRL: A Novel Synthetic Fluorescent Compound That Activates AHR and Potentiates Anti-Inflammatory T Regulatory Cells. Molecules 2024; 29:2988. [PMID: 38998940 PMCID: PMC11243367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29132988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) ligands, upon binding, induce distinct gene expression profiles orchestrated by the AHR, leading to a spectrum of pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we designed, synthesized and evaluated three indole-containing potential AHR ligands (FluoAHRL: AGT-4, AGT-5 and AGT-6). All synthesized compounds were shown to emit fluorescence in the near-infrared. Their AHR agonist activity was first predicted using in silico docking studies, and then confirmed using AHR luciferase reporter cell lines. FluoAHRLs were tested in vitro using mouse peritoneal macrophages and T lymphocytes to assess their immunomodulatory properties. We then focused on AGT-5, as it illustrated the predominant anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, AGT-5 demonstrated the ability to foster anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Treg) while suppressing pro-inflammatory T helper (Th)17 cells in vitro. AGT-5 actively induced Treg differentiation from naïve CD4+ cells, and promoted Treg proliferation, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. The increase in IL-10 correlated with an upregulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) expression. Importantly, the Treg-inducing effect of AGT-5 was also observed in human tonsil cells in vitro. AGT-5 showed no toxicity when applied to zebrafish embryos and was therefore considered safe for animal studies. Following oral administration to C57BL/6 mice, AGT-5 significantly upregulated Treg while downregulating pro-inflammatory Th1 cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Due to its fluorescent properties, AGT-5 could be visualized both in vitro (during uptake by macrophages) and ex vivo (within the lamina propria of the small intestine). These findings make AGT-5 a promising candidate for further exploration in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalija Jonić
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Ivan Koprivica
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Christos M. Chatzigiannis
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Antonis D. Tsiailanis
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Stavroula G. Kyrkou
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | | | - Aleksandar Pavić
- Laboratory for Microbial Molecular Genetics and Ecology, Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mirjana Dimitrijević
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Andjelina Jovanović
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology with Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center “Zemun”, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (M.B.J.)
| | - Milan B. Jovanović
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology with Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center “Zemun”, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (M.B.J.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sérgio Marinho
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Castro-Almeida
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vesna Otašević
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreas G. Tzakos
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
- Institute of Materials Science and Computing, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ivana Stojanović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
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7
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Heine S, Alessandrini F, Grosch J, Graß C, Heldner A, Schnautz B, Grosch J, Buters J, Slusarenko BO, Krappmann D, Fallarino F, Ohnmacht C, Schmidt-Weber CB, Blank S. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor improves allergen-specific immunotherapy of murine allergic airway inflammation: a novel adjuvant option? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397072. [PMID: 38915403 PMCID: PMC11194380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is able to restore immune tolerance to allergens in allergic patients. However, some patients do not or only poorly respond to current treatment protocols. Therefore, there is a need for deeper mechanistic insights and further improvement of treatment strategies. The relevance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, has been investigated in several inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. However, its potential role in AIT still needs to be addressed. Methods A murine model of AIT in ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation was performed in AhR-deficient (AhR-/-) and wild-type mice. Furthermore, AIT was combined with the application of the high-affinity AhR agonist 10-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (10-Cl-BBQ) as an adjuvant to investigate the effects of AhR activation on therapeutic outcome. Results Although AhR-/- mice suffer stronger allergic responses than wild-type mice, experimental AIT is comparably effective in both. Nevertheless, combining AIT with the administration of 10-Cl-BBQ improved therapeutic effects by an AhR-dependent mechanism, resulting in decreased cell counts in the bronchoalveolar fluid, decreased pulmonary Th2 and Th17 cell levels, and lower sIgE levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the success of AIT is not dependent on the AhR. However, targeting the AhR during AIT can help to dampen inflammation and improve tolerogenic vaccination. Therefore, AhR ligands might represent promising candidates as immunomodulators to enhance the efficacy of AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Heine
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Grosch
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Carina Graß
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Center, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Heldner
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schnautz
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Grosch
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin O. Slusarenko
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Krappmann
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Group Signaling and Immunity, Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Center, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Caspar Ohnmacht
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten B. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Blank
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health & Helmholtz Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Immunology and Inflammation Initiative of the Helmholtz Association, Munich, Germany
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8
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Snapkow I, Smith NM, Arnesdotter E, Beekmann K, Blanc EB, Braeuning A, Corsini E, Sollner Dolenc M, Duivenvoorde LPM, Sundstøl Eriksen G, Franko N, Galbiati V, Gostner JM, Grova N, Gutleb AC, Hargitai R, Janssen AWF, Krapf SA, Lindeman B, Lumniczky K, Maddalon A, Mollerup S, Parráková L, Pierzchalski A, Pieters RHH, Silva MJ, Solhaug A, Staal YCM, Straumfors A, Szatmári T, Turner JD, Vandebriel RJ, Zenclussen AC, Barouki R. New approach methodologies to enhance human health risk assessment of immunotoxic properties of chemicals - a PARC (Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals) project. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1339104. [PMID: 38654939 PMCID: PMC11035811 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1339104] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As a complex system governing and interconnecting numerous functions within the human body, the immune system is unsurprisingly susceptible to the impact of toxic chemicals. Toxicants can influence the immune system through a multitude of mechanisms, resulting in immunosuppression, hypersensitivity, increased risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer development. At present, the regulatory assessment of the immunotoxicity of chemicals relies heavily on rodent models and a limited number of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guidelines, which only capture a fraction of potential toxic properties. Due to this limitation, various authorities, including the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority have highlighted the need for the development of novel approaches without the use of animals for immunotoxicity testing of chemicals. In this paper, we present a concise overview of ongoing efforts dedicated to developing and standardizing methodologies for a comprehensive characterization of the immunotoxic effects of chemicals, which are performed under the EU-funded Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Snapkow
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicola M. Smith
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emma Arnesdotter
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Karsten Beekmann
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Braeuning
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Université degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Loes P. M. Duivenvoorde
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Nina Franko
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Université degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Johanna M. Gostner
- Biochemical Immunotoxicology Group, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nathalie Grova
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Arno C. Gutleb
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Rita Hargitai
- Unit of Radiation Medicine, Department of Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aafke W. F. Janssen
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Solveig A. Krapf
- Section for Occupational Toxicology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgitte Lindeman
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katalin Lumniczky
- Unit of Radiation Medicine, Department of Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ambra Maddalon
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Université degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Steen Mollerup
- Section for Occupational Toxicology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lucia Parráková
- Biochemical Immunotoxicology Group, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Raymond H. H. Pieters
- Innovative Testing in Life Sciences and Chemistry, Research Center for Healthy and Sustainable Living, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands
- IRAS-Toxicology, Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maria J. Silva
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Yvonne C. M. Staal
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Anne Straumfors
- Section for Occupational Toxicology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tünde Szatmári
- Unit of Radiation Medicine, Department of Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jonathan D. Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rob J. Vandebriel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | | | - Robert Barouki
- T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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9
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Hýžďalová M, Procházková J, Straková N, Pěnčíková K, Strapáčová S, Slováčková J, Kajabová S, Líbalová H, Topinka J, Kabátková M, Vondráček J, Mollerup S, Machala M. Transcriptional and phenotypical alterations associated with a gradual benzo[a]pyrene-induced transition of human bronchial epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104424. [PMID: 38522766 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a prominent genotoxic carcinogen and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, in tumor progression remains poorly characterized. We investigated the impact of BaP on the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in normal human bronchial epithelial HBEC-12KT cells. Early morphological changes after 2-week exposure were accompanied with induction of SERPINB2, IL1, CDKN1A/p21 (linked with cell cycle delay) and chemokine CXCL5. After 8-week exposure, induction of cell migration and EMT-related pattern of markers/regulators led to induction of further pro-inflammatory cytokines or non-canonical Wnt pathway ligand WNT5A. This trend of up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes and non-canonical Wnt pathway constituents was observed also in the BaP-transformed HBEC-12KT-B1 cells. In general, transcriptional effects of BaP differed from those of TGFβ1, a prototypical EMT inducer, or a model non-genotoxic AhR ligand, TCDD. Carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons could thus induce a unique set of molecular changes linked with EMT and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hýžďalová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic; Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Nicol Straková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Pěnčíková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Strapáčová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Slováčková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic; Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Kajabová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Líbalová
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Kabátková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Steen Mollerup
- Research Group for Occupational Toxicology, The National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway, Oslo 0304, Norway
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic.
