Direct and indirect mechanisms for aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation mediated by 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole

Sammanfattning: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is mostly recognized for mediating the adverse effects of dioxins. In addition, endogenous activation of the AhR seems to have important biological functions. Several studies have demonstrated an activation of the receptor when no exogenous ligand was added. Furthermore, different physical stimuli such as UV irradiation, fluid shear stress, and hyperoxia have been shown to induce AhR-dependent transcriptional activity. Together these reports indicate either the presence of endogenous ligands or a non-ligand dependent activation. While the mechanisms behind such responses are still elusive, formation of tryptophan photoproducts with high AhR-affinity has been suggested to explain the activation observed after UVB irradiation. The photoproduct 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) has been proposed to be an endogenous signal substance, and is the focus of the present thesis. The objective of the work presented in this thesis was to further characterize the formation and metabolism of FICZ, to identify the biotransforming enzymes required for its metabolism, and subsequently to isolate FICZ-derived metabolites in human urine. The studies reveal that FICZ is an excellent substrate for CYP1 enzymes resulting in an efficient metabolism and rapid clearance of FICZ, and a reduced or abolished affinity for the AhR. The hydroxylated metabolites are in turn very good substrates for sulfo-conjugation, and monosulfated derivatives of FICZ were identified in human urine, proving the existence of FICZ in vivo. Furthermore, disturbing the CYP1-dependent metabolic clearance of FICZ efficiently attenuated the rapid depletion of intracellular levels of FICZ, and resulted in a delayed and prolonged AhR-activation. These results suggest that inhibition of degradation of FICZ provides a potent mechanism for indirect regulation of the AhR response. The high affinity and AhR activating capacity, together with its rapid clearance by AhR regulated biotransforming enzymes and presence in humans in vivo, all strengthen the hypothesis that FICZ is an endogenous ligand for the AhR and an important biological signaling molecule.