Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor and light
Agneta Rannug1, Ellen Fritsche
1Karolinska Institute, Institute of Environmental Medicine, P.O. Box 210, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. agneta.rannug@ki.se
Abstract:
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that has been intensively studied with respect to the toxicity of xenobiotics. However, its function in response to light has never been summarized. Here, we provide an overview of AhR activation by light with a focus on the role of tryptophan in light-induced AhR activation. We discuss the involvement of the AhR in different biological rhythms and speculate on the possible role of the AhR in UV-induced responses in skin. Furthermore, this review points out future research needs in this field.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Signaling in Plants
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
Channel Rhodopsins
Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...
Signal Transduction: Overview
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
Internal Receptors