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Cui J, Chen W, Zhang D, Lu M, Huang Z, Yi B. Metformin attenuates PM 2.5-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the AhR/CYP1A1 pathway in proximal renal tubular epithelial cells. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:1022-1034. [PMID: 39034811 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2378296] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The harmful effects of PM2.5 on human health, including an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), have raised a lot of attention, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We used the Shanghai Meteorological and Environmental Animal Exposure System (Shanghai-METAS) to simulate the inhalation of PM2.5 in the real environment and established an animal model by exposing C57BL/6 mice to filtered air (FA) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) for 8 weeks. PM2.5 impaired the renal function of the mice, and the renal tubules underwent destructive changes. Analysis of NHANES data showed a correlation between reduced kidney function and higher blood levels of PM2.5 components, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, which are Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) ligands. PM2.5 exposure induced higher levels of AhR and CYP1A1 and oxidative stress as evidenced by the higher levels of ROS, MDA, and GSSG in kidneys of mice. PM2.5 exposure led to AhR overexpression and nuclear translocation in proximal renal tubular epithelial cells. Inhibition of AhR reduced CYP1A1 expression and PM2.5-increased levels of ROS, MDA and GSSG. Our study suggested metformin can mitigate PM2.5-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the AhR/CYP1A1 pathway. These findings illuminated the role of AhR/CYP1A1 pathway in PM2.5-induced kidney injury and the protective effect of metformin on PM2.5-induced cellular damage, offering new insights for air pollution-related renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Critical Kidney Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Critical Kidney Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Critical Kidney Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengqiu Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Critical Kidney Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Critical Kidney Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Yi
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Critical Kidney Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Sánchez-Jaramillo E, Sánchez-Islas E, Gómez-González GB, Yáñez-Recendis N, Mucio-Ramírez S, Barbaro F, Toni R, León-Olea M. Perinatal exposure to Aroclor 1254 disrupts thyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the paraventricular nucleus of male and female rats. Toxicology 2024; 508:153935. [PMID: 39182713 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153935] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial pollutants that act as endocrine disruptors and alter thyroid function. However, it is still unclear whether PCBs can affect hypothalamic thyrotropin releasing hormone (Trh) mRNA expression through TH signaling disruption. As salt-loading dehydration induces tertiary hypothyroidism in the hypothalamic parvocellular paraventricular nuclei (paPVN), and perinatal exposure to Aroclor 1254 (A1254) disrupts the hydric balance in rats, we hypothesized that TRH synthesis could be altered during dehydration in TRH neurons that control the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis activity in rats perinatally exposed to A1254. We examined Trh mRNA expression in the paPVN and the response to salt-loading dehydration (hyperosmotic (hyper) stress) in the progeny of Wistar pregnant rats receiving 0 mg/kg BW (control) or 30 mg/kg BW A1254 daily from gestational days 10-19. Three-month-old offspring were subjected to normosmotic or hyper conditions and Trh mRNA, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression were measured in the PVN by RT-PCR. TRH mRNA and TRH+ neurons were measured in the paPVN by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). As expected, Trh mRNA levels were decreased in the paPVN of male and female rats in the hyper group. Basal Trh mRNA expression and serum TSH were decreased in male rats in the A1254 group. Notably, Trh mRNA levels were further decreased in the paPVN of male and female A1254 + hyper rats, in which the GR mRNA expression was significantly decreased. These results support the hypothesis that perinatal exposure to A1254 results in inadequate adaptive response of the HPT axis in adulthood and contributes to dysregulation of the HPT axis response to salt-loading dehydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Sánchez-Jaramillo
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Molecular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México, D.F. C.P. 14370, México.
| | - Eduardo Sánchez-Islas
- Departamento de Neuromorfología Funcional, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México, D.F. C.P. 14370, México
| | - Gabriela B Gómez-González
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Molecular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México, D.F. C.P. 14370, México
| | - Nashiely Yáñez-Recendis
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Molecular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México, D.F. C.P. 14370, México
| | - Samuel Mucio-Ramírez
- Departamento de Neuromorfología Funcional, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México, D.F. C.P. 14370, México
| | - Fulvio Barbaro
- Laboratory of Regenerative Morphology and Bioartificial Structures (Re.Mo.Bio.S.), Unit of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Toni
- Laboratory of Regenerative Morphology and Bioartificial Structures (Re.Mo.Bio.S.), Unit of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha León-Olea
- Departamento de Neuromorfología Funcional, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México, D.F. C.P. 14370, México
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Shi S, Jiang H, Ma W, Guan Z, Han M, Man S, Wu Z, He S. Preclinical studies of natural flavonoids in inflammatory bowel disease based on macrophages: a systematic review with meta-analysis and network pharmacology. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03501-0. [PMID: 39422746 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Flavonoid is a category of bioactive polyphenolic compounds that are extensively distributed in plants with specific pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Importantly, natural flavonoids have shown the protected function on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in animals and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in macrophages. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the efficacy of natural flavonoids in animal models of IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and potential mechanisms in macrophages by meta-analysis and network pharmacology in preclinical studies. Relevant foundation studies were searched from January 2010 to November 2023 in databases like PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Then, OriginPro software was used to extract values from images, and the analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. The retrieved data was analyzed according to the fixed-effects model and random-effects model. Subsequently, heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistics. Lastly, network pharmacology was applied to confirm mechanisms of natural flavonoids on IBD. According to the results of meta-analysis, we found the natural flavonoids exhibited powerful therapeutic effects against IBD, which not only reversed colonic shortness (WMD = 1.33, 95% CI (1.07, 1.59), P < 0.00001), but also reduced histological score (SMD = - 2.66, 95% CI (- 3.77, - 1.95), P < 0.00001) between natural flavonoid treatment groups compared with the experimental IBD model. Furthermore, treatment with natural flavonoids decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in macrophages. Mechanistically, our summarized data substantiate that natural flavonoids alleviate LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, maintain intestinal barrier, and inhibit the activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. Moreover, the results of network pharmacology also support this. This systematic review demonstrated the efficiency of natural flavonoids in treating IBD in preclinical research by meta-analysis and network pharmacology, which offered supporting evidence for clinical trial implementation. However, some limitations remain present, such as technique quality shortage, missed reports on account of negative results, failure to count sample size, and the risk of bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Shi
- Pharmacy School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Pharmacy School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Wenke Ma
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Zitong Guan
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Mengxue Han
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Shuai Man
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Zhuzhu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Shan He
- Pharmacy School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Dexheimer TS, Coussens NP, Silvers T, Jones EM, Chen L, Fang J, Morris J, Moscow JA, Doroshow JH, Teicher BA. Combination screen in multi-cell type tumor spheroids reveals interaction between aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonists and E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme inhibitor. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100186. [PMID: 39362362 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates genes of drug transporters and metabolic enzymes to detoxify small molecule xenobiotics. It has a complex role in cancer biology, influencing both the progression and suppression of tumors by modulating malignant properties of tumor cells and anti-tumor immunity, depending on the specific tumor type and developmental stage. This has led to the discovery and development of selective AhR modulators, including BAY 2416964 which is currently in clinical trials. To identify small molecule anticancer agents that might be combined with AhR antagonists for cancer therapy, a high-throughput combination screen was performed using multi-cell type tumor spheroids grown from malignant cells, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. The AhR selective antagonists BAY 2416964, GNF351, and CH-223191 were tested individually and in combination with twenty-five small molecule anticancer agents. As single agents, BAY 2416964 and CH-223191 showed minimal activity, whereas GNF351 reduced the viability of some spheroid models at concentrations greater than 1 µM. The activity of most combinations aligned well with the single agent activity of the combined agent, without apparent contributions from the AhR antagonist. All three AhR antagonists sensitized tumor spheroids to TAK-243, an E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme inhibitor. These combinations were active in spheroids containing bladder, breast, ovary, kidney, pancreas, colon, and lung tumor cell lines. The AhR antagonists also potentiated pevonedistat, a selective inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme E1 regulatory subunit, in several tumor spheroid models. In contrast, the AhR antagonists did not enhance the cytotoxicity of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Dexheimer
- Target Validation and Screening Laboratory, Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Applied and Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Nathan P Coussens
- Target Validation and Screening Laboratory, Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Applied and Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Thomas Silvers
- Target Validation and Screening Laboratory, Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Applied and Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Eric M Jones
- Target Validation and Screening Laboratory, Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Applied and Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Clinical Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jianwen Fang
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joel Morris
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Moscow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James H Doroshow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Beverly A Teicher
