Mechanisms of circadian clock interactions with aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling

Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain-containing proteins are involved in critical regulatory networks that respond to environmental changes.

• PAS domains facilitate protein-protein interactions, typically forming transcription factors that regulate gene transcription.
• Key pathways influenced by PAS domains include the circadian clock network and metabolic regulation via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
• Alterations in PAS domain functions are linked to disease development.
• AhR shows variability in ligand binding and selectivity, allowing diverse protein interactions and pathway crosstalk.
• AhR expression and sensitivity to activation by its agonists vary with time, indicating a rhythmic pattern.
• AhR impacts the rhythm and intensity of circadian clock genes, hormones, and behaviors.

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