The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR or AHR) is a member of the family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. The physiological ligands of this receptor are unknown, but it binds several exogenous ligands such as natural plant flavonoids, polyphenolics and indoles, as well as synthetic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin-like compounds. AhR is a cytosolic transcription factor that is normally inactive, bound to several co-chaperones. Upon ligand binding to chemicals such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the chaperones dissociate resulting in AhR translocating into the nucleus and dimerizing with ARNT (AhR nuclear translocator), leading to changes in gene transcription.
Read more about Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Protein Functional Domains, Ligands, Protein-protein Interactions
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