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Maxwell A, Swanson G, Thy Nguyen A, Hu A, Richards D, You Y, Stephan L, Manaloto M, Liao A, Ding J, Mor G. Hydroquinone impairs trophoblast migration and invasion via AHR-twist-IFITM1 axis. Placenta 2024; 155:88-99. [PMID: 39173312 PMCID: PMC11421844 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryo implantation is a tightly regulated process, critical for a successful pregnancy. After attachment of the blastocyst to the surface epithelium of the endometrium trophoblast migrate from the trophectoderm and invade into the stromal component of endometrium. Alterations on either process will lead to implantation failure or miscarriage. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene induce pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and miscarriages. The mechanism of this effect is unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of benzene metabolite, Hydroquinone, on trophoblast function. We tested the hypothesis that Hydroquinone activates the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway modulating trophoblast migration and invasion. METHODS First-trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71) were treated with hydroquinone (6 and 25 μM). Trophoblast migration and invasion was evaluated using a 3D invasion/migration model. Gene expression was quantified by q-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Hydroquinone impairs trophoblast migration and invasion. This loss is associated with the activation of the AhR pathway which reduced the expression of Twist1and IFITM1. IFITM1 overexpression can rescue impaired trophoblast migration. DISCUSSION Our study highlights that hydroquinone treatment induces the activation of the AhR pathway in trophoblast cells, which impairs trophoblast invasion and migration. We postulate that activation of the AhR pathway in trophoblast suppress Twist1 and a subsequent IFITM1. Thus, the AhR-Twist1-IFITM1 axis represent a critical pathway involved in the regulation of trophoblast migration and it is sensitive to benzene exposure. These findings provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications induced by air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Maxwell
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Grace Swanson
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Annie Thy Nguyen
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anna Hu
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Darby Richards
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuan You
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Laura Stephan
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Marcia Manaloto
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Zou F, Wu MMH, Tan Z, Lu G, Kwok KWH, Leng Z. Ecotoxicological risk of asphalt pavements to aquatic animals associated with pollutant leaching. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173985. [PMID: 38876354 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173985] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Contaminants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be released from asphalt pavement and transported through stormwater runoff to nearby water bodies, leading to water pollution and potential harm to living aquatic animals. This study characterizes the heavy metal and PAH leaching from various asphalt paving materials and their potential ecotoxicological effects on zebrafish Danio rerio. Artificial runoffs were prepared in the laboratory concerning the effects of water, temperature, and traffic. The concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs in the leachates were quantified, while the toxicity assessment encompassed mortality, metal stress, PAH toxicity, inflammation, carcinogenicity, and oxidative damage. Gene expressions of related proteins or transcription factors were assessed, including metallothionines, aryl hydrocarbon receptors, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, tumor suppressor p53, heat shock protein 70, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The findings demonstrate that leachates from asphalt pavements containing waste bottom ash, crumb rubber, or specific chemicals could induce notable stress and inflammation responses in zebrafish. In addition, potential carcinogenic effects and the elevation of ROS were identified within certain treatment groups. This study represents the first attempt to assess the ecotoxicity of pavement leachates employing a live fish model, thereby improving the current understanding of the environmental impact of asphalt pavements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuliao Zou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Margaret M H Wu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zhifei Tan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Guoyang Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kevin W H Kwok
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Zhen Leng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Chen F, Pu S, Tian L, Zhang H, Zhou H, Yan Y, Hu X, Wu Q, Chen X, Cheng SH, Xu S. Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata promoted zebrafish fin regeneration through aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent autophagy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118272. [PMID: 38710459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118272] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
HEADINGS ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (RRP), a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, is derived from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch and is renowned for its wound-healing properties. Despite its clinical prevalence, the molecular mechanisms underlying RRP's wound-healing effects have not been fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY This research endeavored to delineate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of RRP on wound healing, utilizing a zebrafish model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Zebrafish larvae at 3 days post-fertilization were amputated at the fin and subsequently treated with RRP. The pro-wound healing and regenerative effects of RRP were evaluated through morphological analysis, assessment of cell proliferation and apoptosis, Additionally, mechanistic insights were gained through a comprehensive approach encompassing network pharmacology analysis, cell tracing, RNA-sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and pharmacological inhibition. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate that RRP significantly accelerates caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish following injury by suppressing cell apoptosis, promoting cell proliferation, and upregulating the expression of regenerative-related genes. Furthermore, RRP triggers autophagy signals during the regenerative process, which is attenuated by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ). Notably, the administration of RRP enhances the expression of ahr1 and ahr2 in the regenerating fin. Genetic knockout of ahr1a, ahr1b, or ahr2 using CRISPR/Cas9, or pharmacological blockade of AHR signals with the antagonist CH-223191, diminishes the regenerative potential of RRP. Remarkably, zebrafish lacking ahr2 completely lose their fin regeneration ability. Additionally, inhibition of AHR signaling suppresses autophagy signaling during fin regeneration. CONCLUSIONS This study uncovers that RRP stimulates fin regeneration in zebrafish by inducing AHR signals and, at least partially, activating the autophagy process. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the wound-healing effects of RRP and may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Chen
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; Research Center for Biomedical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China
| | - Shiming Pu
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; Research Center for Biomedical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huixian Zhou
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; Research Center for Biomedical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China
| | - Yijing Yan
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; Research Center for Biomedical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; Research Center for Biomedical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China
| | - Xueping Chen
- Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited, Unit 516, 5/F. Biotech Centre 2, No. 11 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk Han Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shisan Xu
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; Research Center for Biomedical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, China.
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Szaefer H, Licznerska B, Baer-Dubowska W. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Its Crosstalk: A Chemopreventive Target of Naturally Occurring and Modified Phytochemicals. Molecules 2024; 29:4283. [PMID: 39339278 PMCID: PMC11433792 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29184283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environmentally sensitive transcription factor (TF) historically associated with carcinogenesis initiation via the activation of numerous carcinogens. Nowadays, the AhR has been attributed to multiple endogenous functions to maintain cellular homeostasis. Moreover, crosstalk, often reciprocal, has been found between the AhR and several other TFs, particularly estrogen receptors (ERs) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Adequate modulation of these signaling pathways seems to be an attractive strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Several naturally occurring and synthetically modified AhR or ER ligands and Nrf2 modulators have been described. Sulfur-containing derivatives of glucosinolates, such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and stilbene derivatives are particularly interesting in this context. I3C and its condensation product, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), are classic examples of blocking agents that increase drug-metabolizing enzyme activity through activation of the AhR. Still, they also affect multiple essential signaling pathways in preventing hormone-dependent cancer. Resveratrol is a competitive antagonist of several classic AhR ligands. Its analogs, with ortho-methoxy substituents, exert stronger antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity. In addition, they modulate AhR activity and estrogen metabolism. Their activity seems related to a number of methoxy groups introduced into the stilbene structure. This review summarizes the data on the chemopreventive potential of these classes of phytochemicals, in the context of AhR and its crosstalk modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Szaefer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznań, Poland; (B.L.); (W.B.-D.)
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9
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Xu X, Closson JD, Marcelino LP, Favaro DC, Silvestrini ML, Solazzo R, Chong LT, Gardner KH. Identification of small-molecule ligand-binding sites on and in the ARNT PAS-B domain. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107606. [PMID: 39059491 PMCID: PMC11381877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107606] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are challenging to target with small-molecule inhibitors due to their structural plasticity and lack of catalytic sites. Notable exceptions include naturally ligand-regulated transcription factors, including our prior work with the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2 transcription factor, showing that small-molecule binding within an internal pocket of the HIF-2α Per-Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator (ARNT)-Sim (PAS)-B domain can disrupt its interactions with its dimerization partner, ARNT. Here, we explore the feasibility of targeting small molecules to the analogous ARNT PAS-B domain itself, potentially opening a promising route to modulate several ARNT-mediated signaling pathways. Using solution NMR fragment screening, we previously identified several compounds that bind ARNT PAS-B and, in certain cases, antagonize ARNT association with the transforming acidic coiled-coil containing protein 3 transcriptional coactivator. However, these ligands have only modest binding affinities, complicating characterization of their binding sites. We address this challenge by combining NMR, molecular dynamics simulations, and ensemble docking to identify ligand-binding "hotspots" on and within the ARNT PAS-B domain. Our data indicate that the two ARNT/transforming acidic coiled-coil containing protein 3 inhibitors, KG-548 and KG-655, bind to a β-sheet surface implicated in both HIF-2 dimerization and coactivator recruitment. Furthermore, while KG-548 binds exclusively to the β-sheet surface, KG-655 can additionally bind within a water-accessible internal cavity in ARNT PAS-B. Finally, KG-279, while not a coactivator inhibitor, exemplifies ligands that preferentially bind only to the internal cavity. All three ligands promoted ARNT PAS-B homodimerization, albeit to varying degrees. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive overview of ARNT PAS-B ligand-binding sites and may guide the development of more potent coactivator inhibitors for cellular and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjian Xu
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA; PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph D Closson
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA; PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Denize C Favaro
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marion L Silvestrini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Riccardo Solazzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lillian T Chong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin H Gardner
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York, New York, USA; PhD. Programs in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Biology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, New York, USA.