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10
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Mosa FES, Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, Barakat K, El-Kadi AOS. Identifying novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulators from clinically approved drugs: In silico screening and In vitro validation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109958. [PMID: 38499054 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functions as a vital ligand-activated transcription factor, governing both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Notably, it responds to xenobiotics, leading to a diverse array of outcomes. In the context of drug repurposing, we present here a combined approach of utilizing structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. This approach aims to identify potential AhR modulators from Drugbank repository of clinically approved drugs. By focusing on the AhR PAS-B binding pocket, our screening protocol included binding affinities calculations, complex stability, and interactions within the binding site as a filtering method. Comprehensive evaluations of all DrugBank small molecule database revealed ten promising hits. This included flibanserin, butoconazole, luliconazole, naftifine, triclabendazole, rosiglitazone, empagliflozin, benperidol, nebivolol, and zucapsaicin. Each exhibiting diverse binding behaviors and remarkably very low binding free energy. Experimental studies further illuminated their modulation of AhR signaling, and showing that they are consistently reducing AhR activity, except for luliconazole, which intriguingly enhances the AhR activity. This work demonstrates the possibility of using computational modelling as a quick screening tool to predict new AhR modulators from extensive drug libraries. Importantly, these findings hold immense therapeutic potential for addressing AhR-associated disorders. Consequently, it offers compelling prospects for innovative interventions through drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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11
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Mosa FES, AlRawashdeh S, El-Kadi AOS, Barakat K. Investigating the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist/Antagonist Conformational Switch Using Well-Tempered Metadynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2021-2034. [PMID: 38457778 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates biological signals to control various complicated cellular functions. It plays a crucial role in environmental sensing and xenobiotic metabolism. Dysregulation of AhR is associated with health concerns, including cancer and immune system disorders. Upon binding to AhR ligands, AhR, along with heat shock protein 90 and other partner proteins undergoes a transformation in the nucleus, heterodimerizes with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), and mediates numerous biological functions by inducing the transcription of various AhR-responsive genes. In this manuscript, the 3-dimensional structure of the entire human AhR is obtained using an artificial intelligence tool, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study different structural conformations. These conformations provide insights into the protein's function and movement in response to ligand binding. Understanding the dynamic behavior of AhR will contribute to the development of targeted therapies for associated health conditions. Therefore, we employ well-tempered metadynamics (WTE-metaD) simulations to explore the conformational landscape of AhR and obtain a better understanding of its functional behavior. Our computational results are in excellent agreement with previous experimental findings, revealing the closed and open states of helix α1 in the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH domain) in the cytoplasm at the atomic level. We also predict the inactive form of AhR and identify Arginine 42 as a key residue that regulates switching between closed and open conformations in existing AhR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sara AlRawashdeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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12
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Cortés-Miranda J, Rojas-Hernández N, Muñoz G, Copaja S, Quezada-Romegialli C, Veliz D, Vega-Retter C. Biomarker selection depends on gene function and organ: the case of the cytochrome P450 family genes in freshwater fish exposed to chronic pollution. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16925. [PMID: 38371375 PMCID: PMC10874176 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollution and its effects have been of major concern in recent decades. Many strategies and markers have been developed to assess their effects on biota. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes have received significant attention in this context because of their relationship with detoxification and activation of exogenous compounds. While their expression has been identified as a pollution exposure biomarker, in most cases, it has been tested only after acute exposures and for CYP genes associated with exogenous compounds. To elucidate CYP gene expression patterns under chronic pollution exposure, we have used the silverside Basilichthys microlepidotus as a model, which inhabits the Maipo River Basin, a freshwater system with different pollution levels. We performed next-generation RNA sequencing of liver and gill tissues from polluted and non-polluted populations. We found most CYP genes were not dysregulated by pollution, and the seven genes that were present and differentially expressed in liver and gill were mainly downregulated. Three CYP genes associated with exogenous compounds showed differential expression in the gill, while four CYP genes associated with endogenous compounds showed differential expression in the liver. The findings presented here highlight the importance of CYP genes, his family, tissues and his interaction in the context of pollution biomarkers use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cortés-Miranda
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Noemí Rojas-Hernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Gigliola Muñoz
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Sylvia Copaja
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Claudio Quezada-Romegialli
- Laboratorio de Genómica y ADN ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile
| | - David Veliz
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
- Centro de Ecología y Manejo Sustentable de Islas Oceánicas., Coquimbo, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Caren Vega-Retter
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
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13
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Sharma D, Partch CL. PAS Dimerization at the Nexus of the Mammalian Circadian Clock. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168341. [PMID: 37924861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168341] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are genetically encoded molecular clocks for internal biological timekeeping. Organisms from single-cell bacteria to humans use these clocks to adapt to the external environment and synchronize their physiology and behavior to solar light/dark cycles. Although the proteins that constitute the molecular 'cogs' and give rise to circadian rhythms are now known, we still lack a detailed understanding of how these proteins interact to generate and sustain the ∼24-hour circadian clock. Structural studies have helped to expand the architecture of clock proteins and have revealed the abundance of the only well-defined structured regions in the mammalian clock called Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domains. PAS domains are modular, evolutionarily conserved sensory and signaling domains that typically mediate protein-protein interactions. In the mammalian circadian clock, PAS domains modulate homo and heterodimerization of several core clock proteins that assemble into transcription factors or repressors. This review will focus on the functional importance of the PAS domains in the circadian clock from a biophysical and biochemical standpoint and describe their roles in clock protein interactions and circadian timekeeping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Sharma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Carrie L Partch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, CA, United States; Center for Circadian Biology, University of California San Diego, CA, United States.
