AH RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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The AH receptor, short for aryl hydrocarbon receptor, is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the regulatory processes of various physiological functions. It is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix-PAS (bHLH-PAS) family of proteins and is activated by binding to a diverse group of structurally unrelated ligands, such as environmental contaminants, dietary components, and endogenous metabolites.
The AH receptor is primarily found in the cytoplasm of cells and remains inactive as a complex with other proteins until it binds to its ligand. Upon ligand binding, the AH receptor undergoes a conformational change and translocates to the nucleus, where it forms a complex with other co-activators or co-repressors to regulate gene expression. This process is known as AH receptor-mediated gene transcription, and it acts as a crucial link between environmental stimuli and cellular responses.
The AH receptor is involved in a wide range of biological processes, including xenobiotic metabolism, immune response, inflammation, cellular growth and differentiation, and embryonic development. It regulates the expression of a multitude of genes that are responsible for detoxification enzymes, transporters, and various other proteins involved in cellular defense mechanisms.
Despite its essential physiological functions, aberrant activation or dysregulation of the AH receptor has been associated with various diseases and adverse effects. Persistent exposure to environmental contaminants, such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can lead to the activation of the AH receptor and subsequent adverse effects on health.
In summary, the AH receptor is a key transcription factor that responds to environmental stimuli and regulates gene expression to modulate various physiological functions, serving as a critical mediator between exogenous exposures and cellular responses.
Common Misspellings for AH RECEPTOR
- zh receptor
- sh receptor
- wh receptor
- qh receptor
- ag receptor
- ab receptor
- an receptor
- aj receptor
- au receptor
- ay receptor
- ah eeceptor
- ah deceptor
- ah feceptor
- ah teceptor
- ah 5eceptor
- ah 4eceptor
- ah rwceptor
- ah rsceptor
- ah rdceptor
- ah rrceptor
Etymology of AH RECEPTOR
The term "Ah receptor" refers to the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which is a protein in the body that plays a role in metabolizing different substances. The etymology of the word "Ah receptor" can be traced back to its discovery and initial characterization in the early 1980s.
The name "Aryl hydrocarbon receptor" reflects its functional role in the metabolism of aryl hydrocarbons, which are a class of organic compounds that contain aromatic rings. These include substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are often environmental pollutants.
The naming of the receptor likely stems from the fact that it was initially identified through its ability to bind to and activate the metabolism of aromatic hydrocarbons.
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