The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a sensor protein for environmental pollutants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds. These chemicals have been linked to adverse outcomes, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and this project will investigate the link between AhR activation and changes in cholesterol homeostasis in TCDD elicited hepatotoxicity and the progression of NAFLD. Given that ~20 million Americans suffer from NAFLD, investigating the link between AhR activation and the progression of NAFLD is of national importance.
John J. LaPres, Ph.D.
Co-Project Leader, Michigan State University
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