Spring 2009: Biological Functions of the Ah Receptor:  Beyond Induction of Cytochrome P450s
Contributed by Fumio Matsumura, Alvaro Puga, and Chiharu Tohyama

The arylhydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been known for many years as the receptor mediating the biological actions of dioxin based mainly on studies on the mechanism of action of dioxin (TCDD) in inducing a number of detoxification enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450s. More recently however, there have been a number of new developments in the field of AHR research that indicate that the AHR may have more diverse functions. Thus AHR participates not only in expressing the toxic actions of pollutants, but is also involved in development, in the regulation of cell differentiation and ell cycling, in hormonal and nutritional homeostasis, the co-ordination of cell stress responses (including inflammation and apoptosis), immune responses and the processes of aging and cancer growth progression.

As many scientists, including those in the field of toxicology, may not be fully aware of these newer developments, the current special issue of Biochemical Pharmacology is a timely addition to the literature in the field.  While the recent data on AHR function are exciting, it is clear that additional work is required to fully understand the full repertoire of biological activities mediated via AHRs. In assembling the current papers by experts in each of the specialized areas of AHR biology into a single volume, we hope to provide for the first time a comprehensive perspective on the role of AHRs, providing the reader with an integrated overview of AHR biology and function. It is also our hope that this special issue of Biochemical Pharmacology will provoke interest by scientists outside the traditional field of AHR research to join in our efforts in examining AHR function from many different angles, building on these newer findings to better understand the evolution of the AHR and its implication in cell and tissue function.

Published December 2008: Apoptosis World 2008
Edited by Marc Diederich

Almost 40 years have passed from the historical discovery that cell death in the majority of the cases is not an accidental event, but corresponds to an extremely conscious and altruistic, thus highly regulated, process. Since the first observation in 1972 marked the “birth” of apoptosis, many advances have been made in the comprehension of the implicated mechanisms. Now, we are evolving to a new phase, in which we are learning that apoptosis is not the only paradigmatic form of active cell death. A cell, indeed, depending on its origin and/or the nature of the stimulus, may actively die by executing programs alternative to apoptosis. Autophagy and anoikis are only two of the most cited examples of these sister programs. At the same time, after several years of deep investigations and findings, a critical re-reading of the discoveries related to the apoptosis world has initiated. This is leading to re-evaluate the roles played by apparently well-known actors of the apoptotic process, thus depicturing novel and non-canonical functions for old players and thus contributing to delineate unexpected connections and interactions among different intracellular events.

The meeting “Apoptosis World 2008—From mechanisms to applications” held January 2008 in Luxembourg, gathered more then 750 participants and is the largest international cell death forum covering both fundamental as well as translational research in this field.  This years gathering reflected the current spirit to read novel meanings behind the apparently consolidated notion of apoptosis and its main actors, as well as focusing at the same time to alternative forms of cell death.

Published January 2008: Addictions
Edited by David Weinshenker

Drug addiction remains a major problem in the 21^st century, having a continuing negative impact on society, from medical, economic and law enforcement costs to the disintegration of the social fabric of large cities and cultures with the loss of many lives through incarceration or death. Treating the various addictions has proven challenging from both a behavioural and pharmaceutical standpoint. Despite the efforts of the biomedical community, including the  National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), there have been limited successes - disulfiram and naltrexone for alcoholism, buproprion and varenicline for smoking cessation, and methadone and buprenorphine for opioid dependence  - that work in some but not all individuals.  There remain no effective  treatments for  cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana addiction.

In the first issue of Biochemical Pharmacology for 2008, a special issue devoted to drug addiction, David Weinshenker, one of the leading young researchers in academia in the field of addiction research, has assembled an outstanding list of contributors focused on the current state of research in addiction medicines and pathways to the development of novel therapies. These include: (a) the use of brain imaging, to further understand  brain and behavioural development, addiction, and its consequences; (b) identifying genetic and environmental factors that predict vulnerability to addiction and treatment response; (c) applying knowledge gained from basic and cognitive neuroscience to improve prevention and treatment strategies; (d) developing and testing new medications to treat addiction.

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