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Polymorphisms and functional differences in aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) in Japanese field mice, Apodemus
Hiroko Ishiniwa1, Kazuhiro Sogawa, Ken-Ichi Yasumoto
1Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, 8050, Ikarashi 2-no-cho, Nishi-ku, Niigata City 950-2181, Japan.
Abstract:
Dioxins, which are unintentionally generated toxic pollutants, exert a variety of adverse effects on organisms. The majority of these effects, which include teratogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor promotion, and endocrine disruption, are mediated through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. Genetic variations in AhR result in different survivability under exposure to dioxin contamination, which might affect the genetic structure of wildlife populations through differential susceptibility to dioxin exposure. The aim of this study was to clarify the polymorphisms of AhR in Japanese field mice, Apodemus speciosus, and their functional differences in order to develop a molecular indicator for dioxin sensitivity. Wild Japanese field mice had abundant polymorphisms in AhR coding region. Seventy-one single nucleotide polymorphisms, 27 of which occur amino acid substitutions, and consequently 49 alleles were identified in 63 individuals. In the functional analysis of AhR variants using transient reporter assays, a Gln to Arg mutation at amino acid 799 exhibited a significant decrease in the level of transactivational properties (p=0.015) which might modify the dioxin susceptibility of an individual.
Insights
Genetic variations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) influence dioxin toxicity. This study identified AhR polymorphisms in Japanese field mice, revealing a specific mutation that may alter dioxin susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Molecular biology
- Wildlife genetics
Background:
- Dioxins are toxic pollutants causing adverse effects mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
- Genetic variations in AhR can influence an organism's susceptibility to dioxin exposure.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for assessing wildlife population impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) polymorphisms in Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus).
- To functionally characterize identified AhR variants.
- To develop a molecular indicator for dioxin sensitivity in wildlife.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) coding region in Japanese field mice.
- Identification and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and resulting amino acid substitutions.
- Functional analysis of AhR variants using transient reporter assays.
Main Results:
- Abundant polymorphisms were found in the AhR coding region of Japanese field mice.
- Seventy-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including 27 amino acid substitutions, and 49 alleles were identified in 63 individuals.
- A Gln to Arg mutation at amino acid 799 significantly reduced AhR transactivational properties (p=0.015).
Conclusions:
- Japanese field mice exhibit significant genetic diversity in their aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
- The identified AhR polymorphisms, particularly the Gln799Arg mutation, may alter dioxin susceptibility.
- These findings provide a basis for developing molecular indicators of dioxin sensitivity in wildlife populations.
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