Open AccessDiet–Host–Microbiota Interactions Shape Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Production to Modulate Intestinal Homeostasis
Author(s) -
Huajun Han,
Stephen Safe,
Arul Jayaraman,
Robert S. Chapkin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annual review of nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.231
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1545-4312
pISSN - 0199-9885
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-nutr-043020-090050
Subject(s) - aryl hydrocarbon receptor , biology , transcription factor , context (archaeology) , microbiome , signal transduction , carcinogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , receptor , gut–brain axis , ligand (biochemistry) , cell signaling , genetics , gene , paleontology
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds structurally diverse ligands and senses cues from environmental toxicants and physiologically relevant dietary/microbiota-derived ligands. The AhR is an ancient conserved protein and is widely expressed across different tissues in vertebrates and invertebrates. AhR signaling mediates a wide range of cellular functions in a ligand-, cell type-, species-, and context-specific manner. Dysregulation of AhR signaling is linked to many developmental defects and chronic diseases. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of AhR signaling in mediating bidirectional host-microbiome interactions. We also consider evidence showing the potential for the dietary/microbial enhancement ofhealth-promoting AhR ligands to improve clinical pathway management in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon tumorigenesis.