TCDD induces c-jun expression via a novel Ah (dioxin) receptor-mediated p38-MAPK-dependent pathway.

TitleTCDD induces c-jun expression via a novel Ah (dioxin) receptor-mediated p38-MAPK-dependent pathway.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsWeiss, C, Faust, D, Dürk, H, Kolluri, S, Pelzer, A, Schneider, S, Dietrich, C, Oesch, F, Göttlicher, M
JournalOncogene
Volume24
Issue31
Pagination4975-83
Date Published2005 Jul 21
ISSN0950-9232
KeywordsBase Sequence, Cell Line, Tumor, DNA Primers, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, Genes, Reporter, Humans, p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun, Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon, RNA, Neoplasm, RNA, Small Interfering, Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, Transfection
Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has a fundamental role during postnatal liver development and is essential for mediating dioxin toxicity. However, the genetic programs mediating, both, the toxic and physiological effects downstream of the transcription factor AhR are in major parts unknown. We have identified the proto-oncogene c-jun as a novel target gene of AhR. Induction of c-jun depends on activation of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by an AhR-dependent mechanism. None of the kinases that are known to phosphorylate p38-MAPK is activated by AhR. Neither the dephosphorylation rate of p38-MAPK is reduced. Furthermore, increased p38-MAPK phosphorylation in response to dioxins does not require ongoing transcription. These findings establish activating 'cross-talk' with MAPK signaling as a novel principle of AhR action, which is apparently independent of the AhR's function as a DNA-binding transcriptional activator.

DOI10.1038/sj.onc.1208679
Alternate JournalOncogene
PubMed ID15897893