Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jangsoon Kim, See-Hyoung Park, Seyoung Yang, Sae Woong Oh, Kitae Kwon, Se Jung Park, Eunbi Yu, Hyeyoun Kim, Jung Yoen Park, Seoyoung Choi, Seoyeon Yang, Minkyung Song, Jae Youl Cho, Jongsung Lee
Summary: Maclurin exhibited antagonistic activity against B[a]P effects by inhibiting AHR signaling and activating Nrf2-mediated signaling, suggesting its potential in protecting from B[a]P-containing pollutants. Additionally, its antioxidant property was demonstrated through ROS inhibition and activation of ARE signaling.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Lou, Meng-di Zhang, Qi Chen, Tu-Ya Bai, Yu-Xia Hu, Feng Gao, Jun Li, Xiao-Li Lv, Qian Zhang, Fu-Hou Chang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) regulates lipid metabolism via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The results showed that BaP inhibited fat synthesis and oxidation while inducing inflammation by activating AhR, leading to dysfunction of white adipose tissue and metabolic complications.
LIPIDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guozhu Ye, Han Gao, Xu Zhang, Xinyu Liu, Jinsheng Chen, Xu Liao, Han Zhang, Qiansheng Huang
Summary: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon BaP accelerates lung cancer initiation and progression through AHR signaling and metabolic reprogramming. The study reveals that amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, along with AHR and PPAR-FATP1 signaling, could be potential therapeutic targets for intervening BaP-induced toxicity and related diseases. The novel findings of fatty acid accumulation and high correlations of AHR signaling with amino acid and fatty acid metabolism in BaP-exposed lung epithelial cells are highlighted.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shou-En Wu, Ju-Chun Hsu, Yung-Lung Chang, Hsiao-Chi Chuang, Yi-Lin Chiu, Wei-Liang Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on muscle and found that BaP can induce conditions similar to sarcopenia. Antioxidant supplementation may be a treatment option for BaP-induced sarcopenia.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Natalie C. Sondermann, Sonja Fassbender, Frederick Hartung, Anna M. Hatala, Katharina M. Rolfes, Christoph F. A. Vogel, Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann
Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. AHR can interact with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to regulate gene expression and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions. Understanding the non-canonical functions of AHR is important for disease prevention and treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sona Marvanova, Katerina Pencikova, Lenka Palkova, Miroslav Ciganek, Jiri Petras, Anna Lnenickova, Jan Vondracek, Miroslav Machala
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocyclic compounds (PASHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, but their toxic effects are poorly understood. This study investigated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activity of PASHs in different environmental matrices and found that some of them are efficient AhR agonists. Benzo[b]naphtho [2,1-d]thiophene and 2,2-naphthylbenzo[b]thiophene were identified as the most potent compounds. These PASHs, especially benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene, were also found to be dominant in PM2.5 and sediment samples. Overall, PASHs may contribute significantly to the AhR-mediated toxicity of complex environmental samples.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martha Cecilia Rosales-Hernandez, Martiniano Bello, Jazziel Velazquez Toledano, Barbara Citlali Escudero Feregrino, Jose Correa Basurto, Leticia Guadalupe Fragoso Morales, Monica Adriana Torres-Ramos
Summary: The 3D structure of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was studied using in silico methods. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that HSP90 interacts with AhR when agonists bind, but not when antagonists bind. This study provides insights into the activity and interactions of AhR.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sara Abudahab, E. T. Price, M. G. Dozmorov, L. S. Deshpande, J. L. McClay
Summary: This article mainly discusses the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in aging and longevity, as well as several AhR ligands with potential anti-aging properties. The article suggests that AhR-driven expression of xenobiotic metabolism genes into old age may be a key mechanism through which moderate induction of AhR elicits positive benefits on longevity and healthspan. Additionally, the article shows that liver-specific AhR target genes are enriched among genes subject to epigenetic aging through integration of publicly available datasets. Hence, the interplay between AhR and epigenetic aging should be the subject of future research, and a broad range of non-toxic AhR ligands should be investigated for their potential to promote healthspan and longevity.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION HEALTH & AGING
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucia Sladekova, Sridhar Mani, Zdenek Dvorak
Summary: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a crucial member of the helix-loop-helix transcription factors family, playing a central role in host physiology and various pathophysiologies. Activation of AhR is ligand-driven and the pharmacology of activation is dependent on the type and quantity of ligand. Therefore, understanding AhR ligands is essential for further advancements in the field. This minireview clarifies misconceptions and explores the true nature of AhR activation by discussing selected chemical classes and their qualification as true receptor ligands.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Li Lin, Yue Dai, Yufeng Xia
Summary: This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) field, covering articles published between 2002 and 2022. AhR plays a crucial role in health and diseases, and it has been associated with various conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The review highlights the diverse range of potential ligands for AhR, including amino acid metabolites, polyphenols, and flavonoids. It emphasizes the opportunities and challenges in targeting AhR for drug development.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marta Vuerich, Rasika Harshe, Luiza Abrahao Frank, Samiran Mukherjee, Barbora Gromova, Eva Csizmadia, Imad A. M. Nasser, Yun Ma, Alan Bonder, Vilas Patwardhan, Simon C. Robson, Maria Serena Longhi
Summary: In patients with autoimmune hepatitis, dysfunction of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, resulting from aberrant inhibition or non-canonical activation, impairs Treg- and Th17 cell-induced upregulation of CD39, a key ectoenzyme for immuno-regulation. Blockade of excessive inhibition or non-canonical activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to control inflammation while restoring immune balance in autoimmune hepatitis.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Li-Ting Wang, Kwei-Yan Liu, Shen-Nien Wang, Ming-Hong Lin, Yu-Mei Liao, Pei-Chin Lin, Shau-Ku Huang, Shih-Hsien Hsu, Shyh-Shin Chiou
Summary: This study found that the pollutant IP in the air can promote the malignant activity of BCP-ALL, including cell proliferation, transformation, and disease relapse. The study also revealed that IP treatment activates an AHR-IDOs axis, leading to disease-specific co-expression of AHR and IDO, which is significantly correlated with disease-free survival duration.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhi Xiong Chong, Chean Yeah Yong, Alan Han Kiat Ong, Swee Keong Yeap, Wan Yong Ho
Summary: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. Activation of AHR signaling pathway induces the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating detoxification metabolism in the human body. AHR also interacts with various signaling pathways, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-kappa beta), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes is valuable for personalized therapeutic strategies and improving anti-cancer treatment efficacy.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Josiane Fernandes da Silva, Juliana A. Bolsoni, Rafael M. da Costa, Juliano Alves, Alecsander F. M. Bressan, Luiz Eduardo Silva, Tiago J. Costa, Antonio E. R. Oliveira, Carla P. Manzato, Carlos A. Aguiar, Rubens Fazan, Fernando Q. Cunha, Helder Nakaya, Fernando S. Carneiro, Rita C. Tostes
Summary: The study suggests that AhR activation contributes to vascular dysfunction in obesity, but AhR deletion can alleviate dyslipidaemia and vascular dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet. Targeting AhRs may prevent obesity-associated vascular dysfunction.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li-Ping Tao, Xue Li, Ming-Zhu Zhao, Jing-Ru Shi, Si-Qi Ji, Wen-Yuan Jiang, Qiu-Ju Liang, Yu-Hang Lei, Yi-Yao Zhou, Rong Cheng, Zhe Shi, Wenhai Deng, Jiayin Zhu, Shu-Yun Zhang
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly chrysene, have toxic effects on the liver by increasing relative liver weight and elevated serum ALT levels; the hepatotoxicity of chrysene is dependent on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), while Nrf2 plays a crucial role in protecting against oxidative liver injury induced by chrysene.
