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Cholico GN, Fling RR, Sink WJ, Nault R, Zacharewski T. Inhibition of the urea cycle by the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increases serum ammonia levels in mice. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105500. [PMID: 38013089 PMCID: PMC10731612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor known for mediating the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. TCDD induces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-like pathologies including simple steatosis that can progress to steatohepatitis with fibrosis and bile duct proliferation in male mice. Dose-dependent progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis with fibrosis by TCDD has been associated with metabolic reprogramming, including the disruption of amino acid metabolism. Here, we used targeted metabolomic analysis to reveal dose-dependent changes in the level of ten serum and eleven hepatic amino acids in mice upon treatment with TCDD. Bulk RNA-seq and protein analysis showed TCDD repressed CPS1, OTS, ASS1, ASL, and GLUL, all of which are associated with the urea cycle and glutamine biosynthesis. Urea and glutamine are end products of the detoxification and excretion of ammonia, a toxic byproduct of amino acid catabolism. Furthermore, we found that the catalytic activity of OTC, a rate-limiting step in the urea cycle was also dose dependently repressed. These results are consistent with an increase in circulating ammonia. Collectively, the repression of the urea and glutamate-glutamine cycles increased circulating ammonia levels and the toxicity of TCDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovan N Cholico
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Russell R Fling
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Warren J Sink
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Rance Nault
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Tim Zacharewski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
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Tu P, Chi L, Bian X, Gao B, Ru H, Lu K. A Black Raspberry-Rich Diet Protects From Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Intestinal Inflammation and Host Metabolic Perturbation in Association With Increased Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligands in the Gut Microbiota of Mice. Front Nutr 2022; 9:842298. [PMID: 35734371 PMCID: PMC9208328 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.842298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary modulation of the gut microbiota recently received considerable attention, and ligand activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a pivotal role in intestinal immunity. Importantly, black raspberry (BRB, Rubus occidentalis) is associated with a variety of beneficial health effects. We aim to investigate effects of a BRB-rich diet on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation and to determine whether its consequent anti-inflammatory effects are relevant to modulation of the gut microbiota, especially its production of AHR ligands. A mouse model of DSS-induced intestinal inflammation was used in the present study. C57BL/6J mice were fed either AIN-76A or BRB diet. Composition and functions of the gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and comparative metagenome analysis. Metabolic profiles of host and the gut microbiome were assessed by serum and fecal metabolomic profiling and identification. BRB diet was found to ameliorate DSS-induced intestinal inflammation and host metabolic perturbation. BRB diet also protected from DSS-induced perturbation in diversity and composition in the gut microbiota. BRB diet promoted AHR ligand production by the gut microbiota, as revealed by increased levels of fecal AHR activity in addition to increased levels of two known AHR ligands, hemin and biliverdin. Accordingly, enrichment of bacterial genes and pathways responsible for production of hemin and biliverdin were found, specific gut bacteria that are highly correlated with abundances of hemin and biliverdin were also identified. BRB dietary intervention ameliorated intestinal inflammation in mice in association with promotion of AHR ligand production by the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Tu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Liang Chi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Xiaoming Bian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Bei Gao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Hongyu Ru
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Vogeley C, Rolfes KM, Krutmann J, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Environmentally-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skin. Front Oncol 2022; 12:841721. [PMID: 35311158 PMCID: PMC8927079 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.841721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in humans and academia as well as public authorities expect a further increase of its incidence in the next years. The major risk factor for the development of SCC of the general population is the repeated and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Another important risk factor, in particular with regards to occupational settings, is the chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are formed during incomplete combustion of organic material and thus can be found in coal tar, creosote, bitumen and related working materials. Importantly, both exposomal factors unleash their carcinogenic potential, at least to some extent, by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The AHR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and key regulator in xenobiotic metabolism and immunity. The AHR is expressed in all cutaneous cell-types investigated so far and maintains skin integrity. We and others have reported that in response to a chronic exposure to environmental stressors, in particular UV radiation and PAHs, an activation of AHR and downstream signaling pathways critically contributes to the development of SCC. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about AHR's role in skin carcinogenesis and focus on its impact on defense mechanisms, such as DNA repair, apoptosis and anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, we discuss the possible consequences of a simultaneous exposure to different AHR-stimulating environmental factors for the development of cutaneous SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vogeley
