Figure 2. The AhR is activated by ligands such as dioxin.
Ligand activation induces the release of HSP90 and Ara9 and allows for translocation of the AhR into the nucleus. In the nucleus, the AhR binds ARNT and this complex binds the xenobiotic response element (XRE) and regulates transcription of CYP1A and other detoxification genes.