AhR Antibody #13790

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand activated transcription factor involved in xenobiotic metabolism, cell cycle regulation, and development in response to both endogenous and environmental signals (1,2). AhR was initially identified as a receptor for dioxins, which are environmental pollutants generated by waste incineration and other industrial processes (3,4). AhR ligands include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene and other components of cigarette smoke (3,4). Naturally occurring AhR ligands include flavonoids, which are aromatic plant secondary compounds commonly found in vegetables and fruits (3). Cytoplasmic aryl hydrocarbon receptors are found in protein complexes with heat shock proteins. Upon ligand binding, AhR dissociates from heat shock proteins and translocate to the nucleus where it dimerizes with AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT, HIF-1β). The AhR/ARNT heterodimer binds to nuclear xenobiotic response elements to control the expression of genes associated with xenobiotic metabolism, including several cytochrome P450 genes (5,6). AhR is ubiquitously expressed and is thought to play a role in regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, cytokine expression, and xenobiotic metabolism (2). Research studies link AhR activity with the control of regulatory T-cell and T-helper 17 cell differentiation, regulation of the inflammatory response, and the onset of lung cancer (1,2,7,8).