Structural basis for aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated gene activation

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) constitute a heterodimeric basic helix-loop-helix-Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) domain containing transcription factor with central functions in development and cellular homeostasis. AHR is activated by xenobiotics, notably dioxin...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Schulte, Kathrin Wiebke (Author) , Platten, Michael (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 2017
In: Structure
Year: 2017, Volume: 25, Issue: 7, Pages: 1025-1033.e3
ISSN:1878-4186
DOI:10.1016/j.str.2017.05.008
Online Access:Verlag, Volltext: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2017.05.008
Verlag, Volltext: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969212617301429
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Author Notes:Kathrin Wiebke Schulte, Edward Green, Annabel Wilz, Michael Platten, Oliver Daumke
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Summary:The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) constitute a heterodimeric basic helix-loop-helix-Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) domain containing transcription factor with central functions in development and cellular homeostasis. AHR is activated by xenobiotics, notably dioxin, as well as by exogenous and endogenous metabolites. Modulation of AHR activity holds promise for the treatment of diseases featuring altered cellular homeostasis, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders. Here, we present the crystal structure of a heterodimeric AHR:ARNT complex containing the PAS A and bHLH domain bound to its target DNA. The structure provides insights into the DNA binding mode of AHR and elucidates how stable dimerization of AHR:ARNT is achieved through sophisticated domain interplay via three specific interfaces. Using mutational analyses, we prove the relevance of the observed interfaces for AHR-mediated gene activation. Thus, our work establishes the structural basis of AHR assembly and DNA interaction and provides a template for targeted drug design.
Item Description:Available online 9 June 2017
Gesehen am 13.06.2018
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1878-4186
DOI:10.1016/j.str.2017.05.008