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14
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Kwong HS, Paloni M, Grandvuillemin L, Sirounian S, Ancelin A, Lai-Kee-Him J, Grimaldi M, Carivenc C, Lancey C, Ragan TJ, Hesketh EL, Balaguer P, Barducci A, Gruszczyk J, Bourguet W. Structural Insights into the Activation of Human Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by the Environmental Contaminant Benzo[a]pyrene and Structurally Related Compounds. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168411. [PMID: 38135181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor belonging to the bHLH/PAS protein family and responding to hundreds of natural and chemical substances. It is primarily involved in the defense against chemical insults and bacterial infections or in the adaptive immune response, but also in the development of pathological conditions ranging from inflammatory to neoplastic disorders. Despite its prominent roles in many (patho)physiological processes, the lack of high-resolution structural data has precluded for thirty years an in-depth understanding of the structural mechanisms underlying ligand-binding specificity, promiscuity and activation of AHR. We recently reported a cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of human AHR bound to the natural ligand indirubin, the chaperone Hsp90 and the co-chaperone XAP2 that provided the first experimental visualization of its ligand-binding PAS-B domain. Here, we report a 2.75 Å resolution structure of the AHR complex bound to the environmental pollutant benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The structure substantiates the existence of a bipartite PAS-B ligand-binding pocket with a geometrically constrained primary binding site controlling ligand binding specificity and affinity, and a secondary binding site contributing to the binding promiscuity of AHR. We also report a docking study of B[a]P congeners that validates the B[a]P-bound PAS-B structure as a suitable model for accurate computational ligand binding assessment. Finally, comparison of our agonist-bound complex with the recently reported structures of mouse and fruit fly AHR PAS-B in different activation states suggests a ligand-induced loop conformational change potentially involved in the regulation of AHR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hok-Sau Kwong
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Matteo Paloni
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Loïc Grandvuillemin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Savannah Sirounian
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie Ancelin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Josephine Lai-Kee-Him
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Marina Grimaldi
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Coralie Carivenc
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Claudia Lancey
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Timothy J Ragan
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Emma L Hesketh
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Rd, Leicester LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Alessandro Barducci
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Jakub Gruszczyk
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - William Bourguet
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
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15
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Cholico GN, Fling RR, Sink WJ, Nault R, Zacharewski T. Inhibition of the urea cycle by the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increases serum ammonia levels in mice. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105500. [PMID: 38013089 PMCID: PMC10731612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105500] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor known for mediating the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. TCDD induces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-like pathologies including simple steatosis that can progress to steatohepatitis with fibrosis and bile duct proliferation in male mice. Dose-dependent progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis with fibrosis by TCDD has been associated with metabolic reprogramming, including the disruption of amino acid metabolism. Here, we used targeted metabolomic analysis to reveal dose-dependent changes in the level of ten serum and eleven hepatic amino acids in mice upon treatment with TCDD. Bulk RNA-seq and protein analysis showed TCDD repressed CPS1, OTS, ASS1, ASL, and GLUL, all of which are associated with the urea cycle and glutamine biosynthesis. Urea and glutamine are end products of the detoxification and excretion of ammonia, a toxic byproduct of amino acid catabolism. Furthermore, we found that the catalytic activity of OTC, a rate-limiting step in the urea cycle was also dose dependently repressed. These results are consistent with an increase in circulating ammonia. Collectively, the repression of the urea and glutamate-glutamine cycles increased circulating ammonia levels and the toxicity of TCDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovan N Cholico
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Russell R Fling
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Warren J Sink
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Rance Nault
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Tim Zacharewski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
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16
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Zhou N, Chen J, Ling Z, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Wang D, Zhou L, Wang Z, Sun N, Wang X, Zhang H, Tang K, Ma J, Lv J, Huang B. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor sulfenylation promotes glycogenolysis and rescues cancer chemoresistance. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170753. [PMID: 38099490 PMCID: PMC10721154 DOI: 10.1172/jci170753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels is a general consequence of tumor cells' response to treatment and may cause tumor cell death. Mechanisms by which tumor cells clear fatal ROS, thereby rescuing redox balance and entering a chemoresistant state, remain unclear. Here, we show that cysteine sulfenylation by ROS confers on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) the ability to dissociate from the heat shock protein 90 complex but to bind to the PPP1R3 family member PPP1R3C of the glycogen complex in drug-treated tumor cells, thus activating glycogen phosphorylase to initiate glycogenolysis and the subsequent pentose phosphate pathway, leading to NADPH production for ROS clearance and chemoresistance formation. We found that basic ROS levels were higher in chemoresistant cells than in chemosensitive cells, guaranteeing the rapid induction of AHR sulfenylation for the clearance of excess ROS. These findings reveal that AHR can act as an ROS sensor to mediate chemoresistance, thus providing a potential strategy to reverse chemoresistance in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zhou
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Zheng Ling
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Chaoqi Zhang
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital; and
| | - Yabo Zhou
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Dianheng Wang
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital; and
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ke Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
| | - Jingwei Ma
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiadi Lv
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
- Department of Pathology
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17
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Lkhagva-Yondon E, Seo MS, Oh Y, Jung J, Jeon E, Na K, Yoo HS, Kim WC, Esser C, Song SU, Jeon MS. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor controls mesenchymal stromal cell-mediated immunomodulation via ubiquitination of eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:812. [PMID: 38071243 PMCID: PMC10710493 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great therapeutic advantages due to their immunosuppressive properties. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor whose signaling plays an important role in the immune system. AHR may be involved in the regulation of MSC-associated immunomodulatory functions. However, the mechanisms by which AHR controls the immunosuppressive functions of MSCs are not well understood. Here, we report that Ahr-deficient MSCs show decreased therapeutic efficacy against graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) compared to wild-type (WT)-MSCs. This was probably due to decreased iNOS protein expression, which is a key regulatory enzyme in MSC immunomodulation. The expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), which inhibits the elongation stage of protein synthesis, is significantly increased in the Ahr-deficient MSCs. Inhibition of eEF2K restored iNOS protein expression. AHR is known to act as an E3 ligase together with CUL4B. We observed constitutive binding of AHR to eEF2K. Consequently, ubiquitination and degradation of eEF2K were inhibited in Ahr-deficient MSCs and by the AHR antagonist CH223191 in WT-MSCs. In summary, AHR regulates the immunomodulatory functions of MSCs through ubiquitination of eEF2K, thereby controlling iNOS protein synthesis and its product, nitric oxide levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhmaa Lkhagva-Yondon
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Seong Seo
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Yena Oh
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, College of Medicine Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghun Jung
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhae Jeon
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, College of Medicine Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmin Na
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seung Yoo
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, College of Medicine Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Chul Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, 40021, Germany
| | - Sun U Song
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, College of Medicine Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
- SCM Lifescience, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Shin Jeon
- Translational Research Center, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, 22332, Republic of Korea.