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10
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Smits JPH, Qu J, Pardow F, van den Brink NJM, Rodijk-Olthuis D, van Vlijmen-Willems IMJJ, van Heeringen SJ, Zeeuwen PLJM, Schalkwijk J, Zhou H, van den Bogaard EH. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Regulates Epidermal Differentiation through Transient Activation of TFAP2A. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:2013-2028.e2. [PMID: 38401701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.030] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an evolutionary conserved environmental sensor identified as an indispensable regulator of epithelial homeostasis and barrier organ function. Molecular signaling cascade and target genes upon AHR activation and their contribution to cell and tissue function are however not fully understood. Multiomics analyses using human skin keratinocytes revealed that upon ligand activation, AHR binds open chromatin to induce expression of transcription factors, for example, TFAP2A, as a swift response to environmental stimuli. The terminal differentiation program, including upregulation of barrier genes, FLG and keratins, was mediated by TFAP2A as a secondary response to AHR activation. The role of AHR-TFAP2A axis in controlling keratinocyte terminal differentiation for proper barrier formation was further confirmed using CRISPR/Cas9 in human epidermal equivalents. Overall, the study provides additional insights into the molecular mechanism behind AHR-mediated barrier function and identifies potential targets for the treatment of skin barrier diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos P H Smits
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jieqiong Qu
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Felicitas Pardow
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Noa J M van den Brink
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Rodijk-Olthuis
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Simon J van Heeringen
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick L J M Zeeuwen
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Schalkwijk
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ellen H van den Bogaard
- Department of Dermatology, Radboud Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Mosa FES, Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, El-Mahrouk SR, Barakat K, El-Kadi AOS. Modulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ponatinib and tofacitinib). Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 759:110088. [PMID: 38992456 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110088] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Ponatinib and tofacitinib, established kinase inhibitors and FDA-approved for chronic myeloid leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis, are recently undergoing investigation in diverse clinical trials for potential repurposing. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor influencing a spectrum of physiological and pathophysiological activities, stands as a therapeutic target for numerous diseases. This study employs molecular modelling tools and in vitro assays to identify ponatinib and tofacitinib as AhR ligands, elucidating their binding and molecular interactions in the AhR PAS-B domain. Molecular docking analyses revealed that ponatinib and tofacitinib occupy the central pocket within the primary cavity, similar to AhR agonists 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) and (benzo[a]pyrene) B[a]P. Our simulations also showed that these compounds exhibit good stability, stabilizing many hot spots within the PAS-B domain, including the Dα-Eα loop, which serves as a regulatory element for the binding pocket. Binding energy calculations highlighted ponatinib's superior predicted affinity, revealing F295 as a crucial residue in maintaining strong interaction with the two compounds. Our in vitro data suggest that ponatinib functions as an AhR antagonist, blocking the downstream signaling of AhR pathway induced by TCDD and B[a]P. Additionally, both tofacitinib and ponatinib cause impairment in AhR-regulated CYP1A1 enzyme activity induced by potent AhR agonists. This study unveils ponatinib and tofacitinib as potential modulators of AhR, providing valuable insights into their therapeutic roles in AhR-associated diseases and enhancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between kinase inhibitors and 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
| | - Sara R El-Mahrouk
- 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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12
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Perrot-Applanat M, Pimpie C, Vacher S, Pocard M, Baud V. High Expression of AhR and Environmental Pollution as AhR-Linked Ligands Impact on Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in Western Patients with Gastric Cancer-A Pilot Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1905. [PMID: 39200369 PMCID: PMC11351739 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081905] [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: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of gastric cancer (GC) cases are adenocarcinomas including intestinal and diffuse GC. The incidence of diffuse GC, often associated with poor overall survival, has constantly increased in Western countries. Epidemiological studies have reported increased mortality from GC after occupational exposure to pro-carcinogens that are metabolically activated by cytochrome P450 enzymes through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). However, little is known about the role of AhR and environmental AhR ligands in diffuse GC as compared to intestinal GC in Western patients. In a cohort of 29, we demonstrated a significant increase in AhR protein and mRNA expression levels in GCs independently of their subtypes and clinical parameters. AhR and RHOA mRNA expression were correlated in diffuse GC. Further, our study aimed to characterize in GC how AhR and the AhR-related genes cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) affect the mRNA expression of a panel of genes involved in cancer development and progression. In diffuse GC, CYP1A1 expression correlated with genes involved in IGF signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (Vimentin), and migration (MMP2). Using the poorly differentiated KATO III epithelial cell line, two well-known AhR pollutant ligands, namely 2-3-7-8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), strongly increased the expression of CYP1A1 and Interleukin1β (IL1B), and to a lesser extend UGT1, NQO1, and AhR Repressor (AhRR). Moreover, the increased expression of CYP1B1 was seen in diffuse GC, and IHC staining indicated that CYP1B1 is mainly expressed in stromal cells. TCDD treatment increased CYP1B1 expression in KATO III cells, although at lower levels as compared to CYP1A1. In intestinal GC, CYP1B1 expression is inversely correlated with several cancer-related genes such as IDO1, a gene involved in the early steps of tryptophan metabolism that contributes to the endogenous AhR ligand kynurenine expression. Altogether, our data provide evidence for a major role of AhR in GC, as an environmental xenobiotic receptor, through different mechanisms and pathways in diffuse and intestinal GC. Our results support the continued efforts to clarify the identity of exogenous AhR ligands in diffuse GC in order to define new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Perrot-Applanat
- INSERM U1275, Peritoneal Carcimomatosis Paris-Technologies, Hôpital Lariboisiere, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France; (C.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Cynthia Pimpie
- INSERM U1275, Peritoneal Carcimomatosis Paris-Technologies, Hôpital Lariboisiere, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France; (C.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Sophie Vacher
- Department of Genetics, Curie Institute, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Marc Pocard
- INSERM U1275, Peritoneal Carcimomatosis Paris-Technologies, Hôpital Lariboisiere, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France; (C.P.); (M.P.)
- Department of Digestive and Oncology Surgery, Hôpital Lariboisiere, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Véronique Baud
- NF-kappaB, Differentiation and Cancer, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
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13
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Bahman F, Choudhry K, Al-Rashed F, Al-Mulla F, Sindhu S, Ahmad R. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: current perspectives on key signaling partners and immunoregulatory role in inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421346. [PMID: 39211042 PMCID: PMC11358079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421346] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a versatile environmental sensor and transcription factor found throughout the body, responding to a wide range of small molecules originating from the environment, our diets, host microbiomes, and internal metabolic processes. Increasing evidence highlights AhR's role as a critical regulator of numerous biological functions, such as cellular differentiation, immune response, metabolism, and even tumor formation. Typically located in the cytoplasm, AhR moves to the nucleus upon activation by an agonist where it partners with either the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) or hypoxia-inducible factor 1β (HIF-1β). This complex then interacts with xenobiotic response elements (XREs) to control the expression of key genes. AhR is notably present in various crucial immune cells, and recent research underscores its significant impact on both innate and adaptive immunity. This review delves into the latest insights on AhR's structure, activating ligands, and its multifaceted roles. We explore the sophisticated molecular pathways through which AhR influences immune and lymphoid cells, emphasizing its emerging importance in managing inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the exciting potential of developing targeted therapies that modulate AhR activity, opening new avenues for medical intervention in immune-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah Bahman
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Khubaib Choudhry
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fatema Al-Rashed
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Translational Research, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Sardar Sindhu
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
- Animal & Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
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14
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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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15
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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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16
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Gawron I, Wegiel M, Chrzaszcz R, Jach R, Maslanka A. Bioconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the adipose tissue of women with pelvic endometriosis and idiopathic infertility: A case-control study. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:296-302. [PMID: 38977159 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.07.002] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), present in air and food, generated during energy production and waste incineration, are known for health toxicity. PAHs may activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which could in turn modify estrogen-dependent inflammatory pathways in endometriosis. The possible role of PAHs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. The study aimed to evaluate the potential link between exposure to PAHs and the occurrence of peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis. METHODS A prospective case-control tertiary-center study included 46 women aged 22-45 undergoing laparoscopy due to pelvic endometriosis (n = 32; arm 1) and idiopathic infertility (n = 14; arm 2). A sample of the greater omentum was collected intraoperatively for detection of 16 standard PAHs by gas chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry method. PAHs concentrations were compared in both study arms. The associations between PAHs concentrations and selected variables were investigated. RESULTS There were no significant differences between both arms in terms of reference PAHs concentrations, nor correlations between PAHs concentrations and the stage of endometriosis. However, notable differences were observed in specific PAHs concentrations related to certain conditions. The concentrations of acenaphthene (p = 0.016) and fluorene (p = 0.013) were significantly lower in women with peritoneal adhesions, while the concentrations of benz[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene [ng/g] were higher in cigarette smokers. CONCLUSIONS The study showed no differences in exposure to PAHs between women with and without pelvic endometriosis. Determining the toxicity of PAHs in endometriosis requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Gawron
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Wegiel
- Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Trace Analysis Laboratory, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Chrzaszcz
- Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Trace Analysis Laboratory, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Jach
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Maslanka
- Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Trace Analysis Laboratory, Krakow, Poland
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17
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Huang Z, Wells JM, Fogliano V, Capuano E. Microbial tryptophan catabolism as an actionable target via diet-microbiome interactions. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38950607 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2369947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the role of microbial tryptophan (Trp) catabolism in host-microbiota crosstalk has become a major area of scientific interest. Microbiota-derived Trp catabolites positively contribute to intestinal and systemic homeostasis by acting as ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and pregnane X receptor, and as signaling molecules in microbial communities. Accumulating evidence suggests that microbial Trp catabolism could be therapeutic targets in treating human diseases. A number of bacteria and metabolic pathways have been identified to be responsible for the conversion of Trp in the intestine. Interestingly, many Trp-degrading bacteria can benefit from the supplementation of specific dietary fibers and polyphenols, which in turn increase the microbial production of beneficial Trp catabolites. Thus, this review aims to highlight the emerging role of diets and food components, i.e., food matrix, fiber, and polyphenol, in modulating the microbial catabolism of Trp and discuss the opportunities for potential therapeutic interventions via specifically designed diets targeting the Trp-microbiome axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Huang
- Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jerry M Wells
- Host-Microbe Interactomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Fogliano
- Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Edoardo Capuano
- Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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18
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Liu T, Jiang B, Fu B, Shang C, Feng H, Chen T, Jiang Y. PM2.5 Induces Cardiomyoblast Senescence via AhR-Mediated Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:786. [PMID: 39061855 PMCID: PMC11274155 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070786] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has established a correlation between PM2.5 exposure and aging-related cardiovascular diseases, primarily in blood vessels. However, the impact of PM2.5 on cardiomyocyte aging remains unclear. In this study, we observed that extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM2.5 exposure led to cellular senescence in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells, as characterized by an increase in the percentage of β-galactosidase-positive cells, elevated expression levels of p16 and p21, and enhanced H3K9me3 foci. EOM also induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/S stage, accompanied by downregulation of CDK4 and Cyclin D1. Furthermore, EOM exposure led to a significant elevation in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial ROS, and DNA damage. Supplementation with the antioxidant NAC effectively attenuated EOM-induced cardiac senescence. Our findings also revealed that exposure to EOM activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway, as evidenced by AhR translocation to the nucleus and upregulation of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1. Importantly, the AhR antagonist CH223191 effectively mitigated EOM-induced oxidative stress and cellular senescence. In conclusion, our results indicate that PM2.5-induced AhR activation leads to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell cycle arrest, leading to cardiac senescence. Targeting the AhR/ROS axis might be a promising therapeutic strategy for combating PM2.5-induced cardiac aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Liu
- School of Biology and Basic Medic Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China (C.S.); (H.F.)