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Hsu HL, Chen HK, Tsai CH, Liao PL, Chan YJ, Lee YC, Lee CC, Li CH. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Defect Attenuates Mitogen-Activated Signaling through Leucine-Rich Repeats and Immunoglobulin-like Domains 1 (LRIG1)-Dependent EGFR Degradation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9988. [PMID: 34576152 PMCID: PMC8464816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) genomic pathway has been well-characterized in a number of respiratory diseases. In addition, the cytoplasmic AHR protein may act as an adaptor of E3 ubiquitin ligase. In this study, the physiological functions of AHR that regulate cell proliferation were explored using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The doubling-time of the AHR-KO clones of A549 and BEAS-2B was observed to be prolonged. The attenuation of proliferation potential was strongly associated with either the induction of p27Kip1 or the impairment in mitogenic signal transduction driven by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGFR). We found that the leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1), a repressor of EGFR, was induced in the absence of AHR in vitro and in vivo. The LRIG1 tends to degrade via a proteasome dependent manner by interacting with AHR in wild-type cells. Either LRIG1 or a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) were accumulated in AHR-defective cells, consequently accelerating the degradation of EGFR, and attenuating the response to mitogenic stimulation. We also affirmed low AHR but high LRIG1 levels in lung tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This might partially elucidate the sluggish tissue repairment and developing inflammation in COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Lin Hsu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan;
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Hong-Kai Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Hao Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA;
| | - Po-Lin Liao
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Ju Chan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Cheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Chen Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, China Medicine University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Hao Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
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Kim J, Park SH, Yang S, Oh SW, Kwon K, Park SJ, Yu E, Kim H, Park JY, Choi S, Yang S, Song M, Cho JY, Lee J. Protective Effects of Maclurin against Benzo[a]pyrene via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Targeting. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081189. [PMID: 34439437 PMCID: PMC8388905 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter, has harmful effects. Therefore, much research is ongoing to develop agents that can mitigate the effects of B[a]P. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of maclurin, one component of the branches of Morus alba L., on the B[a]P-induced effects in HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line. Maclurin treatment inhibited aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling as evidenced by reduced xenobiotic response element (XRE) reporter activity, decreased expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and reduced nuclear translocation of AHR. The B[a]P-induced dissociation of AHR from AHR-interacting protein (AIP) was suppressed by maclurin. Maclurin also inhibited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by B[a]P. In addition, the antioxidant property of maclurin itself was demonstrated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, maclurin activated antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling through enhancement of ARE luciferase reporter activity and the expression of ARE-dependent genes including nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Nrf2 activation and its nuclear translocation were promoted by maclurin through p38 MAPK activation. These data indicate that maclurin had antagonistic activity against B[a]P effects through activation of Nrf2-mediated signaling and inhibition of AHR signaling and, suggesting its potential in protecting from harmful B[a]P-containing pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jangsoon Kim
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - See-Hyoung Park
- Department of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong City 30016, Korea;
| | - Seyoung Yang
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sae Woong Oh
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Kitae Kwon
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Se Jung Park
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Eunbi Yu
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Hyeyoun Kim
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Jung Yoen Park
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Seoyoung Choi
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Seoyeon Yang
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
| | - Minkyung Song
- T Cell and Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.Y.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.Y.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Jongsung Lee
- Molecular Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City 16419, Gyunggi do, Korea; (J.K.); (S.Y.); (S.W.O.); (K.K.); (S.J.P.); (E.Y.); (H.K.); (J.Y.P.); (S.C.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.Y.C.); (J.L.)
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Rijo MP, Diani-Moore S, Yang C, Zhou P, Rifkind AB. Roles of the ubiquitin ligase CUL4B and ADP-ribosyltransferase TiPARP in TCDD-induced nuclear export and proteasomal degradation of the transcription factor AHR. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100886. [PMID: 34146543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor activated by exogenous halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, including the environmental toxin TCDD, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and naturally occurring dietary and endogenous compounds. The activated AHR enhances transcription of specific genes including phase I and phase II metabolism enzymes and other targets genes such as the TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (TiPARP). The regulation of AHR activation is a dynamic process: immediately after transcriptional activation of the AHR by TCDD, the AHR is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it is subjected to proteasomal degradation. However, the mechanisms regulating AHR degradation are not well understood. Here, we studied the role of two enzymes reported to enhance AHR breakdown: the cullin 4B (CUL4B)AHR complex, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets the AHR and other proteins for ubiquitination, and TiPARP, which targets proteins for ADP-ribosylation, a posttranslational modification that can increase susceptibility to degradation. Using a WT mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line and an MEF cell line in which CUL4B has been deleted (MEFCul4b-null), we discovered that loss of CUL4B partially prevented AHR degradation after TCDD exposure, while knocking down TiPARP in MEFCul4b-null cells completely abolished AHR degradation upon TCDD treatment. Increased TCDD-activated AHR protein levels in MEFCul4b-null and MEFCul4b-null cells in which TiPARP was knocked down led to enhanced AHR transcriptional activity, indicating that CUL4B and TiPARP restrain AHR action. This study reveals a novel function of TiPARP in controlling TCDD-activated AHR nuclear export and subsequent proteasomal degradation.