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, College of Medicine Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
- SCM Lifescience, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Barouki R. Invited Perspective: Reference Values à la Mode of Action. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:121309. [PMID: 38157271 PMCID: PMC10756337 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
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19
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Diedrich JD, Cole CE, Pianko MJ, Colacino JA, Bernard JJ. Non-Toxicological Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Obesity-Associated Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth and Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5255. [PMID: 37958428 PMCID: PMC10649826 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215255] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is not only a risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM) incidence, but it is also associated with an increased risk of progression from myeloma precursors-monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-and smoldering myeloma. Adipocytes in the bone marrow (BMAs) microenvironment have been shown to facilitate MM cell growth via secreted factors, but the nature of these secreted factors and their mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. The elevated expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is associated with a variety of different cancers, including MM; however, the role of AhR activity in obesity-associated MM cell growth and survival has not been explored. Indeed, this is of particular interest as it has been recently shown that bone marrow adipocytes are a source of endogenous AhR ligands. Using multiple in vitro models of tumor-adipocyte crosstalk to mimic the bone microenvironment, we identified a novel, non-toxicological role of the adipocyte-secreted factors in the suppression of AhR activity in MM cells. A panel of six MM cell lines were cultured in the presence of bone marrow adipocytes in (1) a direct co-culture, (2) a transwell co-culture, or (3) an adipocyte-conditioned media to interrogate the effects of the secreted factors on MM cell AhR activity. Nuclear localization and the transcriptional activity of the AhR, as measured by CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene induction, were suppressed by exposure to BMA-derived factors. Additionally, decreased AhR target gene expression was associated with worse clinical outcomes. The knockdown of AhR resulted in reduced CYP1B1 expression and increased cellular growth. This tumor-suppressing role of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was supported by patient data which demonstrated an association between reduced target gene expression and worse overall survival. These data demonstrated a novel mechanism by which bone marrow adipocytes promote MM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Diedrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Craig E. Cole
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48910, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, McLaren Greater Lansing, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Matthew J. Pianko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Justin A. Colacino
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jamie J. Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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20
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Vázquez-Gómez G, Petráš J, Dvořák Z, Vondráček J. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) play both distinct and common roles in the regulation of colon homeostasis and intestinal carcinogenesis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115797. [PMID: 37696457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Both aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) belong among key regulators of xenobiotic metabolism in the intestinal tissue. AhR in particular is activated by a wide range of environmental and dietary carcinogens. The data accumulated over the last two decades suggest that both of these transcriptional regulators play a much wider role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, and that both transcription factors may affect processes linked with intestinal tumorigenesis. Intestinal epithelium is continuously exposed to a wide range of AhR, PXR and dual AhR/PXR ligands formed by intestinal microbiota or originating from diet. Current evidence suggests that specific ligands of both AhR and PXR can protect intestinal epithelium against inflammation and assist in the maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity. AhR, and to a lesser extent also PXR, have been shown to play a protective role against inflammation-induced colon cancer, or, in mouse models employing overactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In contrast, other evidence suggests that both receptors may contribute to modulation of transformed colon cell behavior, with a potential to promote cancer progression and/or chemoresistance. The review focuses on both overlapping and separate roles of the two receptors in these processes, and on possible implications of their activity within the context of intestinal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Vázquez-Gómez
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Petráš
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
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21
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Opitz CA, Holfelder P, Prentzell MT, Trump S. The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115798. [PMID: 37696456 PMCID: PMC10570930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, development, and immune responses. The complexity of AHR signaling arises from multiple factors, including the diverse ligands that activate the receptor, the expression level of AHR itself, and its interaction with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Additionally, the AHR crosstalks with the AHR repressor (AHRR) or other transcription factors and signaling pathways and it can also mediate non-genomic effects. Finally, posttranslational modifications of the AHR and its interaction partners, epigenetic regulation of AHR and its target genes, as well as AHR-mediated induction of enzymes that degrade AHR-activating ligands may contribute to the context-specificity of AHR activation. Understanding the complexity of AHR signaling is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles and developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of AHR signaling, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms controlling its diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pauline Holfelder
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, a partnership between DKFZ and Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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22
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Shadboorestan A, Koual M, Dairou J, Coumoul X. The Role of the Kynurenine/AhR Pathway in Diseases Related to Metabolism and Cancer. Int J Tryptophan Res 2023; 16:11786469231185102. [PMID: 37719171 PMCID: PMC10503295 DOI: 10.1177/11786469231185102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a xenobiotic and endobiotic receptor, which regulates many cellular processes from contaminant metabolism to immunomodulation. Consequently, it is also involved in pathophysiological pathways and now represents a potential therapeutical target. In this review, we will highlight the ancestral function of the protein together with an illustration of its ligand's battery, emphasizing the different responses triggered by these high diverse molecules. Among them, several members of the kynurenine pathway (one key process of tryptophan catabolism) are AhR agonists and are subsequently involved in regulatory functions. We will finally display the interplay between Tryptophan (Trp) catabolism and dysregulation in metabolic pathways drawing hypothesis on the involvement of the AhR pathway in these cancer-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shadboorestan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meriem Koual
- T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France
| | - Julien Dairou
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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23
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Barouki R, Samson M, Blanc EB, Colombo M, Zucman-Rossi J, Lazaridis KN, Miller GW, Coumoul X. The exposome and liver disease - how environmental factors affect liver health. J Hepatol 2023; 79:492-505. [PMID: 36889360 PMCID: PMC10448911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Since the initial development of the exposome concept, much effort has been devoted to the characterisation of the exposome through analytical, epidemiological, and toxicological/mechanistic studies. There is now an urgent need to link the exposome to human diseases and to include exposomics in the characterisation of environment-linked pathologies together with genomics and other omics. Liver diseases are particularly well suited for such studies since major functions of the liver include the detection, detoxification, and elimination of xenobiotics, as well as inflammatory responses. It is well known that several liver diseases are associated with i) addictive behaviours such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and to a certain extent dietary imbalance and obesity, ii) viral and parasitic infections, and iii) exposure to toxins and occupational chemicals. Recent studies indicate that environmental exposures are also significantly associated with liver diseases, and these include air pollution (particulate matter and volatile chemicals), contaminants such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, bisphenol A and per-and poly-fluorinated substances, and physical stressors such as radiation. Furthermore, microbial metabolites and the "gut-liver" axis play a major role in liver diseases. Exposomics is poised to play a major role in the field of liver pathology. Methodological advances such as the exposomics-metabolomics framework, the determination of risk factors' genomic and epigenomic signatures, and cross-species biological pathway analysis should further delineate the impact of the exposome on the liver, opening the way for improved prevention, as well as the identification of new biomarkers of exposure and effects, and additional therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michel Samson