| | - Bin Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215005, China;
| | - Baoqiang Fu
- School of Biology and Basic Medic Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China (C.S.); (H.F.)
| | - Changyi Shang
- School of Biology and Basic Medic Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China (C.S.); (H.F.)
| | - Haobin Feng
- School of Biology and Basic Medic Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China (C.S.); (H.F.)
| | - Tao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Disease and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- School of Biology and Basic Medic Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China (C.S.); (H.F.)
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Disease and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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19
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Grishanova AY, Perepechaeva ML. Kynurenic Acid/AhR Signaling at the Junction of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6933. [PMID: 39000041 PMCID: PMC11240928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136933] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent systemic chronic inflammatory conditions are linked with many pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of death across the globe. Among various risk factors, one of the new possible contributors to CVDs is the metabolism of essential amino acid tryptophan. Proinflammatory signals promote tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP), thereby resulting in the biosynthesis of several immunomodulatory metabolites whose biological effects are associated with the development of symptoms and progression of various inflammatory diseases. Some participants in the KP are agonists of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a central player in a signaling pathway that, along with a regulatory influence on the metabolism of environmental xenobiotics, performs a key immunomodulatory function by triggering various cellular mechanisms with the participation of endogenous ligands to alleviate inflammation. An AhR ligand with moderate affinity is the central metabolite of the KP: KYN; one of the subsequent metabolites of KYN-kynurenic acid (KYNA)-is a more potent ligand of AhR. Understanding the role of AhR pathway-related metabolites of the KP that regulate inflammatory factors in cells of the cardiovascular system is interesting and important for achieving effective treatment of CVDs. The purpose of this review was to summarize the results of studies about the participation of the KP metabolite-KYNA-and of the AhR signaling pathway in the regulation of inflammation in pathological conditions of the heart and blood vessels and about the possible interaction of KYNA with AhR signaling in some CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria L. Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630060, Russia;
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20
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Shibuya S, Watanabe K, Shimizu T. The Antioxidant PAPLAL Protects against Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Experimental Models. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38929186 PMCID: PMC11200398 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060748] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PAPLAL, a mixture of platinum (nPt) and palladium (nPd) nanoparticles, is widely used as a topical agent because of its strong antioxidant activity. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases worldwide. However, the role of oxidative stress in ACD remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of topical PAPLAL treatment on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced ACD. DNFB treatment increased 8-isoprostane content; upregulated Xdh, Nox2, and Nox4, pro-oxidant genes; and downregulated Sod1, an antioxidant gene, indicating oxidative damage in the ear skin. PAPLAL therapy significantly reduced ear thickness associated with the downregulation of inflammatory cytokine-related genes. PAPLAL also significantly increased the expression of the stress-response-related genes Ahr and Nrf2, as well as their target genes, but failed to alter the expression of redox-related genes. Furthermore, Sod1 loss worsened ACD pathologies in the ear. These results strongly suggest that PAPLAL protects against ACD through its antioxidant activity and activation of the AHR and NRF2 axes. The antioxidant PAPLAL can be used as a novel topical therapy for ACD that targets oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Aging Stress Response Research Project Team, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka-cho, Obu 474-8511, Aichi, Japan; (S.S.); (K.W.)
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21
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Xu X, Closson J, Marcelino LP, Favaro DC, Silvestrini ML, Solazzo R, Chong LT, Gardner KH. Identification of Small Molecule Ligand Binding Sites On and In the ARNT PAS-B Domain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.03.565595. [PMID: 37961463 PMCID: PMC10635134 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors are generally challenging to target with small molecule inhibitors due to their structural plasticity and lack of catalytic sites. Notable exceptions include several naturally ligand-regulated transcription factors, including our prior work with the heterodimeric HIF-2 transcription factor which showed that small molecule binding within an internal pocket of the HIF-2α PAS-B domain can disrupt its interactions with its dimerization partner, ARNT. Here, we explore the feasibility of similarly targeting small molecules to the analogous ARNT PAS-B domain itself, potentially opening a promising route to simultaneously modulate several ARNT-mediated signaling pathways. Using solution NMR screening of an in-house fragment library, we previously identified several compounds that bind ARNT PAS-B and, in certain cases, antagonize ARNT association with the TACC3 transcriptional coactivator. However, these ligands have only modest binding affinities, complicating characterization of their binding sites. We address this challenge by combining NMR, MD simulations, and ensemble docking to identify ligand-binding 'hotspots' on and within the ARNT PAS-B domain. Our data indicate that the two ARNT/TACC3 inhibitors, KG-548 and KG-655, bind to a β-sheet surface implicated in both HIF-2 dimerization and coactivator recruitment. Furthermore, while KG-548 binds exclusively to the β-sheet surface, KG-655 can additionally bind within a water-accessible internal cavity in ARNT PAS-B. Finally, KG-279, while not a coactivator inhibitor, exemplifies ligands that preferentially bind only to the internal cavity. All three ligands promoted ARNT PAS-B homodimerization, albeit to varying degrees. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive overview of ARNT PAS-B ligand-binding sites and may guide the development of more potent coactivator inhibitors for cellular and functional studies.
