Abnormal liver development and resistance to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxicity in mice carrying a mutation in the DNA-Binding domain of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Maureen K. Bunger, Edward Glover, Susan M. Moran, Jacqueline A. Walisser, Garet P. Lahvis, Erin I. Hsu, Christopher A. Bradfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is known for its role in the adaptive and toxic responses to a large number of environmental contaminants, as well as its role in hepatovascular development. The classical AHR pathway involves ligand binding, nuclear translocation, heterodimerization with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT), and binding of the heterodimer to dioxin response elements (DREs), thereby modulating the transcription of an array of genes. The AHR has also been implicated in signaling events independent of nuclear localization and DNA binding, and it has been suggested that such pathways may play important roles in the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Here, we report the generation of a mouse model that expresses an AHR protein capable of ligand binding, interactions with chaperone proteins, functional heterodimerization with ARNT, and nuclear translocation, but is unable to bind DREs. Using this model, we provide evidence that DNA binding is required AHR-mediated liver development, as Ahr dbd/dbd > mice exhibit a patent ductus venosus, similar to what is seen in Ahr-/- > mice. Furthermore, Ahr dbd/dbd > mice are resistant to TCDD-induced toxicity for all endpoints tested. These data suggest that DNA binding is necessary for AHR-mediated developmental and toxic signaling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)83-92
Number of pages10
JournalToxicological Sciences
Volume106
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aryl hydrocarbon receptor
  • Dioxin
  • Ductus venosus
  • TCDD

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology

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