[HTML][HTML] Molecular interactions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its biological and toxicological relevance for reproduction

P Pocar, B Fischer, T Klonisch… - …, 2005 - rep.bioscientifica.com
P Pocar, B Fischer, T Klonisch, S Hombach-Klonisch
Reproduction, 2005rep.bioscientifica.com
The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor
responsive to both natural and man-made environmental compounds. AhR and its nuclear
partner ARNT are expressed in the female reproductive tract in a variety of species and
several indications suggest that the AhR might play a pivotal role in the physiology of
reproduction. Furthermore, it appears to be the mediator of most, if not all, the adverse
effects on reproduction of a group of highly potent environmental pollutants collectively …
The dioxin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor responsive to both natural and man-made environmental compounds. AhR and its nuclear partner ARNT are expressed in the female reproductive tract in a variety of species and several indications suggest that the AhR might play a pivotal role in the physiology of reproduction. Furthermore, it appears to be the mediator of most, if not all, the adverse effects on reproduction of a group of highly potent environmental pollutants collectively called aryl hydrocarbons (AHs), including the highly toxic compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlor-odibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). Although a large body of recent literature has implicated AhR in multiple signal transduction pathways, the mechanisms of action resulting in a wide spectrum of effects on female reproduction are largely unknown. Here we summarize the major types of molecular cross-talks that have been identified for the AhR and linked cell signaling pathways and that are relevant for the understanding of the role of this transcription factor in female reproduction.
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