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Jurgelewicz A, Dornbos P, Warren M, Nault R, Arkatkar A, Lin H, Threadgill DW, Zacharewski T, LaPres JJ. Genetics-Based Approach to Identify Novel Genes Regulated by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Mouse Liver. Toxicol Sci 2021; 181:285-294. [PMID: 33720361 PMCID: PMC8599770 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor in the Per-Arnt-Sim superfamily of environmental sensors that is linked to several metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Much remains unknown regarding the impact of genetic variation in AHR-driven disease, as past studies have focused on a small number of inbred strains. Recently, the presence of a wide range of interindividual variability amongst humans was reported in response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the prototypical ligand of the AHR. In this study, a panel of 14 diverse mouse strains was exposed to TCDD for 10 days to characterize the AHR-mediated response across genetic backgrounds. Responses to TCDD are heavily dependent on genetic background. Although mice carry 1 of 4 Ahr alleles known to impact the affinity to AHR-ligands, we observed significant intra-allelic variability suggesting the presence of novel genetic modifiers of AHR signaling. A regression-based approach was used to scan for genes regulated by the AHR and/or associated with TCDD-induced phenotypes. The approach identified 7 genes, 2 of which are novel, that are likely regulated by the AHR based on association with hepatic TCDD burden (p ≤ .05). Finally, we identified 1 gene, Dio1, which was associated with change in percent body fat across the diverse set of strains (p ≤ .05). Overall, the results in this study exemplify the power of genetics-based approaches in identifying novel genes that are putatively regulated by the AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Jurgelewicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Peter Dornbos
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Melanie Warren
- Interdisciplinary Program in Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Rance Nault
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Anooj Arkatkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Hui Lin
- The Dow Chemical Company, Environmental Technology Center, Midland, Michigan 48674, USA
| | - David W Threadgill
- Interdisciplinary Program in Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Tim Zacharewski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - John J LaPres
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Road, Room 224, East Lansing, MI 48824-1319. E-mail:
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Masaki T, Okazawa M, Asano R, Inagaki T, Ishibashi T, Yamagishi A, Umeki-Mizushima S, Nishimura M, Manabe Y, Ishibashi-Ueda H, Shirai M, Tsuchimochi H, Pearson JT, Kumanogoh A, Sakata Y, Ogo T, Kishimoto T, Nakaoka Y. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is essential for the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2023899118. [PMID: 33836606 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023899118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory signals are thought to be crucial for the pathogenesis of PAH; however, the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that AHR makes a causal contribution to the pathogenesis of PAH, activating a focal inflammatory response in the lungs and promoting infiltration of immune cells from the bone marrow. Furthermore, we found that PAH patients with higher AHR agonistic activity in sera are more susceptible to severe clinical events than those with lower activity. Because conventional therapy for pulmonary hypertension targeting pulmonary artery vasodilation has limited efficacy against severe PAH, the AHR-signaling pathway represents a promising therapeutic target for PAH. In addition, AHR agonistic activity in serum represents a biomarker for PAH. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease characterized by arteriopathy in the small to medium-sized distal pulmonary arteries, often accompanied by infiltration of inflammatory cells. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a nuclear receptor/transcription factor, detoxifies xenobiotics and regulates the differentiation and function of various immune cells. However, the role of AHR in the pathogenesis of PAH is largely unknown. Here, we explore the role of AHR in the pathogenesis of PAH. AHR agonistic activity in serum was significantly higher in PAH patients than in healthy volunteers and was associated with poor prognosis of PAH. Sprague–Dawley rats treated with the potent endogenous AHR agonist, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole, in combination with hypoxia develop severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) with plexiform-like lesions, whereas Sprague–Dawley rats treated with the potent vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitors did not. Ahr-knockout (Ahr−/−) rats generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system did not develop PH in the SU5416/hypoxia model. A diet containing Qing-Dai, a Chinese herbal drug, in combination with hypoxia led to development of PH in Ahr+/+ rats, but not in Ahr−/− rats. RNA-seq analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, and bone marrow transplantation experiments show that activation of several inflammatory signaling pathways was up-regulated in endothelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which led to infiltration of CD4+ IL-21+ T cells and MRC1+ macrophages into vascular lesions in an AHR-dependent manner. Taken together, AHR plays crucial roles in the development and progression of PAH, and the AHR-signaling pathway represents a promising therapeutic target for PAH.
