EGR1 is a novel target for AhR agonists in human lung epithelial cells.

The transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) was previously identified as a potential novel target of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in human lung epithelial cells by toxicogenomic analysis. EGR1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular disease and is altered by a number of factors that include stress, inflammation, and hypoxia. Depending on its downstream targets or protein interactions, EGR1 regulates important biological processes that include cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation.