Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon (or dioxin) receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein that heterodimerizes with the bHLH protein ARNT (aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator) forming a complex that binds to xenobiotic regulatory elements in target gene enhancers. Genetic, biochemical, and molecular biology studies have revealed that the AhR mediates the toxic and biological effects of environmentally persistent dioxins and related compounds. Cloning of the receptor and its DNA-binding partner, ARNT, has facilitated detailed efforts to understand the mechanisms of AhR-mediated signal transduction. These studies have determined that this unique receptor consists of several functional domains and belongs to a subfamily of bHLH proteins that share a conserved motif termed the PAS domain. In addition, recent genetic studies have revealed that expression of the AhR is a requirement for proper embryonal development, which appears to be a common function shared by many other bHLH proteins. This review is a summary of recent molecular studies of AhR-mediated gene regulation.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
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Binding, Competitive
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Cell Division / drug effects
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Cell Division / genetics
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Cloning, Molecular
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Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / biosynthesis
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Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / genetics
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Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
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DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Dioxins / metabolism*
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Dioxins / toxicity
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Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / physiology
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Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs / genetics
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Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs / physiology*
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Mice
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Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
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Protein Processing, Post-Translational
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / chemistry
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / genetics
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / physiology*
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Signal Transduction / genetics
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Transcription Factors / chemistry
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
Substances
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Arnt protein, mouse
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Dioxins
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
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Transcription Factors
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator
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Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System