Aryl hydrocarbon receptor pseudogene

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor pseudogene (ENSG00000219681) is a nonfunctional DNA segment in the human genome that resembles the functional aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene. Like most pseudogenes, it is classified as a noncoding genomic element with sequence similarity to its parent gene but lacks protein-coding ability due to disabling mutations or loss of necessary regulatory elements[3][4]. Pseudogenes may be transcribed at low levels; rarely, some bear regulatory functions such as acting as microRNA decoys or regulating parent gene expression, but most—including this one—are considered genetically nonfunctional[4]. It is not considered a therapeutic target, does not interact with approved drugs, and has no recognized role in disease or as a biomarker[3][4]. The designation 'pseudogene' reflects its origin (likely retrotransposition or duplication followed by mutational inactivation) and its primary classification as 'genomic junk' rather than a protein-coding gene or receptor[3][4][2]. If you need information on the functional aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)—which is a bona fide receptor and therapeutic target—please clarify, as this record only refers to the nonfunctional pseudogene copy.