Ligand-activated transcriptional activator. Binds to the XRE promoter region of genes it activates. Activates the expression of multiple phase I and II xenobiotic chemical metabolizing enzyme genes (such as the CYP1A1 gene). Mediates biochemical and toxic effects of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Involved in cell-cycle regulation. Likely to play an important role in the development and maturation of many tissues.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Mouse Aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Subcellular Location
Cytoplasm Nucleus Initially cytoplasmic; upon binding with ligand and interaction with a HSP90, it translocates to the nucleus.
Interacts with IVNS1ABP (By similarity). Efficient DNA binding requires dimerization with another bHLH protein. In the nucleus, heterodimer of AHR and ARNT. Interacts with coactivators including SRC-1, RIP140 and NOCA7, and with the corepressor SMRT. Binds MYBBP1A. Interacts with NEDD8.