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | | | - Massimo Colombo
- San Raffaele Hospital, Liver Center, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, F-75006, Paris, France
| | | | - Gary W Miller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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24
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Audebert M, Assmann AS, Azqueta A, Babica P, Benfenati E, Bortoli S, Bouwman P, Braeuning A, Burgdorf T, Coumoul X, Debizet K, Dusinska M, Ertych N, Fahrer J, Fetz V, Le Hégarat L, López de Cerain A, Heusinkveld HJ, Hogeveen K, Jacobs MN, Luijten M, Raitano G, Recoules C, Rundén-Pran E, Saleh M, Sovadinová I, Stampar M, Thibol L, Tomkiewicz C, Vettorazzi A, Van de Water B, El Yamani N, Zegura B, Oelgeschläger M. New approach methodologies to facilitate and improve the hazard assessment of non-genotoxic carcinogens-a PARC project. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1220998. [PMID: 37492623 PMCID: PMC10364052 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1220998] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenic chemicals, or their metabolites, can be classified as genotoxic or non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxCs). Genotoxic compounds induce DNA damage, which can be detected by an established in vitro and in vivo battery of genotoxicity assays. For NGTxCs, DNA is not the primary target, and the possible modes of action (MoA) of NGTxCs are much more diverse than those of genotoxic compounds, and there is no specific in vitro assay for detecting NGTxCs. Therefore, the evaluation of the carcinogenic potential is still dependent on long-term studies in rodents. This 2-year bioassay, mainly applied for testing agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, is time-consuming, costly and requires very high numbers of animals. More importantly, its relevance for human risk assessment is questionable due to the limited predictivity for human cancer risk, especially with regard to NGTxCs. Thus, there is an urgent need for a transition to new approach methodologies (NAMs), integrating human-relevant in vitro assays and in silico tools that better exploit the current knowledge of the multiple processes involved in carcinogenesis into a modern safety assessment toolbox. Here, we describe an integrative project that aims to use a variety of novel approaches to detect the carcinogenic potential of NGTxCs based on different mechanisms and pathways involved in carcinogenesis. The aim of this project is to contribute suitable assays for the safety assessment toolbox for an efficient and improved, internationally recognized hazard assessment of NGTxCs, and ultimately to contribute to reliable mechanism-based next-generation risk assessment for chemical carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Audebert
- INRAE: Toxalim, INRAE, INP-ENVT, INP-EI-Purpan, Université de Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Ann-Sophie Assmann
- Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and Department Food Safety, BfR: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, UNAV: University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pavel Babica
- RECETOX: RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Emilio Benfenati
- IRFMN: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri—IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Sylvie Bortoli
- INSERM: INSERM UMR-S 1124 T3S—Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Peter Bouwman
- UL-LACDR: Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and Department Food Safety, BfR: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tanja Burgdorf
- Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and Department Food Safety, BfR: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- INSERM: INSERM UMR-S 1124 T3S—Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kloé Debizet
- INSERM: INSERM UMR-S 1124 T3S—Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU: The Climate and Environmental Research Institute, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Norman Ertych
- Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and Department Food Safety, BfR: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Fahrer
- Department of Chemistry, RPTU: Division of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Verena Fetz
- Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and Department Food Safety, BfR: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ludovic Le Hégarat
- ANSES: French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Fougères Laboratory, Toxicology of Contaminants Unit, Fougères, France
| | - Adela López de Cerain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, UNAV: University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Harm J. Heusinkveld
- RIVM: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Hogeveen
- ANSES: French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Fougères Laboratory, Toxicology of Contaminants Unit, Fougères, France
| | - Miriam N. Jacobs
- Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, UKHSA: UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- RIVM: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Giuseppa Raitano
- IRFMN: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri—IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cynthia Recoules
- INRAE: Toxalim, INRAE, INP-ENVT, INP-EI-Purpan, Université de Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU: The Climate and Environmental Research Institute, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Mariam Saleh
- ANSES: French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Fougères Laboratory, Toxicology of Contaminants Unit, Fougères, France
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- RECETOX: RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martina Stampar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, NIB: National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Thibol
- Department of Chemistry, RPTU: Division of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | | | - Ariane Vettorazzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, UNAV: University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Bob Van de Water
- UL-LACDR: Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Naouale El Yamani
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU: The Climate and Environmental Research Institute, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Bojana Zegura
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, NIB: National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michael Oelgeschläger
- Department Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and Department Food Safety, BfR: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Marvanová S, Pěnčíková K, Pálková L, Ciganek M, Petráš J, Lněničková A, Vondráček J, Machala M. Benzo[b]naphtho[d]thiophenes and naphthylbenzo[b]thiophenes: Their aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated activities and environmental presence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:162924. [PMID: 36933742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocyclic compounds (PASHs) belong among ubiquitous environmental pollutants; however, their toxic effects remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activity of dibenzothiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[d]thiophenes, and naphthylbenzo[b]thiophenes, as well as their presence in two types of environmental matrices: river sediments collected from both rural and urban areas, and in airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) sampled in cities with different levels and sources of pollution. Benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene, 2,2-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene, and 2,1-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene were newly identified as efficient AhR agonists in both rat and human AhR-based reporter gene assays, with 2,2-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene being the most potent compound identified in both species. Benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]thiophene and 3,2-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene elicited AhR-mediated activity only in the rat liver cell model, while dibenzothiophene and 3,1-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene were inactive in either cell type. Independently of their ability to activate the AhR, benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]thiophene, 2,1-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene, 3,1-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene, and 3,2-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication in a model of rat liver epithelial cells. Benzo[b]naphtho[d]thiophenes were dominant PASHs present in both PM2.5 and sediment samples, with benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene being the most abundant one, followed by benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene. The levels of naphthylbenzo[b]thiophenes were mostly low or below detection limit. Benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene and benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]thiophene were identified as the most significant contributors to the AhR-mediated activity in the environmental samples evaluated in this study. Both induced nuclear translocation of the AhR, and they induced CYP1A1 expression in a time-dependent manner, suggesting that their AhR-mediated activity may depend on the rate of their intracellular metabolism. In conclusion, some PASHs could be significant contributors to the overall AhR-mediated toxicity of complex environmental samples suggesting that more attention should be paid to the potential health impacts of this group of environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soňa Marvanová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Pěnčíková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Pálková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Ciganek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Petráš
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Lněničková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic.