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22
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Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhi X, Xu L, Tao J, Cui D, Liu TF. Tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway regulates infection and inflammation: from mechanisms to biomarkers and therapies. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:979-996. [PMID: 38592457 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01878-5] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), an essential amino acid, is the only amino acid whose level is regulated specifically by immune signals. Most proportions of Trp are catabolized via the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) which has evolved to align the food availability and environmental stimulation with the host pathophysiology and behavior. Especially, the KP plays an indispensable role in balancing the immune activation and tolerance in response to pathogens. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we elucidate the underlying immunological regulatory network of Trp and its KP-dependent catabolites in the pathophysiological conditions by participating in multiple signaling pathways. Furthermore, the KP-based regulatory roles, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies in pathologically immune disorders are summarized covering from acute to chronic infection and inflammation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The immunosuppressive effects dominate the functions of KP induced-Trp depletion and KP-produced metabolites during infection and inflammation. However, the extending minor branches from the KP are not confined to the immune tolerance, instead they go forward to various functions according to the specific condition. Nevertheless, persistent efforts should be made before the clinical use of KP-based strategies to monitor and cure infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpu Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- Shanghai Institute of Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Tao
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Tie Fu Liu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Gowdy KM, Shannahan J. Particulate threats: aryl hydrocarbon receptor, alveolar epithelium, environmentally persistent free radicals, and endothelial dysfunction. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:161-162. [PMID: 38804167 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kymberly M Gowdy
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan Shannahan
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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24
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Bhakta-Yadav MS, Burra K, Alhamdan N, Allex-Buckner CP, Sulentic CEW. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor differentially modulates the expression profile of antibody isotypes in a human B-cell line. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:276-288. [PMID: 38526216 PMCID: PMC11131011 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent environmental contaminant and high affinity ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In animal models, AhR activation by TCDD generally inhibits antibody secretion. However, it is less clear if this translates to human antibody production. Using a human Burkitt lymphoma B-cell line (CL-01) that can be stimulated to secrete Ig and undergo class switch recombination to other Ig isotypes, the current study evaluated the effects of AhR activation or antagonism on the human Ig isotypic expression profile with CD40L+IL-4 stimulation. Our results suggest that AhR agonists (TCDD and indirubin) have little to no effect on IgM or IgA secretion, which were also not induced with stimulation. However, AhR activation significantly inhibited stimulation-induced IgG secretion, an effect reversed by the AhR antagonist CH223191. Evaluation of Ig heavy chain (IgH) constant region gene expression (ie Cμ, Cγ1-4, Cα1-2, and Cε that encode for IgM, IgG1-4, IgA1-2, and IgE, respectively) demonstrated differential effects. While Cμ and Cα2 transcripts were unaffected by stimulation or AhR agonists, AhR activation significantly inhibited stimulation-induced Cγ2-4 and Cε mRNA transcripts, which was reversed by AhR antagonism. Notably, AhR antagonism in the absence of exogenous AhR ligands significantly increased IgG and IgA secretion as well as the expression of Cγ2-4 and Cε. These results suggest that modulation of AhR activity differentially alters the IgH isotypic expression profile and antibody secretion that may be partly dependent on cellular stimulation. Since a variety of chemicals from anthropogenic, industrial, pharmaceutical, dietary, and bacterial sources bind the AhR, the ability of environmental exposures to alter AhR activity (i.e. activate or inhibit) may have a direct influence on immune function and antibody-relevant disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mili S Bhakta-Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
| | - Kaulini Burra
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
| | - Nasser Alhamdan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
| | - Clayton P Allex-Buckner
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
| | - Courtney E W Sulentic
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
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25
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Wang X, Dai W, Zhang C. Transcription Factors AhR and ARNT Regulate the Expression of CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1 Involved in Insecticide Detoxification in Bradysia odoriphaga. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10805-10813. [PMID: 38712504 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) mediate the responses of adaptive metabolism to various xenobiotics. Here, we found that BoAhR and BoARNT are highly expressed in the midgut of Bradysia odoriphaga larvae. The expression of BoAhR and BoARNT was significantly increased after exposure to imidacloprid and phoxim. The knockdown of BoAhR and BoARNT significantly decreased the expression of CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1 as well as P450 enzyme activity and caused a significant increase in the sensitivity of larvae to imidacloprid and phoxim. Exposure to β-naphthoflavone (BNF) significantly increased the expression of BoAhR, BoARNT, CYP6SX1, and CYP3828A1 as well as P450 activity and decreased larval sensitivity to imidacloprid and phoxim. Furthermore, CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1 were significantly induced by imidacloprid and phoxim, and the silencing of these two genes significantly reduced larval tolerance to imidacloprid and phoxim. Taken together, the BoAhR/BoARNT pathway plays key roles in larval tolerance to imidacloprid and phoxim by regulating the expression of CYP6SX1 and CYP3828A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunni Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
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26
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Dos Santos IL, Mitchell M, Nogueira PAS, Lafita-Navarro MC, Perez-Castro L, Eriom J, Kilgore JA, Williams NS, Guo L, Xu L, Conacci-Sorrell M. Targeting of neuroblastoma cells through Kynurenine-AHR pathway inhibition. FEBS J 2024; 291:2172-2190. [PMID: 38431776 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma poses significant challenges in clinical management. Despite its relatively low incidence, this malignancy contributes disproportionately to cancer-related childhood mortality. Tailoring treatments based on risk stratification, including MYCN oncogene amplification, remains crucial, yet high-risk cases often confront therapeutic resistance and relapse. Here, we explore the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a versatile transcription factor implicated in diverse physiological functions such as xenobiotic response, immune modulation, and cell growth. Despite its varying roles in malignancies, AHR's involvement in neuroblastoma remains elusive. Our study investigates the interplay between AHR and its ligand kynurenine (Kyn) in neuroblastoma cells. Kyn is generated from tryptophan (Trp) by the activity of the enzymes indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2). We found that neuroblastoma cells displayed sensitivity to the TDO2 inhibitor 680C91, exposing potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, combining TDO2 inhibition with retinoic acid or irinotecan (two chemotherapeutic agents used to treat neuroblastoma patients) revealed synergistic effects in select cell lines. Importantly, clinical correlation analysis using patient data established a link between elevated expression of Kyn-AHR pathway genes and adverse prognosis, particularly in older children. These findings underscore the significance of the Kyn-AHR pathway in neuroblastoma progression, emphasizing its potential role as a therapeutic target.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Kynurenine/metabolism
- Neuroblastoma/pathology
- Neuroblastoma/metabolism
- Neuroblastoma/genetics
- Neuroblastoma/drug therapy
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Tryptophan Oxygenase/metabolism
- Tryptophan Oxygenase/genetics
- Tryptophan Oxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Lopes Dos Santos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael Mitchell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Pedro A S Nogueira
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - M Carmen Lafita-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lizbeth Perez-Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joyane Eriom
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Kilgore
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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27
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Eaton DL, Simon TW, Kaminski NE, Perdew GH, Nebert DW. The 2022 revised WHO TEFs for dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals: The importance of considering the use of species-specific information to determine relative effective potency for human-based risk assessment. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 149:105599. [PMID: 38490576 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David L Eaton
- Dept. Environmental Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Food and Consumer Product Ingredient Safety Endowed Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Director, Center for Reseaerch on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gary H Perdew
- H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell Chair in Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Daniel W Nebert
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics & Molecular Developmental Biology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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28
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Thome T, Vugman NA, Stone LE, Wimberly K, Scali ST, Ryan TE. A tryptophan-derived uremic metabolite/Ahr/Pdk4 axis governs skeletal muscle mitochondrial energetics in chronic kidney disease. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e178372. [PMID: 38652558 PMCID: PMC11141944 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.178372] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes accumulation of uremic metabolites that negatively affect skeletal muscle. Tryptophan-derived uremic metabolites are agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which has been shown to be activated in CKD. This study investigated the role of the AHR in skeletal muscle pathology of CKD. Compared with controls with normal kidney function, AHR-dependent gene expression (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1) was significantly upregulated in skeletal muscle of patients with CKD, and the magnitude of AHR activation was inversely correlated with mitochondrial respiration. In mice with CKD, muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) was markedly impaired and strongly correlated with the serum level of tryptophan-derived uremic metabolites and AHR activation. Muscle-specific deletion of the AHR substantially improved mitochondrial OXPHOS in male mice with the greatest uremic toxicity (CKD + probenecid) and abolished the relationship between uremic metabolites and OXPHOS. The uremic metabolite/AHR/mitochondrial axis in skeletal muscle was verified using muscle-specific AHR knockdown in C57BL/6J mice harboring a high-affinity AHR allele, as well as ectopic viral expression of constitutively active mutant AHR in mice with normal renal function. Notably, OXPHOS changes in AHRmKO mice were present only when mitochondria were fueled by carbohydrates. Further analyses revealed that AHR activation in mice led to significantly increased pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4) expression and phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme. These findings establish a uremic metabolite/AHR/Pdk4 axis in skeletal muscle that governs mitochondrial deficits in carbohydrate oxidation during CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trace Thome
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and
| | | | | | - Keon Wimberly
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and
| | - Salvatore T. Scali
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Terence E. Ryan
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and
- Center for Exercise Science and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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29
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El-Mahrouk SR, El-Ghiaty MA, Alqahtani MA, El-Kadi AOS. Dimethylmonothioarsinic acid (DMMTA V) differentially modulates the expression of AHR-regulated cytochrome P450 1A enzymes in vivo and in vitro. Toxicol Lett 2024; 394:32-45. [PMID: 38403205 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.02.007] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Dimethylmonothioarsinic acid (DMMTAV), a pentavalent thio-arsenic derivative, has been found in bodily fluids and tissues including urine, liver, kidney homogenates, plasma, and red blood cells. Although DMMTAV is a minor metabolite in humans and animals, its substantial toxicity raises concerns about potential carcinogenic effects. This toxicity could be attributed to arsenicals' ability to regulate cytochrome P450 1 A (CYP1A) enzymes, pivotal in procarcinogen activation or detoxification. The current study investigates DMMTAV's impact on CYP1A1/2 expression, individually and in conjunction with its inducer, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 6 mg/kg DMMTAV, alone or with 15 μg/kg TCDD, for 6 and 24 h. Similarly, Hepa-1c1c7 cells were exposed to DMMTAV (0.5, 1, and 2 μM) with or without 1 nM TCDD for 6 and 24 h. DMMTAV hindered TCDD-induced elevation of Cyp1a1 mRNA, both in vivo (at 6 h) and in vitro, associated with reduced CYP1A regulatory element activation. Interestingly, in C57BL/6 mice, DMMTAV boosted TCDD-induced CYP1A1/2 protein and activity, unlike Hepa-1c1c7 cells where it suppressed both. DMMTAV co-exposure increased TCDD-induced Cyp1a2 mRNA. While Cyp1a1 mRNA stability remained unchanged, DMMTAV negatively affected protein stability, indicated by shortened half-life. Baseline levels of CYP1A1/2 mRNA, protein, and catalytic activities showed no significant alterations in DMMTAV-treated C57BL/6 mice and Hepa-1c1c7 cells. Taken together, these findings indicate, for the first time, that DMMTAV differentially modulates the TCDD-mediated induction of AHR-regulated enzymes in both liver of C57BL/6 mice and murine Hepa-1c1c7 cells suggesting that thio-arsenic pentavalent metabolites are extremely reactive and could play a role in the toxicity of arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R El-Mahrouk
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- 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
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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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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Kim K. The Role of Endocrine Disruption Chemical-Regulated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3818. [PMID: 38612627 PMCID: PMC11012155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073818] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for regulating fundamental cellular and molecular processes, such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cancer development. Notably, a spectrum of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act as agonists or antagonists of AHR, leading to the dysregulation of pivotal cellular and molecular processes and endocrine system disruption. Accumulating evidence suggests a correlation between EDC exposure and the onset of diverse pancreatic diseases, including diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Despite this association, the mechanistic role of AHR as a linchpin molecule in EDC exposure-related pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer remains unexplored. This review comprehensively examines the involvement of AHR in EDC exposure-mediated regulation of pancreatic pathogenesis, emphasizing AHR as a potential therapeutic target for the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72225, USA
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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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Cai H, Wen H, Li J, Lu L, Zhao W, Jiang X, Bai R. Small-molecule agents for treating skin diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116269. [PMID: 38422702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116269] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Skin diseases are a class of common and frequently occurring diseases that significantly impact daily lives. Currently, the limited effective therapeutic drugs are far from meeting the clinical needs; most drugs typically only provide symptomatic relief rather than a cure. Developing small-molecule drugs with improved efficacy holds paramount importance for treating skin diseases. This review aimed to systematically introduce the pathogenesis of common skin diseases in daily life, list related drugs applied in the clinic, and summarize the clinical research status of candidate drugs and the latest research progress of candidate compounds in the drug discovery stage. Also, it statistically analyzed the number of publications and global attention trends for the involved skin diseases. This review might provide practical information for researchers engaged in dermatological drugs and further increase research attention to this disease area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Hao Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Liuxin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Wenxuan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China.