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Esser C. Trajectory Shifts in Interdisciplinary Research of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-A Personal Perspective on Thymus and Skin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1844. [PMID: 33673338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying historical trajectories is a useful exercise in research, as it helps clarify important, perhaps even “paradigmatic”, shifts in thinking and moving forward in science. In this review, the development of research regarding the role of the transcription factor “aryl hydrocarbon receptor” (AHR) as a mediator of the toxicity of environmental pollution towards a link between the environment and a healthy adaptive response of the immune system and the skin is discussed. From this fascinating development, the opportunities for targeting the AHR in the therapy of many diseases become clear.
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Abstract
Over the last 2 decades, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a stellar model for unraveling molecular signaling events mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), an important ligand-activated receptor found in all eumetazoan animals. Zebrafish have 3 AHRs-AHR1a, AHR1b, and AHR2, and studies have demonstrated the diversity of both the endogenous and toxicological functions of the zebrafish AHRs. In this contemporary review, we first highlight the evolution of the zebrafish ahr genes, and the characteristics of the receptors including developmental and adult expression, their endogenous and inducible roles, and the predicted ligands from homology modeling studies. We then review the toxicity of a broad spectrum of AHR ligands across multiple life stages (early stage, and adult), discuss their transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms of action, and report on any known interactions between the AHRs and other signaling pathways. Through this article, we summarize the promising research that furthers our understanding of the complex AHR pathway through the extensive use of zebrafish as a model, coupled with a large array of molecular techniques. As much of the research has focused on the functions of AHR2 during development and the mechanism of TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) toxicity, we illustrate the need to address the considerable knowledge gap in our understanding of both the mechanistic roles of AHR1a and AHR1b, and the diverse modes of toxicity of the various AHR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Shankar
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Subham Dasgupta
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Mark E Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
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11
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Sutter CH, Rainwater HM, Sutter TR. Contributions of Nitric Oxide to AHR-Ligand-Mediated Keratinocyte Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165680. [PMID: 32784365 PMCID: PMC7460822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) accelerates keratinocyte terminal differentiation through metabolic reprogramming and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Of the three NOS isoforms, NOS3 is significantly increased at both the RNA and protein levels by exposure to the very potent and selective ligand of the AHR, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Inhibition of NOS with the chemical N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) reversed TCDD-induced cornified envelope formation, an endpoint of terminal differentiation, as well as the expression of filaggrin (FLG), a marker of differentiation. Conversely, exposure to the NO-donor, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP), increased the number of cornified envelopes above control levels and augmented the levels of cornified envelopes formed in response to TCDD treatment and increased the expression of FLG. This indicates that nitric oxide signaling can increase keratinocyte differentiation and that it is involved in the AHR-mediated acceleration of differentiation. As the nitrosylation of cysteines is a mechanism by which NO affects the structure and functions of proteins, the S-nitrosylation biotin switch technique was used to measure protein S-nitrosylation. Activation of the AHR increased the S-nitrosylation of two detected proteins of about 72 and 20 kD in size. These results provide new insights into the role of NO and protein nitrosylation in the process of epithelial cell differentiation, suggesting a role of NOS in metabolic reprogramming and the regulation of epithelial cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Hayes Sutter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (H.M.R.); (T.R.S.)
- W. Harry Feinstone Center for Genomic Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Haley M. Rainwater
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (H.M.R.); (T.R.S.)
| | - Thomas R. Sutter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (H.M.R.); (T.R.S.)