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26
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Nguyen PT, Nakamura Y, Tran NQV, Ishimaru K, Nguyen TA, Kobayashi Y, Watanabe-Saito F, Okuda T, Nakano N, Nakao A. Ethyl Caffeate Can Inhibit Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Signaling and AhR-Mediated Potentiation of Mast Cell Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9997. [PMID: 37373144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129997] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethyl caffeate (EC) is a natural phenolic compound that is present in several medicinal plants used to treat inflammatory disorders. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we report that EC inhibits aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling and that this is associated with its anti-allergic activity. EC inhibited AhR activation, induced by the AhR ligands FICZ and DHNA in AhR signaling-reporter cells and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), as assessed by AhR target gene expressions such as CYP1A1. EC also inhibited the FICZ-induced downregulation of AhR expression and DHNA-induced IL-6 production in BMMCs. Furthermore, the pretreatment of mice with orally administered EC inhibited DHNA-induced CYP1A1 expression in the intestine. Notably, both EC and CH-223191, a well-established AhR antagonist, inhibited IgE-mediated degranulation in BMMCs grown in a cell culture medium containing significant amounts of AhR ligands. Furthermore, oral administration of EC or CH-223191 to mice inhibited the PCA reaction associated with the suppression of constitutive CYP1A1 expression within the skin. Collectively, EC inhibited AhR signaling and AhR-mediated potentiation of mast cell activation due to the intrinsic AhR activity in both the culture medium and normal mouse skin. Given the AhR control of inflammation, these findings suggest a novel mechanism for the anti-inflammatory activity of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc-Tan Nguyen
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakamura
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Nguyen Quoc Vuong Tran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kayoko Ishimaru
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Thuy-An Nguyen
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kobayashi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Fumie Watanabe-Saito
- The Institute of Enology and Viticulture, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-0005, Japan
| | - Tohru Okuda
- The Institute of Enology and Viticulture, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-0005, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakano
- Atopy Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Atsuhito Nakao
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- Atopy Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Yamanashi GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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27
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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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28
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Grishanova AY, Klyushova LS, Perepechaeva ML. AhR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways and Their Interplay. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3848-3876. [PMID: 37232717 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As evolutionarily conserved signaling cascades, AhR and Wnt signaling pathways play a critical role in the control over numerous vital embryonic and somatic processes. AhR performs many endogenous functions by integrating its signaling pathway into organ homeostasis and into the maintenance of crucial cellular functions and biological processes. The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and many other phenomena, and this regulation is important for embryonic development and the dynamic balance of adult tissues. AhR and Wnt are the main signaling pathways participating in the control of cell fate and function. They occupy a central position in a variety of processes linked with development and various pathological conditions. Given the importance of these two signaling cascades, it would be interesting to elucidate the biological implications of their interaction. Functional connections between AhR and Wnt signals take place in cases of crosstalk or interplay, about which quite a lot of information has been accumulated in recent years. This review is focused on recent studies about the mutual interactions of key mediators of AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and on the assessment of the complexity of the crosstalk between the AhR signaling cascade and the canonical Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alevtina Y Grishanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Lyubov S Klyushova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Maria L Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
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29
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Salminen A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) impairs circadian regulation: impact on the aging process. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 87:101928. [PMID: 37031728 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks control the internal sleep-wake rhythmicity of 24hours which is synchronized by the solar cycle. Circadian regulation of metabolism evolved about 2.5 billion years ago, i.e., the rhythmicity has been conserved from cyanobacteria and Archaea through to mammals although the mechanisms utilized have developed with evolution. While the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an evolutionarily conserved defence mechanism against environmental threats, it has gained many novel functions during evolution, such as the regulation of cell cycle, proteostasis, and many immune functions. There is robust evidence that AhR signaling impairs circadian rhythmicity, e.g., by interacting with the core BMAL1/CLOCK complex and disturbing the epigenetic regulation of clock genes. The maintenance of circadian rhythms is impaired with aging, disturbing metabolism and many important functions in aged organisms. Interestingly, it is known that AhR signaling promotes an age-related tissue degeneration, e.g., it is able to inhibit autophagy, enhance cellular senescence, and disrupt extracellular matrix. These alterations are rather similar to those induced by a long-term impairment of circadian rhythms. However, it is not known whether AhR signaling enhances the aging process by impairing circadian homeostasis. I will examine the experimental evidence indicating that AhR signaling is able to promote the age-related degeneration via a disruption of circadian rhythmicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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30
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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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31
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Perdew GH, Esser C, Snyder M, Sherr DH, van den Bogaard EH, McGovern K, Fernández-Salguero PM, Coumoul X, Patterson AD. The Ah Receptor from Toxicity to Therapeutics: Report from the 5th AHR Meeting at Penn State University, USA, June 2022. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5550. [PMID: 36982624 PMCID: PMC10058801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065550] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a sensor of low-molecular-weight molecule signals that originate from environmental exposures, the microbiome, and host metabolism. Building upon initial studies examining anthropogenic chemical exposures, the list of AHR ligands of microbial, diet, and host metabolism origin continues to grow and has provided important clues as to the function of this enigmatic receptor. The AHR has now been shown to be directly involved in numerous biochemical pathways that influence host homeostasis, chronic disease development, and responses to toxic insults. As this field of study has continued to grow, it has become apparent that the AHR is an important novel target for cancer, metabolic diseases, skin conditions, and autoimmune disease. This meeting attempted to cover the scope of basic and applied research being performed to address possible applications of our basic knowledge of this receptor on therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary H. Perdew
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf’m Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Megan Snyder
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - David H. Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ellen H. van den Bogaard
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karen McGovern
- Ikena Oncology, Inc., 645 Summer Street Suite 101, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Avenida de la Investigación s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 45 rue des Saints-Peères, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Andrew D. Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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32