| | - Renren Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China.
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Healey AM, Fenner KN, O'Dell CT, Lawrence BP. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation alters immune cell populations in the lung and bone marrow during coronavirus infection. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L313-L329. [PMID: 38290163 PMCID: PMC11281796 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00236.2023] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections are one of the major causes of illness and death worldwide. Symptoms associated with respiratory infections can range from mild to severe, and there is limited understanding of why there is large variation in severity. Environmental exposures are a potential causative factor. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an environment-sensing molecule expressed in all immune cells. Although there is considerable evidence that AHR signaling influences immune responses to other immune challenges, including respiratory pathogens, less is known about the impact of AHR signaling on immune responses during coronavirus (CoV) infection. In this study, we report that AHR activation significantly altered immune cells in the lungs and bone marrow of mice infected with a mouse CoV. AHR activation transiently reduced the frequency of multiple cells in the mononuclear phagocyte system, including monocytes, interstitial macrophages, and dendritic cells in the lung. In the bone marrow, AHR activation altered myelopoiesis, as evidenced by a reduction in granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells and an increased frequency of myeloid-biased progenitor cells. Moreover, AHR activation significantly affected multiple stages of the megakaryocyte lineage. Overall, these findings indicate that AHR activation modulates multiple aspects of the immune response to a CoV infection. Given the significant burden of respiratory viruses on human health, understanding how environmental exposures shape immune responses to infection advances our knowledge of factors that contribute to variability in disease severity and provides insight into novel approaches to prevent or treat disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study reveals a multifaceted role for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in the immune response to coronavirus (CoV) infection. Sustained AHR activation during in vivo mouse CoV infection altered the frequency of mature immune cells in the lung and modulated emergency hematopoiesis, specifically myelopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis, in bone marrow. This provides new insight into immunoregulation by the AHR and extends our understanding of how environmental exposures can impact host responses to respiratory viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Healey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kristina N Fenner
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Colleen T O'Dell
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
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35
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Bonati L, Motta S, Callea L. The AhR Signaling Mechanism: A Structural Point of View. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168296. [PMID: 37797832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a well-known sensor of xenobiotics; moreover, it is considered a promising drug target as it is involved in the regulation of many patho-physiological processes. For these reasons the study of its ligand-activated transcription mechanism has stimulated several studies for over twenty years. In this review we highlight the key role of molecular structural information in understanding the different steps of the signaling mechanism. The architecture of the AhR cytosolic complex, encompassing the hsp90 chaperone protein and the XAP2 and p23 co-chaperones, has become available in the last year thanks to Cryo-EM experiments. The structure of the AhR ligand-binding (PAS-B) domain has remained elusive for a long time; it has been predicted by homology modelling, based on known PAS systems, and its ligand-bound forms were modelled through ligand molecular docking. Although very recently some structural information on this domain has become available, considerable efforts are still needed to determine the binding geometries of the AhR key ligands by experimental high-resolution studies. On the other hand, the dimeric structure of AhR with the ARNT protein, bound to the specific DNA responsive element, was partially determined by X-ray crystallography and it was completed by homology modelling. On the whole the current structural knowledge of the main protein complexes that form over the AhR mechanism opens the way to confirm and further investigate the main steps of the proposed ligand-activated transcription mechanism of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonati
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Lara Callea
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
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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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Gutierrez F, Murphy QM, Swartwout BK, Read KA, Edwards MR, Abdelhamid L, Cabana-Puig X, Testerman JC, Xu T, Lu R, Amin P, Cecere TE, Reilly CM, Oestreich KJ, Ciupe SM, Luo XM. TCDD and CH223191 Alter T Cell Balance but Fail to Induce Anti-Inflammatory Response in Adult Lupus Mice. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:172-181. [PMID: 38353996 PMCID: PMC10916358 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300023] [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] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) responds to endogenous and exogenous ligands as a cytosolic receptor, transcription factor, and E3 ubiquitin ligase. Several studies support an anti-inflammatory effect of AhR activation. However, exposure to the AhR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) during early stages of development results in an autoimmune phenotype and exacerbates lupus. The effects of TCDD on lupus in adults with pre-existing autoimmunity have not been described. We present novel evidence that AhR stimulation by TCDD alters T cell responses but fails to impact lupus-like disease using an adult mouse model. Interestingly, AhR antagonist CH223191 also changed T cell balance in our model. We next developed a conceptual framework for identifying cellular and molecular factors that contribute to physiological outcomes in lupus and created models that describe cytokine dynamics that were fed into a system of differential equations to predict the kinetics of T follicular helper (Tfh) and regulatory T (Treg) cell populations. The model predicted that Tfh cells expanded to larger values following TCDD exposure compared with vehicle and CH223191. Following the initial elevation, both Tfh and Treg cell populations continuously decayed over time. A function based on the ratio of predicted Treg/Tfh cells showed that Treg cells exceed Tfh cells in all groups, with TCDD and CH223191 showing lower Treg/Tfh cell ratios than the vehicle and that the ratio is relatively constant over time. We conclude that AhR ligands did not induce an anti-inflammatory response to attenuate autoimmunity in adult lupus mice. This study challenges the dogma that TCDD supports an immunosuppressive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Quiyana M. Murphy
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Brianna K. Swartwout
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA
| | - Kaitlin A. Read
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Michael R. Edwards
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Leila Abdelhamid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Xavier Cabana-Puig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - James C. Testerman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Tian Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Ran Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Pavly Amin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Thomas E. Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Christopher M. Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Kenneth J. Oestreich
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Stanca M. Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Xin M. Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
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Ramal M, Corral S, Kalisz M, Lapi E, Real FX. The urothelial gene regulatory network: understanding biology to improve bladder cancer management. Oncogene 2024; 43:1-21. [PMID: 37996699 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02876-3] [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] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The urothelium is a stratified epithelium composed of basal cells, one or more layers of intermediate cells, and an upper layer of differentiated umbrella cells. Most bladder cancers (BLCA) are urothelial carcinomas. Loss of urothelial lineage fidelity results in altered differentiation, highlighted by the taxonomic classification into basal and luminal tumors. There is a need to better understand the urothelial transcriptional networks. To systematically identify transcription factors (TFs) relevant for urothelial identity, we defined highly expressed TFs in normal human bladder using RNA-Seq data and inferred their genomic binding using ATAC-Seq data. To focus on epithelial TFs, we analyzed RNA-Seq data from patient-derived organoids recapitulating features of basal/luminal tumors. We classified TFs as "luminal-enriched", "basal-enriched" or "common" according to expression in organoids. We validated our classification by differential gene expression analysis in Luminal Papillary vs. Basal/Squamous tumors. Genomic analyses revealed well-known TFs associated with luminal (e.g., PPARG, GATA3, FOXA1) and basal (e.g., TP63, TFAP2) phenotypes and novel candidates to play a role in urothelial differentiation or BLCA (e.g., MECOM, TBX3). We also identified TF families (e.g., KLFs, AP1, circadian clock, sex hormone receptors) for which there is suggestive evidence of their involvement in urothelial differentiation and/or BLCA. Genomic alterations in these TFs are associated with BLCA. We uncover a TF network involved in urothelial cell identity and BLCA. We identify novel candidate TFs involved in differentiation and cancer that provide opportunities for a better understanding of the underlying biology and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ramal
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Corral
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Kalisz
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eleonora Lapi
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco X Real
- Epithelial Carcinogenesis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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39
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Fauteux M, Côté N, Bergeron S, Maréchal A, Gaudreau L. Differential effects of pesticides on dioxin receptor signaling and p53 activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21211. [PMID: 38040841 PMCID: PMC10692357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48555-x] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As modern agricultural practices increase their use of chemical pesticides, it is inevitable that we will find a number of these xenobiotics within drinking water supplies and disseminated throughout the food chain. A major problem that arises from this pollution is that the effects of most of these pesticides on cellular mechanisms in general, and how they interact with each other and affect human cells are still poorly understood. In this study we make use of cultured human cancer cells to measure by qRT-PCR how pesticides affect gene expression of stress pathways. Immunoblotting studies were performed to monitor protein expression levels and activation of signaling pathways. We make use of immunofluorescence and microscopy to visualize and quantify DNA damage events in those cells. In the current study, we evaluate the potential of a subset of widely used pesticides to activate the dioxin receptor pathway and affect its crosstalk with estrogen receptor signaling. We quantify the impact of these chemicals on the p53-dependent cellular stress response. We find that, not only can the different pesticides activate the dioxin receptor pathway, most of them have better than additive effects on this pathway when combined at low doses. We also show that different pesticides have the ability to trigger crosstalk events that may generate genotoxic estrogen metabolites. Finally, we show that some, but not all of the tested pesticides can induce a p53-dependent stress response. Taken together our results provide evidence that several xenobiotics found within the environment have the potential to interact together to elicit significant effects on cell systems. Our data warrants caution when the toxicity of substances that are assessed simply for individual chemicals, since important biological effects could be observed only in the presence of other compounds, and that even at very low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Fauteux