- W. Harry Feinstone Center for Genomic Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
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12
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Zhang B, Xu Y, Liu S, Lv H, Hu Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Wang J, Ji X, Ma H, Wang X, Wang S. Dietary Supplementation of Foxtail Millet Ameliorates Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice via Activation of Gut Receptors and Suppression of the STAT3 Pathway. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082367. [PMID: 32784751 PMCID: PMC7468867 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coarse cereal intake has been reported to be associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. However, evidence from intervention studies is absent and the molecular basis of this phenomenon remains largely unexplored. This study sought to investigate the effects of foxtail millet and rice, two common staple grains in Asia, on the progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and define the mechanism involved. In total, 40 BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups. The Normal and azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) groups were supplied with an AIN-93G diet, while the millet- and rice-treated groups were supplied with a modified AIN-93G diet. Compared to the AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice supplemented with rice, an increased survival rate, suppressed tumor burden, and reduced disease activity index were observed in the millet-treated group. The levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were decreased in the millet-treated group compared to both the AOM/DSS and AOM/DSS + rice groups. Millet treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the related signaling proteins involved in cell proliferation, survival and angiogenesis. These beneficial effects were mediated by the activation of gut receptors AHR and GPCRs via the microbial metabolites (indole derivates and short-chain fatty acids) of foxtail millet. Moreover, millet-treatment increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroidales_S24-7 compared to the rice-treated mice. This study could help researchers to develop better dietary patterns that work against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and for CAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowei Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Yingchuan Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Shuang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Huan Lv
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Yaozhong Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Yaya Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Zhi Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Jin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Xuemeng Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Hui Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China;
- Shanxi Functional Food Research Institute, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (B.Z.); (Y.X.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (Y.H.); (Y.W.); (Z.L.); (J.W.); (X.J.); (H.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-22-85358445
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13
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Lafita-Navarro MC, Perez-Castro L, Zacharias LG, Barnes S, DeBerardinis RJ, Conacci-Sorrell M. The transcription factors aryl hydrocarbon receptor and MYC cooperate in the regulation of cellular metabolism. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:12398-12407. [PMID: 32611766 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac120.014189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) drives the expression of genes involved in detoxification pathways in cells exposed to pollutants and other small molecules. Moreover, AHR supports transcriptional programs that promote ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis in cells stimulated to proliferate by the oncoprotein MYC. Thus, AHR is necessary for the proliferation of MYC-overexpressing cells. To define metabolic pathways in which AHR cooperates with MYC in supporting cell growth, here we used LC-MS-based metabolomics to examine the metabolome of MYC-expressing cells upon AHR knockdown. We found that AHR knockdown reduced lactate, S-lactoylglutathione, N-acetyl-l-alanine, 2-hydroxyglutarate, and UMP levels. Using our previously obtained RNA sequencing data, we found that AHR mediates the expression of the UMP-generating enzymes dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (quinone) (DHODH) and uridine monophosphate synthetase (UMPS), as well as lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), establishing a mechanism by which AHR regulates lactate and UMP production in MYC-overexpressing cells. AHR knockdown in glioblastoma cells also reduced the expression of LDHA (and lactate), DHODH, and UMPS but did not affect UMP levels, likely because of compensatory mechanisms in these cells. Our results indicate that AHR contributes to the regulation of metabolic pathways necessary for the proliferation of transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Lafita-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lizbeth Perez-Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren G Zacharias
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Spencer Barnes
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA .,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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14
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Furue M, Hashimoto-Hachiya A, Tsuji G. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5424. [PMID: 31683543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/AHR-nuclear translocator (ARNT) system is a sensitive sensor for small molecular, xenobiotic chemicals of exogenous and endogenous origin, including dioxins, phytochemicals, microbial bioproducts, and tryptophan photoproducts. AHR/ARNT are abundantly expressed in the skin. Once activated, the AHR/ARNT axis strengthens skin barrier functions and accelerates epidermal terminal differentiation by upregulating filaggrin expression. In addition, AHR activation induces oxidative stress. However, some AHR ligands simultaneously activate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) transcription factor, which is a master switch of antioxidative enzymes that neutralizes oxidative stress. The immunoregulatory system governing T-helper 17/22 (Th17/22) and T regulatory cells (Treg) is also regulated by the AHR system. Notably, AHR agonists, such as tapinarof, are currently used as therapeutic agents in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize recent topics on AHR related to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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15
