has AhR a role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition?
As our knowledge on the mechanisms that control cell function increases, more complex signaling pathways and quite intricate cross-talks among regulatory proteins are discovered. The dioxin receptor (AhR) is a well known transcription factor with a critical role in xenobiotics (dioxin) induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. Current studies using genetically modified animal models have uncovered unexpected and exciting new functions for AhR in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation and in the homeostasis of the hepatic, cardiovascular and immune systems. The role of AhR in the control of cell migration is also gaining considerable interest although the signaling involved remains largely unknown. By combining in vitro and in vivo approaches, we have been able to show that AhR differentially modulates cell plasticity and migration. Whereas AhR supports migration of mesenchymal cells by a mechanism involving transcriptional control of the Vav3 proto¬oncogene, AhR expression in
