Ahr is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a protein found in many tissues in the body. It belongs to the family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. It interacts with several molecular partners, such as chaperones and co-chaperones, to regulate gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. This receptor has been known to bind environmental pollutants, including dioxin, and initiate events that may lead to biochemical and toxic effects.
Ahr has interested researchers and medical professionals due to its role in several cellular processes like differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and immunity. Dysregulation in Ahr signaling are associated with many diseases, such as cancer, fibrosis, neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases.
Ahr also plays a critical role in the cellular response to certain dietary compounds, demonstrating an important connection between diet and disease prevention.