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Neavin DR, Liu D, Ray B, Weinshilboum RM. The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) in Immune and Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123851. [PMID: 30513921 PMCID: PMC6321643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a nuclear receptor that modulates the response to environmental stimuli. It was recognized historically for its role in toxicology but, in recent decades, it has been increasingly recognized as an important modulator of disease—especially for its role in modulating immune and inflammatory responses. AHR has been implicated in many diseases that are driven by immune/inflammatory processes, including major depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and allergic responses, among others. The mechanisms by which AHR has been suggested to impact immune/inflammatory diseases include targeted gene expression and altered immune differentiation. It has been suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are near AHR-regulated genes may contribute to AHR-dependent disease mechanisms/pathways. Further, we have found that SNPs that are outside of nuclear receptor binding sites (i.e., outside of AHR response elements (AHREs)) may contribute to AHR-dependent gene regulation in a SNP- and ligand-dependent manner. This review will discuss the evidence and mechanisms of AHR contributions to immune/inflammatory diseases and will consider the possibility that SNPs that are outside of AHR binding sites might contribute to AHR ligand-dependent inter-individual variation in disease pathophysiology and response to pharmacotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew R Neavin
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
| | - Duan Liu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
| | - Balmiki Ray
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
| | - Richard M Weinshilboum
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
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16
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Brown MR, Garside H, Thompson E, Atwal S, Bean C, Goodall T, Sullivan M, Graham MJ. From the Cover: Development and Application of a Dual Rat and Human AHR Activation Assay. Toxicol Sci 2018; 160:408-419. [PMID: 29029351 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant prolonged aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation, classically exhibited following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, can cause a variety of undesirable toxicological effects. Novel pharmaceutical chemistries also have the potential to cause activation of AHR and consequent toxicities in pre-clinical species and man. Previous methods either employed relatively expensive and low-throughput primary hepatocyte dosing with PCR endpoint, or low resolution overexpressing reporter gene assays. We have developed, validated and applied an in vitro microtitre plate imaging-based medium throughput screening assay for the assessment of endogenous species-specific AHR activation potential via detection of induction of the surrogate transcriptional target Cytochrome P450 CYP1A1. Routine testing of pharmaceutical drug development candidate chemistries using this assay can influence the chemical design process and highlight AHR liabilities. This assay should be introduced such that human AHR activation liability is flagged early for confirmatory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Brown
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D Darwin, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Helen Garside
- Discovery Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Emma Thompson
- Discovery Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Saseela Atwal
- Discovery Safety & Metabolism, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Chloe Bean
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leics LE11 5RH, UK
| | - Tony Goodall
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leics LE11 5RH, UK
| | | | - Mark J Graham
- AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, Leics LE11 5RH, UK
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17
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Hsu SH, Wang LT, Chai CY, Wu CC, Hsi E, Chiou SS, Wang SN. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis by targeting intestine-specific homeobox expression. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2167-2177. [PMID: 28398627 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a major chemical sensor, is thought to play a role in various biological contexts, including cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We propose herein a novel mechanism through which AHR promotes tumorigenesis by targeting expression of the oncogene intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared to paired tumor-adjacent tissues and non-HCC tumors, HCCs exhibited an increased and hierarchical pattern of AHR expression. Patients exhibiting high AHR expression had a significantly shorter survival duration, compared to those with low and medium expression. Functionally, AHR was found to target the newly discovered proto-oncogene, ISX, resulting in the increased expression of this gene and its downstream targets, CCND1 and E2F1. Ablation of AHR or ISX in hepatoma cells suppressed cell growth, whereas overexpression promoted cell proliferation and led to enhanced tumorigenic activity in vitro and in vivo. These results provide evidence to support a critical role for the AHR/ISX axis in HCC tumorigenesis and suggest its potential utility as a new therapeutic and prognostic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Yin Chai
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Edward Hsi
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Nien Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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18