Article
Allergy
Loreen Thuermann, Matthias Kloes, Sebastian D. Mackowiak, Matthias Bieg, Tobias Bauer, Naveed Ishaque, Marey Messingschlager, Carl Herrmann, Stefan Roeder, Mario Bauer, Sascha Schaeuble, Erik Faessler, Udo Hahn, Dieter Weichenhan, Oliver Muecke, Christoph Plass, Michael Borte, Erika von Mutius, Gabriele I. Stangl, Roger Lauener, Anne M. Karvonen, Amandine Divaret-Chauveau, Josef Riedler, Joachim Heinrich, Marie Standl, Andrea von Berg, Beate Schaaf, Gunda Herberth, Michael Kabesch, Roland Eils, Saskia Trump, Irina Lehmann
Summary: This study used whole genome bisulfite sequencing to identify dysregulation of enhancer regions as a hallmark of childhood asthma. Abnormal DNA methylation was found in key immune genes and was linked to prenatal influences and genetic susceptibility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Zhang, Marina Toplak, Raspudin Saleem-Batcha, Lars Hoeing, Roman Jakob, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Timm Maier, Robin Teufel
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to human health, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial. This study discovered and characterized oxidoreductases that inactivate the broad-spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol through dual oxidation of the C3-hydroxyl group. These enzymes also enable the inactivation of related compounds but not the fluorinated derivative. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that distinct isofunctional enzymes evolved independently in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Mechanistic and structural studies provide insights into the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes, which have both negative and positive impacts on antibiotic resistance and chloramphenicol bioremediation.
Article
Ecology
Nelson Khan, Edward Muge, Francis J. Mulaa, Benson Wamalwa, Martin von Bergen, Nico Jehmlich, Lukas Y. Wick
Summary: Fungi play a crucial role in the biodegradation of soil organochlorine pesticides by facilitating bacterial dispersal and nutrient release. Experimental results indicate that the transfer of nutrients from fungi to bacteria can enhance the degradation of organic pollutants, highlighting the importance of fungal-bacterial interactions.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Lucas G. Casten, Taylor R. Thomas, Alissa F. Doobay, Megan Foley-Nicpon, Sydney Kramer, Thomas Nickl-Jockschat, Ted Abel, Susan Assouline, Jacob J. Michaelson
Summary: This study found that individuals with high cognitive ability and autism have a higher risk of suicidal ideation, which is genetically influenced. In addition, the educational level of parents also affects the suicidal thoughts of individuals with autism.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MEMORY
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Roser Corominas, Xinping Yang, Guan Ning Lin, Shuli Kang, Yun Shen, Lila Ghamsari, Martin Broly, Maria Rodriguez, Stanley Tam, Shelly A. Wanamaker, Changyu Fan, Song Yi, Murat Tasan, Irma Lemmens, Xingyan Kuang, Nan Zhao, Dheeraj Malhotra, Jacob J. Michaelson, Vladimir Vacic, Michael A. Calderwood, Frederick P. Roth, Jan Tavernier, Steve Horvath, Kourosh Salehi-Ashtiani, Dmitry Korkin, Jonathan Sebat, David E. Hill, Tong Hao, Marc Vidal, Lilia M. Iakoucheva
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonid Kruglyak, Andreas Beyer, Joshua S. Bloom, Jan Grossbach, Tami D. Lieberman, Christopher P. Mancuso, Matthew S. Rich, Gavin Sherlock, Craig D. Kaplan
Correction
Genetics & Heredity
Catherine B. Doust, Pierre P. Fontanillas, Else F. Eising, Scott R. Gordon, Zhengjun K. Wang, Goekberk G. Alagoz, Barbara C. Molz, Beate D. St Pourcain, Clyde J. Francks, Riccardo E. G. Marioni, Jinging Zhao, Silvia C. Paracchini, Joel B. E. Talcott, Anthony P. Monaco, John DeFries, Bruce Pennington, Shelley Smith, Margaret Wright, Nicholas Martin, Timothy Bates, Simon Fisher, Michelle Luciano
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjawan Tanunchai, Li Ji, Olaf Schroeder, Susanne Julia Gawol, Andreas Geissler, Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan, Francois Buscot, Stefan Kalkhof, Ernst-Detlef Schulze, Matthias Noll, Witoon Purahong
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) and its plastisphere microbiome in forest ecosystems. The results showed that forest type significantly affected the richness and fungal community composition of the plastisphere microbiome. Bacterial community composition was mainly governed by stochastic processes, while fungal community composition was influenced by both stochastic and deterministic processes. Potential keystone taxa involved in PBSA degradation, such as fungal PBSA decomposers (Tetracladium) and N2-fixing bacteria, were identified.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biology
Matthias Weith, Andreas Beyer
Summary: Expanding Mendelian randomization to incorporate multiple variables can aid researchers in uncovering novel molecular causes for specific traits.
