The aryl hydrocarbon receptor, more than a xenobiotic‐interacting protein

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon (dioxin) receptor (AhR) has been studied for several decades largely because of its critical role in xenobiotic-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. Albeit this is a major issue in basic and clinical research, an increasing number of investigators are turning their efforts to try to understand the physiology of the AhR under normal cellular conditions. This is an exciting area that covers cell proliferation and differentiation, endogenous mechanisms of activation, gene regulation, tumor development and cell motility and migration, among others. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the studies supporting the implication of the AhR in those endogenous cellular processes.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in association with RelA modulates IL-6 expression in non-smoking lung cancer

“…Recent reports have started to elucidate the function of AhR in the absence of any exogenous ligands (Barouki et al, 2007). For example, Hayashibara et al (2003) showed that AhR is constitutively expressed and is active in human adult T-cell leukemia.…”

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand ITE Inhibits TGFβ1-Induced Human Myofibroblast Differentiation

“…19,22 Studies using AhR knock-out (AhR Ϫ/Ϫ ) mice have revealed that the AhR plays a role in processes as diverse as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, development, tissue homeostasis, vasculogenesis, and cancer. [23][24][25][26] From the perspective of TGF␤1 signaling, it is interesting to note that AhR Ϫ/Ϫ mice are prone to develop bile duct fibrosis. 23,25 Candidate endogenous ligands of the AhR include ketocholesterol, bilirubin, indigo, lipoxin A 4 , and tryptophan derivatives such as ITE.…”

Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway may ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis in mice

“…1 Aryl hydrocarbon receptor was first discovered as a mediator of dioxin toxicity, but, at present, the AhR pathway is thought to have diverse roles in many cellular functions including the immune system. 2,3 The AhR pathway has been recently shown to be an important regulator of inflammation and immunity. 4,5 For instance, Ahr has an essential role in the negative regulation of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling pathway through interaction with Stat1.…”