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Nadia Côté
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sandra Bergeron
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Maréchal
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Luc Gaudreau
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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40
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Chatterjee P, Banerjee S. Unveiling the mechanistic role of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in environmentally induced Breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115866. [PMID: 37863327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a crucial cytosolic evolutionary conserved ligand-activated transcription factor and a pleiotropic signal transducer. The biosensor activity of the AhR is attributed to the promiscuity of its ligand-binding domain. Evidence suggests exposure to environmental toxins such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons activates the AhR signaling pathway. The constitutive activation of the receptor signaling system leads to multiple health adversities and enhances the risk of several cancers, including breast cancer (BC). This review evaluates several mechanisms that integrate the tumor-inducing property of such environmental contaminants with the AhR pathway assisting in BC tumorigenesis, progress and metastasis. Intriguingly, immune evasion is identified as a prominent hallmark in BC. Several emerging pieces of evidence have identified AhR as a potent immunosuppressive effector in several cancers. Through AhR signaling pathways, some tumors can avoid immune detection. Thus the relevance of AhR in the immunomodulation of breast tumors and its putative mode of action in the breast tumor microenvironment are discussed in this review. Additionally, the work also explores BC stemness and its associated inflammation in response to several environmental cues. The review elucidates the context-dependent ambiguous behavior of AhR either as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor with respect to its ligand. Conclusively, this holistic piece of literature attempts to potentiate AhR as a promising pharmacological target in BC and updates on the therapeutic manipulation of its various exogenous and endogenous ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Chatterjee
- School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore- 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore- 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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41
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Trujillo-Ochoa JL, Kazemian M, Afzali B. The role of transcription factors in shaping regulatory T cell identity. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:842-856. [PMID: 37336954 PMCID: PMC10893967 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3-expressing (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) suppress conventional T cells and are essential for immunological tolerance. FOXP3, the master transcription factor of Treg cells, controls the expression of multiples genes to guide Treg cell differentiation and function. However, only a small fraction (<10%) of Treg cell-associated genes are directly bound by FOXP3, and FOXP3 alone is insufficient to fully specify the Treg cell programme, indicating a role for other accessory transcription factors operating upstream, downstream and/or concurrently with FOXP3 to direct Treg cell specification and specialized functions. Indeed, the heterogeneity of Treg cells can be at least partially attributed to differential expression of transcription factors that fine-tune their trafficking, survival and functional properties, some of which are niche-specific. In this Review, we discuss the emerging roles of accessory transcription factors in controlling Treg cell identity. We specifically focus on members of the basic helix-loop-helix family (AHR), basic leucine zipper family (BACH2, NFIL3 and BATF), CUT homeobox family (SATB1), zinc-finger domain family (BLIMP1, Ikaros and BCL-11B) and interferon regulatory factor family (IRF4), as well as lineage-defining transcription factors (T-bet, GATA3, RORγt and BCL-6). Understanding the imprinting of Treg cell identity and specialized function will be key to unravelling basic mechanisms of autoimmunity and identifying novel targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Trujillo-Ochoa
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Majid Kazemian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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42
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Filipovic D, Qi W, Kana O, Marri D, LeCluyse EL, Andersen ME, Cuddapah S, Bhattacharya S. Interpretable predictive models of genome-wide aryl hydrocarbon receptor-DNA binding reveal tissue-specific binding determinants. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:170-186. [PMID: 37707797 PMCID: PMC10682972 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an inducible transcription factor whose ligands include the potent environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Ligand-activated AhR binds to DNA at dioxin response elements (DREs) containing the core motif 5'-GCGTG-3'. However, AhR binding is highly tissue specific. Most DREs in accessible chromatin are not bound by TCDD-activated AhR, and DREs accessible in multiple tissues can be bound in some and unbound in others. As such, AhR functions similarly to many nuclear receptors. Given that AhR possesses a strong core motif, it is suited for a motif-centered analysis of its binding. We developed interpretable machine learning models predicting the AhR binding status of DREs in MCF-7, GM17212, and HepG2 cells, as well as primary human hepatocytes. Cross-tissue models predicting transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding generally perform poorly. However, reasons for the low performance remain unexplored. By interpreting the results of individual within-tissue models and by examining the features leading to low cross-tissue performance, we identified sequence and chromatin context patterns correlated with AhR binding. We conclude that AhR binding is driven by a complex interplay of tissue-agnostic DRE flanking DNA sequence and tissue-specific local chromatin context. Additionally, we demonstrate that interpretable machine learning models can provide novel and experimentally testable mechanistic insights into DNA binding by inducible TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Filipovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Wenjie Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Omar Kana
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Daniel Marri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Edward L LeCluyse
- LifeSciences Division, LifeNet Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | | | - Suresh Cuddapah
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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43
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Chaudhry KA, Jacobi JJ, Gillard BM, Karasik E, Martin JC, da Silva Fernandes T, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Attwood KM, Twist CJ, Smiraglia DJ, Long MD, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a tumor promoter in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells through suppression of differentiation. iScience 2023; 26:108303. [PMID: 38026169 PMCID: PMC10654598 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. MYCN amplification is detected in almost half of high-risk cases and is associated with poorly differentiated tumors, poor patient prognosis and poor response to therapy, including retinoids. We identify the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a transcription factor promoting the growth and suppressing the differentiation of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. A neuroblastoma specific AhR transcriptional signature reveals an inverse correlation of AhR activity with patients' outcome, suggesting AhR activity is critical for disease progression. AhR modulates chromatin structures, reducing accessibility to regions responsive to retinoic acid. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of AhR results in induction of differentiation. Importantly, AhR antagonism with clofazimine synergizes with retinoic acid in inducing differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we propose AhR as a target for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and that its antagonism, combined with current standard-of-care, may result in a more durable response in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanita A. Chaudhry
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Justine J. Jacobi
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bryan M. Gillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Karasik
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Martin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Foundation I.R.C.C.S. Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Milan, Italy
| | - Kristopher M. Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Clare J. Twist
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dominic J. Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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44
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Cintrón-Rivera LG, Burns N, Patel R, Plavicki JS. Exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist dioxin disrupts formation of the muscle, nerves, and vasculature in the developing jaw. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122499. [PMID: 37660771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to environmental pollutants can disrupt embryonic development and impact juvenile and adult health outcomes by adversely affecting cell and organ function. Notwithstanding, environmental contamination continues to increase due to industrial development, insufficient regulations, and the mobilization of pollutants as a result of extreme weather events. Dioxins are a class of structurally related persistent organic pollutants that are highly toxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most potent dioxin compound and has been shown to induce toxic effects in developing organisms by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand activated transcription factor targeted by multiple persistent organic pollutants. Contaminant-induced AHR activation results in malformations of the craniofacial cartilages and neurocranium; however, the mechanisms mediating these phenotypes are not well understood. In this study, we utilized the optically transparent zebrafish model to elucidate novel cellular targets and potential transcriptional targets underlying TCDD-induced craniofacial malformations. To this end, we exposed zebrafish embryos at 4 h post fertilization to TCDD and employed a mixed-methods approach utilizing immunohistochemistry staining, transgenic reporter lines, fixed and in vivo confocal imaging, and timelapse microscopy to determine the targets mediating TCDD-induced craniofacial phenotypes. Our data indicate that embryonic TCDD exposure reduced jaw and pharyngeal arch Sox10+ chondrocytes and Tcf21+ pharyngeal mesoderm progenitors. Exposure to TCDD correspondingly led to a reduction in collagen type II deposition in Sox10+ domains. Embryonic TCDD exposure impaired development of tissues derived from or guided by Tcf21+ progenitors, namely: nerves, muscle, and vasculature. Specifically, TCDD exposure disrupted development of the hyoid and mandibular arch muscles, decreased neural innervation of the jaw, resulted in compression of cranial nerves V and VII, and led to jaw vasculature malformations. Collectively, these findings reveal novel structural targets and potential transcriptional targets of TCDD-induced toxicity, showcasing how contaminant exposures lead to congenital craniofacial malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layra G Cintrón-Rivera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Nicole Burns
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Ratna Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Jessica S Plavicki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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45
