The primary function of the Ah receptor is to regulate gene expression in response to the binding of specific ligands. When a ligand, such as a dioxin, binds to the Ah receptor, it undergoes a conformational change, allowing it to translocate into the nucleus. In the nucleus, the Ah receptor forms a complex with the Ah receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), and this complex binds to specific DNA sequences known as dioxin-responsive elements (DREs). This binding initiates the transcription of genes involved in various biological processes, including xenobiotic metabolism, cellular differentiation, and immune response.