Article
Immunology
Johannes R. Schmidt, Janine Haupt, Sina Riemschneider, Christoph Kaempf, Dennis Loeffler, Conny Blumert, Kristin Reiche, Ulrike Koehl, Stefan Kalkhof, Joerg Lehmann
Summary: In this study, the effects of high-affinity AhR ligand benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and low-affinity AhR ligand indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on gene expression patterns in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were compared using mRNA sequencing. The results showed that AhR regulated the expression of over 1,000 genes, involving cellular processes, immune functions, and phenotypic transformation of the cells. Some of the identified genes were previously known to be regulated by AhR, while others were newly discovered to be AhR-regulated.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Educational
Filippo Abbondanza, Philip S. Dale, Carol A. Wang, Marianna E. Hayiou-Thomas, Umar Toseeb, Tanner S. Koomar, Karen G. Wigg, Yu Feng, Kaitlyn M. Price, Elizabeth N. Kerr, Sharon L. Guger, Maureen W. Lovett, Lisa J. Strug, Elsje van Bergen, Conor V. Dolan, J. Bruce Tomblin, Kristina Moll, Gerd Schulte-Koerne, Nina Neuhoff, Andreas Warnke, Simon E. Fisher, Cathy L. Barr, Jacob J. Michaelson, Dorret I. Boomsma, Margaret J. Snowling, Charles Hulme, Andrew J. O. Whitehouse, Craig E. Pennell, Dianne F. Newbury, John Stein, Joel B. Talcott, Dorothy V. M. Bishop, Silvia Paracchini
Summary: The association between handedness and language-related disorders has been extensively studied. However, the inconsistent findings may be attributed to factors such as small sample sizes, publication bias, and variation in study criteria. This study examined the frequency of non-right-handedness (NRH) in individuals with reading and/or language impairment and found a higher prevalence compared to controls. Meta-analysis results further supported the association between NRH and language/reading impairments, suggesting shared underlying pathways between brain lateralization, handedness, and cognitive functions.
Article
Ecology
Markus Krueger, Narendrakumar Chaudhari, Bo Thamdrup, Will A. Overholt, Laura A. Bristow, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Kuesel, Nico Jehmlich, Martin von Bergen, Martina Herrmann
Summary: The study reveals that complete ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (CMX) of the genus Nitrospira have a competitive advantage over ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers, due to their ecophysiological characteristics and wide occurrence in groundwater. However, their specific contribution to nitrification processes has been unclear. The research aimed to unravel the contribution of CMX, AOA, and AOB to nitrification and identify the environmental drivers of their niche differentiation in oligotrophic carbonate rock aquifers.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gail I. S. Harmata, Ercole John Barsotti, Lucas G. Casten, Jess G. Fiedorowicz, Aislinn Williams, Joseph J. Shaffer, Jenny Gringer Richards, Leela Sathyaputri, Samantha L. Schmitz, Gary E. Christensen, Jeffrey D. Long, Marie E. Gaine, Jia Xu, Jake J. Michaelson, John A. Wemmie, Vincent A. Magnotta
Summary: This study found that the cerebellar cortex is smaller in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). The study also suggests that external factors, such as sedatives and childhood experiences, may influence cerebellum structure in BD. Future research should consider these variables for consistent findings.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Hoen, Daniel Pfeffer, Johannes R. Schmidt, Johannes Kraft, Janosch Hildebrand, Stefan Kalkhof
Summary: Elderly patients are vulnerable to dehydration due to factors such as decreased thirst and total body water. This study investigates the impact of moderate dehydration or hyperhydration on the blood proteome. Blood samples were collected from 131 geriatric patients, and the analysis shows that hydration status affects the plasma proteome, with proteins involved in wound healing and keratinization being dysregulated.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadine Kiefer, Moritz Nichterlein, Fabienne Rei, Madeleine Runge, Ulf Biermann, Thomas Wieland, Matthias Noll, Stefan Kalkhof
Summary: This study examined the ecotoxicological effects of leachates containing biocides from building materials on sediment and aquatic organisms. The results showed that in-can preservatives leach out rapidly at the beginning of a facade lifetime and impose a significant stress factor on the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)