The Ah receptor (AHR) has been traditionally studied in terms of its ability to mediate transcriptional effects through binding to dioxin-response elements (DRE). The AHR is known to be involved in a wide array of physiological processes, including T cell function and liver vascular development. We have tested the hypothesis that the AHR can regulate gene expression in the absence of binding to its cognate response element using an AHR DNA binding mutant. One class of genes that were observed to be repressed by an AHR-A78D DNA binding mutant were acute phase liver inflammatory genes (e.g. SAA1, CRP). Next, AHR ligands that can mediate acute-phase gene repression activity without inducing DRE-mediated transcriptional activity were identified; these compounds have been termed Selective Ah receptor modulator (SAhRM). One compound, SGA360 is capable of inhibiting cytokine-mediated induction of acute-phase gene expression without inducing a cognate response element (DRE) effect. The mechanism(s) of this SAhRM-induced AHR- dependent anti-inflammatory activity has not been established. Therefore, in this application the first specific aim will determine the precise mechanism of selective AHR ligand-mediated repression of acute-phase response gene expression. This will be accomplished using cell culture models (e.g. Huh7 hepatoma cells). A combination of cell treatment with SAhRMs followed by the use of the following techniques; siRNA, protein blot analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, promoter analysis, cell-based reporter assays, EMSA and co-immunoprecipitation analysis will be used to determine the protein(s) involved in acute-phase gene induction that is modulated by SGA360-AHR complex. There is also a need to develop additional SAhRMs with higher affinity and potency that will enhance their anti-inflammatory activity, especially in in vivo models. Thus, the second specific aim will use two independent computer modeling alogorithms of ligand binding to the AHR ligand-binding pocket and our knowledge from previous structure-activity studies to guide structure-activity studies, which will lead to the development of high affinity selective ligands that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
The aim will utilize computer modeling and ligand docking programs, organic synthesis of new compounds, cell-based acute-phase gene repression assays, EMSA, ligand competition assays and skin and liver inflammation assays in mice to identify structural modifications that enhance SGA360-mediated repression of acute-phase gene expression. These studies taken together will allow future testing on their therapeutic potential in appropriate chronic inflammatory disease animal models (e.g. cancer, Crohn's disease).

Public Health Relevance

Activation of the Ah receptor (AHR) has been demonstrated to repress cytokine-mediated acute phase gene expression in liver. Selective AHR ligands that can mediate acute phase gene repression without eliciting a dioxin response element-driven transcriptional response have been identified. These studies will explore the mechanism of selective AHR ligand activity, which may lead to the development of the AHR as a therapeutic target to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. Also more potent selective AHR ligands will be developed.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01ES019964-04
Application #
8769150
Study Section
Xenobiotic and Nutrient Disposition and Action Study Section (XNDA)
Program Officer
Chadwick, Lisa
Project Start
2012-01-10
Project End
2016-10-31
Budget Start
2014-11-01
Budget End
2015-10-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$353,959
Indirect Cost
$92,161
Name
Pennsylvania State University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
003403953
City
University Park
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
16802
Smith, Kayla J; Murray, Iain A; Boyer, Jacob A et al. (2018) Allelic variants of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor differentially influence UVB-mediated skin inflammatory responses in SKH1 mice. Toxicology 394:27-34
Hubbard, Troy D; Murray, Iain A; Nichols, Robert G et al. (2017) Dietary Broccoli Impacts Microbial Community Structure and Attenuates Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice in an Ah receptor dependent manner. J Funct Foods 37:685-698
Murray, Iain A; Perdew, Gary H (2017) Ligand activation of the Ah receptor contributes to gastrointestinal homeostasis. Curr Opin Toxicol 2:15-23
Muku, Gulsum E; Lahoti, Tejas S; Murray, Iain A et al. (2017) Ligand-mediated cytoplasmic retention of the Ah receptor inhibits macrophage-mediated acute inflammatory responses. Lab Invest 97:1471-1487
Murray, Iain A; Nichols, Robert G; Zhang, Limin et al. (2016) Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor contributes to the establishment of intestinal microbial community structure in mice. Sci Rep 6:33969
Girer, Nathaniel G; Murray, Iain A; Omiecinski, Curtis J et al. (2016) Hepatic Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Attenuates Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Expression. J Biol Chem 291:15378-87
Yang, Jie; Hu, Shaomin; Zhao, Luming et al. (2016) Selective programming of CCR10(+) innate lymphoid cells in skin-draining lymph nodes for cutaneous homeostatic regulation. Nat Immunol 17:48-56
Hubbard, Troy D; Murray, Iain A; Bisson, William H et al. (2016) Divergent Ah Receptor Ligand Selectivity during Hominin Evolution. Mol Biol Evol 33:2648-58
Hubbard, Troy D; Murray, Iain A; Bisson, William H et al. (2015) Adaptation of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor to sense microbiota-derived indoles. Sci Rep 5:12689
Hubbard, Troy D; Murray, Iain A; Perdew, Gary H (2015) Indole and Tryptophan Metabolism: Endogenous and Dietary Routes to Ah Receptor Activation. Drug Metab Dispos 43:1522-35

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