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Mi P, Li N, Ai K, Li L, Yuan D. AhR-mediated lipid peroxidation contributes to TCDD-induced cardiac defects in zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 317:137942. [PMID: 36702031 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a persistent environmental contaminant that activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway, has been reported to cause cardiac damage. However, the mechanism underlying AhR-induced cardiac defects in response to TCDD exposure remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the impacts of TCDD exposure on heart morphology and cardiac function in zebrafish. TCDD exposure in the early developmental stage of zebrafish embryos led to morphological heart malformation and pericardial edema, concomitant with reduced cardiac function. These cardiac defects were attenuated by inhibiting AhR activity with CH223191. Transcriptome profiling showed that, along with an upregulation of the AhR signaling pathway by TCDD treatment, the expression of pro-ferroptotic genes was upregulated, while that of genes implicated in glutathione metabolism were downregulated. Moreover, lipid peroxidation, as indicated by malonaldehyde (MDA) production, was increased in TCDD-exposed cardiac tissue. Accordingly, inhibiting lipid peroxidation with liproxstatin-1 reversed the adverse cardiac effects induced by TCDD treatment. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that AhR-mediated lipid peroxidation contributes to cardiac defects in the early developmental stage in zebrafish embryos exposed to TCDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Mi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Kang Ai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Detian Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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33
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Nigam SK, Granados JC. OAT, OATP, and MRP Drug Transporters and the Remote Sensing and Signaling Theory. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:637-660. [PMID: 36206988 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-030322-084058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The coordinated movement of organic anions (e.g., drugs, metabolites, signaling molecules, nutrients, antioxidants, gut microbiome products) between tissues and body fluids depends, in large part, on organic anion transporters (OATs) [solute carrier 22 (SLC22)], organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) [solute carrier organic (SLCO)], and multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) [ATP-binding cassette, subfamily C (ABCC)]. Depending on the range of substrates, transporters in these families can be considered multispecific, oligospecific, or (relatively) monospecific. Systems biology analyses of these transporters in the context of expression patterns reveal they are hubs in networks involved in interorgan and interorganismal communication. The remote sensing and signaling theory explains how the coordinated functions of drug transporters, drug-metabolizing enzymes, and regulatory proteins play a role in optimizing systemic and local levels of important endogenous small molecules. We focus on the role of OATs, OATPs, and MRPs in endogenous metabolism and how their substrates (e.g., bile acids, short chain fatty acids, urate, uremic toxins) mediate interorgan and interorganismal communication and help maintain and restore homeostasis in healthy and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K Nigam
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine (Nephrology), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Jeffry C Granados
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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34
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Yagishita Y, Joshi T, Kensler TW, Wakabayashi N. Transcriptional Regulation of Math1 by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Effect on Math1 + Progenitor Cells in Mouse Small Intestine. Mol Cell Biol 2023; 43:43-63. [PMID: 36720468 PMCID: PMC9937019 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2022.2160610] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the small intestine have been revealed as immunomodulatory and barrier functions. However, its contributions to cell fate regulation are incompletely understood. The Notch-activated signaling cascade is a central component of intestinal cell fate determinations. The lateral inhibitory mechanism governed by Notch directs cell fates toward distinct cell lineages (i.e., absorptive and secretory cell lineages) through its downstream effector, mouse atonal homolog 1 (MATH1). An investigation employing cell lines and intestinal crypt cells revealed that AhR regulates Math1 expression in a xenobiotic response element (XRE)-dependent manner. The AhR-Math1 axis was further addressed using intestinal organoids, where AhR-Math1 and HES1-Math1 axes appeared to coexist within the underlying Math1 transcriptional machinery. When the HES1-Math1 axis was pharmacologically suppressed, β-naphthoflavone-mediated AhR activation increased the number of goblet and Math1+ progenitor cells in the organoids. The same pharmacological dissection of the AhR-Math1 axis was applied in vivo, demonstrating an enhanced number of Math1+ progenitor cells in the small intestine following AhR activation. We report here that AhR-Math1 is a direct transcriptional axis with effects on Math1+ progenitor cells in the small intestine, highlighting a novel molecular basis for fine-tuning Notch-mediated cell fate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Yagishita
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tanvi Joshi
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas W. Kensler
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nobunao Wakabayashi
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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35
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Gruszczyk J, Grandvuillemin L, Lai-Kee-Him J, Paloni M, Savva CG, Germain P, Grimaldi M, Boulahtouf A, Kwong HS, Bous J, Ancelin A, Bechara C, Barducci A, Balaguer P, Bourguet W. Cryo-EM structure of the agonist-bound Hsp90-XAP2-AHR cytosolic complex. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7010. [PMID: 36385050 PMCID: PMC9668932 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34773-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates a broad spectrum of (patho)physiological processes in response to numerous substances including pollutants, natural products and metabolites. However, the scarcity of structural data precludes understanding of how AHR is activated by such diverse compounds. Our 2.85 Å structure of the human indirubin-bound AHR complex with the chaperone Hsp90 and the co-chaperone XAP2, reported herein, reveals a closed conformation Hsp90 dimer with AHR threaded through its lumen and XAP2 serving as a brace. Importantly, we disclose the long-awaited structure of the AHR PAS-B domain revealing a unique organisation of the ligand-binding pocket and the structural determinants of ligand-binding specificity and promiscuity of the receptor. By providing structural details of the molecular initiating event leading to AHR activation, our study rationalises almost forty years of biochemical data and provides a framework for future mechanistic studies and structure-guided drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Gruszczyk
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - Loïc Grandvuillemin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Josephine Lai-Kee-Him
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Matteo Paloni
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Christos G Savva
- Leicester Institute of Structural & Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Pierre Germain
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Marina Grimaldi
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Inserm U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Abdelhay Boulahtouf
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Inserm U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Hok-Sau Kwong
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Bous
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aurélie Ancelin
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Cherine Bechara
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Alessandro Barducci
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- IRCM (Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier), Inserm U1194, Univ Montpellier, ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - William Bourguet
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
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36
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Degrelle SA, Ferecatu I, Fournier T. Novel fluorescent and secreted transcriptional reporters for quantifying activity of the xenobiotic sensor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107545. [PMID: 36179647 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a critical role in diverse biological processes, including xenobiotic metabolism, carcinogenesis, and physiological functions such as regulation of the immune system and cell differentiation. To improve studies of AHR activity, we constructed two new reporter genes: a fluorescent GFP-tagged histone 2B (XRE-H2B-eGFP) and a secreted nanoluciferase (XRE-pNL1.3[secNluc]). Here, we demonstrate how these reporters can be used to monitor AHR activity in different types of cells, including human primary trophoblasts and cell lines, following incubation with a strong AHR ligand, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), or an AHR inhibitor (CH223191). Compared to vehicle control cells, a significant increase in AHR activity was observed in cells treated with 0.5 and/or 2 µM B[a]P and a significant decrease was detected in response to treatment with 3 µM CH223191. These new plasmids have great potential for use in a variety of applications, such as screening for endogenous or exogenous ligands of AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine A Degrelle
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S1139 Physiopathologie et Pharmacotoxicologie Placentaire Humaine, Microbiote pré et post-natal (3PHM), Paris F-75006, France; Inovarion, Paris F-75005, France.
