Enables DNA binding activity and RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding activity. Involved in negative regulation of locomotion and response to xenobiotic stimulus. Predicted to be part of nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptor complex. Predicted to be active in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including G2; TL.pa; TL.ppp; neurons; and phasmid socket cell. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in retinitis pigmentosa 85. Orthologous to several human genes including AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor).
WB Description
ahr-1 encodes an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (ligand-activated basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor) ortholog that biochemically resembles its vertebrate relatives (OMIM:600253) which mediate the carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of environmental toxins; AHR-1 activity is required for specification of RMEL and RMER GABAergic neuron cell fate and negative regulation of spontaneous movement; AHR-1 binds HSP90 tightly, and forms a dimer with AHA-1 that binds DNA fragments containing the mammalian xenobiotic response element; AHR-1 is expressed in neurons.