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Takeda T, Komiya Y, Koga T, Ishida T, Ishii Y, Kikuta Y, Nakaya M, Kurose H, Yokomizo T, Shimizu T, Uchi H, Furue M, Yamada H. Dioxin-induced increase in leukotriene B4 biosynthesis through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its relevance to hepatotoxicity owing to neutrophil infiltration. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:10586-10599. [PMID: 28487374 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.764332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioxin and related chemicals alter the expression of a number of genes by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) to produce a variety of disorders including hepatotoxicity. However, it remains largely unknown how these changes in gene expression are linked to toxicity. To address this issue, we initially examined the effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachrolodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a most toxic dioxin, on the hepatic and serum metabolome in male pubertal rats and found that TCDD causes many changes in the level of fatty acids, bile acids, amino acids, and their metabolites. Among these findings was the discovery that TCDD increases the content of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), an inducer of inflammation due to the activation of leukocytes, in the liver of rats and mice. Further analyses suggested that an increase in LTB4 comes from a dual mechanism consisting of an induction of arachidonate lipoxygenase-5, a rate-limiting enzyme in LTB4 synthesis, and the down-regulation of LTC4 synthase, an enzyme that converts LTA4 to LTC4. The above changes required AHR activation, because the same was not observed in AHR knock-out rats. In agreement with LTB4 accumulation, TCDD caused the marked infiltration of neutrophils into the liver. However, deleting LTB4 receptors (BLT1) blocked this effect. A TCDD-produced increase in the mRNA expression of inflammatory markers, including tumor-necrosis factor and hepatic damage, was also suppressed in BLT1-null mice. The above observations focusing on metabolomic changes provide novel evidence that TCDD accumulates LTB4 in the liver by an AHR-dependent induction of LTB4 biosynthesis to cause hepatotoxicity through neutrophil activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yuji Ishii
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences and
| | - Yasushi Kikuta
- the Department of Applied Biological Science, Fukuyama University, Hiroshima 729-0292, Japan
| | - Michio Nakaya
- the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurose
- the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokomizo
- the Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Takao Shimizu
- the Department of Lipid Signaling, Research Institute National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan.,the Department of Lipidomics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan, and
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- the Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masutaka Furue
- the Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,the Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Abstract
The environmental pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-ρ-dioxin (TCDD) is the prototype of a large number of non-genotoxic carcinogens, dietary phytochemicals and endogenous metabolites that act via binding the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The TCDD-liganded AHR massively upregulates CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 in many mammalian organs. We demonstrated that TCDD treatment markedly increases the levels of several epoxides and diol metabolites of the epoxides of both ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the liver and lungs of mice, in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent fashion, and most likely via the activities of the CYP1 family members. ω-6 Epoxides are known to stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in mice. Interestingly, ω-3 epoxides have the opposite effect on these parameters. TCDD and other AHR agonists may, therefore, impact angiogenesis, growth and metastasis of tumors in either a positive or negative way, depending on the relative levels of ω -6 epoxides and ω-3 epoxides generated in the host and/or tumor cells. This is of potential relevance to carcinogenesis by AHR agonists in the human, since the human population is exposed to widely varying ω-6: ω-3 PUFA ratios in the diet.
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20
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Kennedy GD, Nukaya M, Moran SM, Glover E, Weinberg S, Balbo S, Hecht SS, Pitot HC, Drinkwater NR, Bradfield CA. Liver tumor promotion by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin is dependent on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and TNF/IL-1 receptors. Toxicol Sci 2014; 140:135-43. [PMID: 24718703 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We set out to better understand the signal transduction pathways that mediate liver tumor promotion by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxn ("dioxin"). To this end, we first employed congenic mice homozygous for either the Ahr(b1) or Ahr(d) alleles (encoding an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) with high or low binding affinity for dioxin, respectively) and demonstrated that hepatocellular tumor promotion in response to dioxin segregated with the Ahr locus. Once we had genetic evidence for the importance of AHR signaling, we then asked if tumor promotion by dioxin was influenced by "interleukin-1 (IL-1)-like" inflammatory cytokines. The importance of this question arose from our earlier observation that aspects of the acute hepatocellular toxicity of dioxin are dependent upon IL1-like cytokine signaling. To address this issue, we employed a triple knock-out (TKO) mouse model with null alleles at the loci encoding the three relevant receptors for tumor necrosis factors α and β and IL-1α and IL-1β (i.e., null alleles at the Tnfrsf1a, Tnfrsf1b, and Il-1r1 loci). The observation that TKO mice were resistant to the tumor promoting effects of dioxin in liver suggests that inflammatory cytokines play an important step in dioxin mediated liver tumor promotion in the mouse. Collectively, these data support the idea that the mechanism of dioxin acute hepatotoxicity and its activity as a promoter in a mouse two stage liver cancer model may be similar, i.e., tumor promotion by dioxin, like acute hepatotoxicity, are mediated by the linked action of two receptor systems, the AHR and the receptors for the "IL-1-like" cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D Kennedy
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
| | - Manabu Nukaya
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
| | - Susan M Moran
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Edward Glover
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Samuel Weinberg
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Silvia Balbo
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Stephen S Hecht
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Henry C Pitot
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Norman R Drinkwater
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Christopher A Bradfield
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
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