| | - Ioana Ferecatu
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S1139 Physiopathologie et Pharmacotoxicologie Placentaire Humaine, Microbiote pré et post-natal (3PHM), Paris F-75006, France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S1139 Physiopathologie et Pharmacotoxicologie Placentaire Humaine, Microbiote pré et post-natal (3PHM), Paris F-75006, France
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37
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Selvam P, Cheng CM, Dahms HU, Ponnusamy VK, Sun YY. AhR Mediated Activation of Pro-Inflammatory Response of RAW 264.7 Cells Modulate the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10110642. [PMID: 36355934 PMCID: PMC9696907 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease caused by progressive deterioration of lung tissue, is generated by several factors including genetic and environmental ones. In response to long-term exposure to environmental stimuli, aberrant tissue repair and epithelial cell-to- mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) trigger the subsequent progression of pulmonary fibrotic diseases. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that is activated by ligands providing lung dysfunction when activated by environmental toxins, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Our previous study demonstrated that AhR mediates α-SMA expression by directly binding to the α-SMA (fibroblast differentiation marker) promoter, suggesting the role of AhR in mediating fibrogenic progression. Here we follow the hypothesis that macrophage infiltrated microenvironments may trigger inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. We studied the expression of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells by AhR activation through an ELISA assay. To investigate molecular events, migration, western blotting and zymography assays were carried out. We found that AhR agonists such as TCDD, IP and FICZ, promote the migration and induce inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and G-CSF, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and MIP-2. These cytokines arbitrate EMT marker expression such as E-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin in pulmonary epithelial cells. Expression of proteins of MMPs in mouse macrophages was determined by zymography, showing the caseinolytic activity of MMP-1 and the gelatinolytic action of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, the present study showed that AhR activated macrophages create an inflammatory microenvironment which favours the fibrotic progression of pulmonary epithelial cells. Such production of inflammatory factors was accomplished by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, thereby creating a microenvironment which enhances the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, leading to fibrosis of the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padhmavathi Selvam
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Mei Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Hans-Uwe Dahms
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City 804, Taiwan
| | - Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yo Sun
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City 804, Taiwan
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The Mito-Hormetic Mechanisms of Ozone in the Clearance of SARS-CoV2 and in the COVID-19 Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092258. [PMID: 36140358 PMCID: PMC9496465 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence in the literature is reporting the feasibility of using medical ozone as a possible alternative and adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 patients, significantly reducing hospitalization time, pro-inflammatory indicators, and coagulation markers and improving blood oxygenation parameters. In addition to the well-described ability of medical ozone in counteracting oxidative stress through the upregulation of the main anti-oxidant and scavenging enzymes, oxygen–ozone (O2–O3) therapy has also proved effective in reducing chronic inflammation and the occurrence of immune thrombosis, two key players involved in COVID-19 exacerbation and severity. As chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are also reported to be among the main drivers of the long sequelae of SARS-CoV2 infection, a rising number of studies is investigating the potential of O2–O3 therapy to reduce and/or prevent the wide range of post-COVID (or PASC)-related disorders. This narrative review aims to describe the molecular mechanisms through which medical ozone acts, to summarize the clinical evidence on the use of O2–O3 therapy as an alternative and adjuvant COVID-19 treatment, and to discuss the emerging potential of this approach in the context of PASC symptoms, thus offering new insights into effective and safe nonantiviral therapies for the fighting of this devastating pandemic.
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Benoit L, Jornod F, Zgheib E, Tomkiewicz C, Koual M, Coustillet T, Barouki R, Audouze K, Vinken M, Coumoul X. Adverse outcome pathway from activation of the AhR to breast cancer-related death. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107323. [PMID: 35660951 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are formalized and structured linear concepts that connect one molecular initiating event (MIE) to an adverse outcome (AO) via different key events (KE) through key event relationships (KER). They are mainly used in eco-toxicology toxicology, and regulatory health issues. AOPs must respond to specific guidelines from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to weight the evidence between each KE. Breast cancer is the deadliest cancer in women with a poor prognosis in case of metastatic breast cancer. The role of the environments in the formation of metastasis has been suggested. We hypothesized that activation of the AhR (MIE), a xenobiotic receptor, could lead to breast cancer related death (AO), through different KEs, constituting a new AOP. An artificial intelligence tool (AOP-helpfinder), which screens the available literature, was used to collect all existing scientific abstracts to build a novel AOP, using a list of key words. Four hundred and seven abstracts were found containing at least a word from our MIE list and either one word from our AO or KE list. A manual curation retained 113 pertinent articles, which were also screened using PubTator. From these analyses, an AOP was created linking the activation of the AhR to breast cancer related death through decreased apoptosis, inflammation, endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, and invasion. These KEs promote an increased tumor growth, angiogenesis and migration which leads to breast cancer metastasis and breast cancer related death. The evidence of the proposed AOP was weighted using the tailored Bradford Hill criteria and the OECD guidelines. The confidence in our AOP was considered strong. An in vitro validation must be carried out, but our review proposes a strong relationship between AhR activation and breast cancer-related death with an innovative use of an artificial intelligence literature search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Benoit
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France.
| | - Florence Jornod
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Elias Zgheib
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Celine Tomkiewicz
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Meriem Koual
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Coustillet
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France
| | - Karine Audouze
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
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Vineis P, Barouki R. The exposome as the science of social-to-biological transitions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107312. [PMID: 35635963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of disease etiology and pathogenesis has radically changed as a consequence of the new challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation and emerging infectious diseases. The awareness of the influence of distal causes (e.g. planetary changes at the roots of new pandemics), of the social environment and of early life exposures calls for innovative models of disease onset. Here we propose a scheme for the practice of epidemiology and toxicology that incorporates new recent advancements in both disciplines, under the general umbrella of the "exposome". The exposome approach to disease encompasses a lifecourse perspective from conception onwards, and the investigation of the role played by all exposures individuals undergo in their lives. These include social inequalities and psychosocial influences, in addition to chemical, biological and physical exposures. We stress the role played by social differences and inequalities in the course of life as an overarching factor that influences downstream layers (including behaviours). We show that the idea of "lifecourse exposome" is compatible with the current interpretation of Adverse Outcome Pathways in toxicology, and in fact we propose an extension of the concept towards "lifecourse Adverse Outcome Pathways". We propose to merge different research perspectives and promote an encounter between the sociological perspective of "biography" (using Pierre Bourdieu's conceptual framework) and biology, according to the idea of accumulated biological capital of individuals. We also propose to treat social capital (including inequalities) no longer as a confounding factor but as an overarching determinant, perhaps the most important of all because it is the one that influences all other exposures downstream. The importance of early exposures in a lifecourse perspective leads to policy implications, i.e. investing more in the various forms of capital (social, economic, cultural) in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Vineis
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
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The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR): A Novel Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Diseases? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031516. [PMID: 35163440 PMCID: PMC8836075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytoplasmic transcription factor that is well-known for regulating xenobiotic metabolism. Studies in knockout and transgenic mice indicate that the AHR plays a vital role in the development of liver and regulation of reproductive, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and immune homeostasis. In this focused review on lung diseases associated with acute injury and alveolar development, we reviewed and summarized the current literature on the mechanistic role(s) and therapeutic potential of the AHR in acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Pre-clinical studies indicate that endogenous AHR activation is necessary to protect neonatal and adult lungs against hyperoxia- and cigarette smoke-induced injury. Our goal is to provide insight into the high translational potential of the AHR in the meaningful management of infants and adults with these lung disorders that lack curative therapies.
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