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Denis AA, Toledo D, Hakim QA, Quintana AA, Escobar CR, Oluwole SA, Costa A, Garcia EG, Hill AR, Agatemor C. Ligand-Independent Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Attenuation of Glutamine Levels by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300540. [PMID: 37615422 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300540] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) are emerging sustainable alternatives to conventional organic solvents. Beyond their role as laboratory solvents, NADESs are increasingly explored in drug delivery and as therapeutics. Their increasing applications notwithstanding, our understanding of how they interact with biomolecules at multiple levels - metabolome, proteome, and transcriptome - within human cell remain poor. Here, we deploy integrated metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics to probe how NADESs perturb the molecular landscape of human cells. In a human cell line model, we found that an archetypal NADES derived from choline and geranic acid (CAGE) significantly altered the metabolome, proteome, and transcriptome. CAGE upregulated indole-3-lactic acid and 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid levels, resulting in ligand-independent activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor to signal the transcription of genes with implications for inflammation, immunomodulation, cell development, and chemical detoxification. Further, treating the cell line with CAGE downregulated glutamine biosynthesis, a nutrient rapidly proliferating cancer cells require. CAGE's ability to attenuate glutamine levels is potentially relevant for cancer treatment. These findings suggest that NADESs, even when derived from natural components like choline, can indirectly modulate cell biology at multiple levels, expanding their applications beyond chemistry to biomedicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Toledo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL-33146, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Arthur Costa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL-33146, USA
| | | | - Anaya Rose Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Miami, FL-33146, USA
| | - Christian Agatemor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL-33146, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Miami, FL-33146, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, University of Miami, Miami, FL-33136, USA
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46
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Pacheco JHL, Elizondo G. Interplay between Estrogen, Kynurenine, and AHR Pathways: An immunosuppressive axis with therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115804. [PMID: 37716620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115804] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Estrogen exposure via endogenous and exogenous sources during a lifetime, together with environmental exposure to estrogenic compounds, represent the most significant risk factor for breast cancer development. As breast tumors establish, multiple pathways are deregulated. Among them is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. AHR, a ligand-activated transcription factor associated with the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and estrogens, is overexpressed in breast cancer. Furthermore, AHR and estrogen receptor (ER) cross-talk pathways have been observed. Additionally, the Tryptophan (Trp) catabolizing enzymes indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are overexpressed in breast cancer. IDO/TDO catalyzes the formation of Kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan-derived metabolites, which are ligands of AHR. Once KYN activates AHR, it stimulates the expression of the IDO enzyme, increases the level of KYN, and activates non-canonical pathways to control inflammation and immunosuppression in breast tumors. The interplay between E2, AHR, and IDO/TDO/KYN pathways and their impact on the immune system represents an immunosuppressive axis on breast cancer. The potential modulation of the immunosuppressive E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN axis has aroused great expectations in oncotherapy. The present article will review the mechanisms implicated in generating the immunosuppressive axis E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN in breast cancer and the current state of knowledge as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillermo Elizondo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, C.P. 07360 Ciudad de México, México.
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47
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Long M, Wielsøe M, Bech BH, Henriksen TB, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Maternal serum dioxin-like activity and gestational age at birth and indices of foetal growth: The Aarhus birth cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165286. [PMID: 37422229 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (lipPOP) is ubiquitous and life-long, beginning during foetal development. Exposure to lipPOP elicits a number of species and tissue specific responses including dioxin-like activity which involve the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This study aims i) to describe the combined dioxin-like activity in serum from Danish pregnant women collected during 2011-2013; ii) to assess the association between maternal serum dioxin-like activity, gestational age at birth and foetal growth indices. The serum lipPOP fraction was extracted using Solid Phase Extraction and cleaned-up on Supelco multi-layer silica and florisil columns. The combined dioxin-like activity of the extract was determined using the AhR reporter gene bioassay, expressed as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxic equivalent (TEQ) [AhR-TEQ (pg/g lipid)]. The associations of AhR-TEQ and foetal growth indices (birth weight, birth length and head circumference) and gestational age were assessed by linear regression models. We detected AhR-TEQ in 93.9 % of maternal first trimester serum samples, with a median level of 185 pg/g lipid. Each ln-unit increase in AhR-TEQ was associated with an increase in birth weight of 36 g (95 % CI: 5; 68), birth length of 0.2 cm (95 % CI: 0.01; 0.3) and pregnancy duration of 1 day (95 % CI: 0; 1.5). In women who never smoked, higher AhR-TEQ values were associated with higher birth weight and longer duration of gestation, while in smokers the association was the opposite. Mediation analyses suggested that gestational age may mediate the association of AhR-TEQ with foetal growth indices. We conclude that AhR activating substances are present in the bloodstream of almost all pregnant women in Denmark and the AhR-TEQ level was around four times higher than previously reported. The AhR-TEQ was associated with slightly longer gestational duration and thereby higher birth weight and birth length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manhai Long
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Maria Wielsøe
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Research unit for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland.
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48
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Camacho-Jiménez L, González-Ruiz R, Yepiz-Plascencia G. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine crustaceans: Bioaccumulation, physiological and cellular responses. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106184. [PMID: 37769555 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are ubiquitous in marine ecosystems. These compounds can be accumulated in water, sediments and organisms, persist in time, and have toxic effects in human and wildlife. POPs can be uptaken and bioaccumulated by crustaceans, affecting different physiological processes, including energy metabolism, immunity, osmoregulation, excretion, growth, and reproduction. Nonetheless, animals have evolved sub-cellular mechanisms for detoxification and protection from chemical stress. POPs induce the activity of enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant systems, that in vertebrates are importantly regulated at gene expression (transcriptional) level. However, the activation and control of these enzyme systems upon the exposure to POPs have been scarcely studied in invertebrate species, including crustaceans. Herein, we summarize various aspects of the bioaccumulation of POPs in marine crustaceans and their physiological effects. We specially focus on the regulation of xenobiotics metabolism and antioxidant enzymes as key sub-cellular mechanisms for detoxification and protection from chemical stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Camacho-Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.), Carretera Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas 46, Hermosillo, Sonora, 83304, Mexico.
| | - Ricardo González-Ruiz
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A.C. (IPICYT A.C.), Camino a La Presa de San José 2055, San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, 78216, Mexico
| | - Gloria Yepiz-Plascencia
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.), Carretera Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas 46, Hermosillo, Sonora, 83304, Mexico
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Vrzal R, Marcalíková A, Krasulová K, Zemánková L, Dvořák Z. Jasmone Is a Ligand-Selective Allosteric Antagonist of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15655. [PMID: 37958638 PMCID: PMC10648586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115655] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal extracts represent a wide spectrum of biologically active ingredients with potential medical applications. By screening minor constituents of jasmine essential oil towards aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity using a gene reporter assay (GRA), we found the antagonist effects of jasmone (3-methyl-2-[(2Z)-pent-2-en-1-yl]cyclopent-2-en-1-one). It inhibited 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-, and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ)-triggered AhR-dependent luciferase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the inhibition differed markedly between TCDD, BaP, and FICZ, with the latter being significantly less inhibited. The dose-response analysis confirmed an allosteric type of AhR antagonism. Furthermore, jasmone efficiently inhibited AhR activation by AhR agonists and microbial catabolites of tryptophan (MICTs). TCDD- and FICZ-inducible CYP1A1 expression in primary human hepatocytes was inhibited by jasmone, whereas in the human HepG2 and LS180 cells, jasmone antagonized only TCDD-activated AhR. Jasmone only partially displaced radiolabeled TCDD from its binding to mouse Ahr, suggesting it is not a typical orthosteric ligand of AhR. TCDD-elicited AhR nuclear translocation was not affected by jasmone, whereas downstream signaling events, including the formation of the AhR:ARNT complex and enrichment of the CYP1A1 promoter, were inhibited by jasmone. In conclusion, we show that jasmone is a potent allosteric antagonist of AhR. Such discovery may help to find and/or clarify the use of jasmone in pharmaco- and phytotherapy for conditions where AhR plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radim Vrzal
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Hou JJ, Ma AH, Qin YH. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in inflammatory bowel disease: insights from gut microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1279172. [PMID: 37942478 PMCID: PMC10628454 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1279172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease that affects more than 3.5 million people, with rising prevalence. It deeply affects patients' daily life, increasing the burden on patients, families, and society. Presently, the etiology of IBD remains incompletely clarified, while emerging evidence has demonstrated that altered gut microbiota and decreased aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activity are closely associated with IBD. Furthermore, microbial metabolites are capable of AHR activation as AHR ligands, while the AHR, in turn, affects the microbiota through various pathways. In light of the complex connection among gut microbiota, the AHR, and IBD, it is urgent to review the latest research progress in this field. In this review, we describe the role of gut microbiota and AHR activation in IBD and discussed the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the AHR in the context of IBD. Taken as a whole, we propose new therapeutic strategies targeting the AHR-microbiota axis for IBD, even for other related diseases caused by AHR-microbiota dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue-Hua Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
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