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Gut Microbial Metabolite Indole: A Stimulator Of Enteroendocrine Cell Differentiation Via Activation Of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, James Hart
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis by releasing hormones in response to food intake. Dysregulated EEC differentiation is observed in obesity, while gut microbiota metabolites influence this process. Here, we investigated the role of indole, a biologically active gut microbial metabolite, in EEC differentiation through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation. Human intestinal organoids derived from jejunal mucosal biopsies were exposed to indole. Indole treatment significantly increased mRNA levels of chromogranin A, an EEC marker. The effect was reversed by an AhR antagonist, indicating AhR involvement. Indole also upregulated AhR target gene mRNA levels. These findings highlight the …
Uncovering New Roles For The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) In Breast Cancer, Justin Kirk Tomblin
Uncovering New Roles For The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) In Breast Cancer, Justin Kirk Tomblin
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is responsive to many exogenous and endogenous ligands. AHR is of particular interest in cancer, and has been shown to play roles in tumor progression. As such, it has received growing attention as a possible chemotherapeutic target. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, complicates treatment of breast cancer, and stimulates the growth of larger, more aggressive mammary tumors. Many breast tumors in obese women are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and, while targeting hormone receptors like ER is beneficial, many obese women see a recurrence of their cancer after standard …