Activity of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and Notch1 genes via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in human immortalized keratinocytes exposed to 6-formylindolo [3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)

Abstract

Of high expression in the skin tissue, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytoplasmic protein responsible for maintaining skin homeostasis through proliferation, differentiation, cell arrest and apoptosis signals. The join and activation of AhR for environmental pollutants has been related to skin problems like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and even cancer. Several interactions whit another signaling pathways and genes has showed to be important for AhR function. Aquaporin 3 and Notch1, are two genes involved in the maintenance of proliferation/differentiation signals in the skin; many studies has suggested AQP3 and Notch1 are dependent of AhR activation. In the present study, the effects on gene expression of AQP3 and Notch1 on immortalizes human keratinocytes were evaluated in exposition to 6-formylindolo [3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), two chemicals that have proved activate AhR signaling pathway.