AHR
GeneName
AHR
Summary
AHR, also known as the Ah receptor or aryl hydrocarbon receptor, is a 96 kDa transcription factor that is expressed in various tissues, including the liver, lungs, and immune cells. It is primarily localised in the cytoplasm and nucleus, where it regulates gene expression in response to environmental toxins and endogenous signals. AHR binds to specific DNA sequences in the regulatory regions of target genes, influencing processes such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune response, and circadian rhythm. The receptor is involved in the formation of complexes with other proteins, including Hsp90, and plays a role in both transcriptional activation and repression.
Importance
AHR is relevant to: - Environmental toxicology, as it mediates the biological effects of pollutants and xenobiotics, including dioxins - Immune regulation, particularly in T cell responses and inflammation, impacting autoimmune diseases and cancer - Circadian biology, given its role in regulating gene expression in a time-dependent manner - Vascular biology, due to its involvement in blood vessel development and response to hypoxia
Top Products
For researchers investigating the AHR gene, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited Anti-Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor antibody [EPR7119(N)(2)] (ab190797), a monoclonal antibody that has garnered 14 citations, reflecting its reliability in the field. This antibody is validated for use in Western blotting (WB) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a solid choice for various experimental needs. Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-AHR antibody [BLR118H] - BSA free (ab314060). This product is suitable for a broader range of applications, including WB, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and immunoprecipitation (IP). Its recombinant nature ensures batch-to-batch consistency, which is essential for reproducible results in your research. Together, these antibodies provide robust options for studying AHR effectively.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that the AHR antibody (ab190797) has been effectively used in Western blotting to study AHR levels in human LNCaP cells and human tumour specimens. The context of the studies primarily revolves around the effects of Carbidopa on AR protein levels.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Domain
The PAS 1 domain is essential for dimerization and also required for AHR:ARNT heterodimerization.
Function
Ligand-activated transcription factor that enables cells to adapt to changing conditions by sensing compounds from the environment, diet, microbiome and cellular metabolism, and which plays important roles in development, immunity and cancer (PubMed:23275542, PubMed:30373764, PubMed:32818467, PubMed:7961644). Upon ligand binding, translocates into the nucleus, where it heterodimerizes with ARNT and induces transcription by binding to xenobiotic response elements (XRE) (PubMed:23275542, PubMed:30373764, PubMed:7961644). Regulates a variety of biological processes, including angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, drug and lipid metabolism, cell motility and immune modulation (PubMed:12213388). Xenobiotics can act as ligands: upon xenobiotic-binding, activates the expression of multiple phase I and II xenobiotic chemical metabolizing enzyme genes (such as the CYP1A1 gene) (PubMed:7961644, PubMed:33193710). Mediates biochemical and toxic effects of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PubMed:34521881, PubMed:7961644). Next to xenobiotics, natural ligands derived from plants, microbiota, and endogenous metabolism are potent AHR agonists (PubMed:18076143). Tryptophan (Trp) derivatives constitute an important class of endogenous AHR ligands (PubMed:32818467, PubMed:32866000). Acts as a negative regulator of anti-tumor immunity: indoles and kynurenic acid generated by Trp catabolism act as ligand and activate AHR, thereby promoting AHR-driven cancer cell motility and suppressing adaptive immunity (PubMed:32818467). Regulates the circadian clock by inhibiting the basal and circadian expression of the core circadian component PER1 (PubMed:28602820). Inhibits PER1 by repressing the CLOCK-BMAL1 heterodimer mediated transcriptional activation of PER1 (PubMed:28602820). The heterodimer ARNT:AHR binds to core DNA sequence 5'-TGCGTG-3' within the dioxin response element (DRE) of target gene promoters and activates their transcription (PubMed:28602820).
Involvement in disease
Retinitis pigmentosa 85
RP85
A form of retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal dystrophy belonging to the group of pigmentary retinopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination and primary loss of rod photoreceptor cells followed by secondary loss of cone photoreceptors. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. As their condition progresses, they lose their far peripheral visual field and eventually central vision as well. RP85 is an autosomal recessive form manifesting as early-onset progressive difficulty to adapt in dim light and gradually decreasing visual acuity in both eyes.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Foveal hypoplasia 3
FVH3
An autosomal recessive form of foveal hypoplasia, a developmental defect of the eye defined as the lack of foveal depression with continuity of all neurosensory retinal layers in the presumed foveal area. Clinical features include absence of foveal pit on optical coherence tomography, absence of foveal hyperpigmentation, absence of foveal avascularity, absence of foveal and macular reflexes, decreased visual acuity, and nystagmus.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Post-translational modifications
Mono-ADP-ribosylated, leading to inhibit transcription activator activity of AHR.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in all tissues tested including blood, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas and skeletal muscle. Expressed in retinal photoreceptors (PubMed:29726989).
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Initially cytoplasmic; upon binding with ligand and interaction with a HSP90, it translocates to the nucleus.
Alternative names
BHLHE76, AHR, Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, Ah receptor, AhR, Class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 76, bHLHe76
Database links
swissprot:P35869 omim:600253 entrezGene:196
Other research areas
- Epigenetics
- Immunology & Infectious Disease