Induction Of 24-hydroxylase mRNA Research Articles

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses PTH synthesis and secretion by bovine parathyroid cells

Active vitamin D compounds repress parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene transcription and block chief cell hyperplasia, making them integral tools in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease. Recently, human parathyroid glands have been shown to express 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1alpha-hydroxylase (1alphaOHase), but documentation of the 1alphaOHase activity in parathyroid cells and its potential role in activating 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25(OH)D(3)) to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)2D3) have not been reported. The relative potencies of 25(OH)D(3) and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in reducing PTH secretion and mRNA were determined in primary cultures of bovine parathyroid cells (bPTC). The effects of blocking 1alphaOHase activity on suppression of PTH mRNA and induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA were examined. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) affinities were estimated by intact cell competitive binding assay. Metabolism of 25(OH)D(3) by bPTC was assessed using a radioimmunoassay that measures all 1-hydroxylated metabolites of vitamin D. 25(OH)D(3) suppressed PTH secretion and mRNA (ED(50)=2 nM), but was several hundred times less potent than 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). The lower potency of 25(OH)D(3) correlated with its lower VDR affinity. bPTCs converted 25(OH)D(3) to 1-hydroxylated metabolites, but the rate of conversion was low. Inhibition of 1alphaOHase with the cytochrome P450 inhibitor clotrimazole did not block 25(OH)D(3)-mediated suppression of PTH. Clotrimazole enhanced 24-hydroxylase mRNA induction, presumably by inhibiting catabolism of 25(OH)D(3). In conclusion, 25(OH)D(3) suppresses PTH synthesis by parathyroid cells, possibly by direct activation of the VDR.

25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is an active hormone in human primary prostatic stromal cells.

According to the present paradigm, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25-(OH)2D3] is a biologically active hormone; whereas 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) is regarded as a prohormone activated through the action of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1alpha-hydroxylase (1alpha-hydroxylase). Although the role of vitamin D3 in the regulation of growth and differentiation of prostatic epithelial cells has been well studied, its action and metabolism in prostatic stroma are still largely unknown. We investigated the effects of 25OHD3 and 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 on two human stromal primary cultures termed P29SN and P32S. In a cell proliferation assay, 25OHD3 was found at physiological concentrations of 100-250 nM to inhibit the growth of both primary cultures, whereas 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 at a pharmacological concentration of 10 nM exhibited the growth-inhibitory effects on P29SN cells but not on P32S cells. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that both 25OHD3 and 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 induced 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase) mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. By inhibiting 1alpha-hydroxylase and/or 24-hydroxylase enzyme activities, the induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA by 250 nM 25OHD3 was clearly enhanced, suggesting that 1alpha-hydroxylation is not a prerequisite for the hormonal activity of 25OHD3. Altogether our results suggest that 25OHD3 at a high but physiological concentration acts as an active hormone with respect to vitamin D3 responsive gene regulation and suppression of cell proliferation.

The Flavonoid Apigenin Suppresses Vitamin D Receptor Expression and Vitamin D Responsiveness in Normal Human Keratinocytes

Apigenin, a flavonoid with chemopreventive properties, induces cellular growth arrest, with concomitant inhibition of intracellular signaling cascades and decreased proto-oncogene expression. We report that apigenin potently inhibited vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA and protein expression in human keratinocytes without changes in VDR mRNA half-life. Concurrently, downregulation of retinoid X receptor α, a dramatic loss of c-myc mRNA, and upregulation of p21WAF1 took place. Furthermore, a nearly complete suppression of vitamin D responsiveness was observed as estimated by induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA. The apigenin effect on VDR expression was shared by some other (quercetine and fisetine) but not all tested flavonoids. Interestingly, the apigenin-mediated VDR suppression was counteracted by the NFκB inhibitors sodium salicylate and caffeic acid phenethyl ester. The presented results propose suppression of nuclear receptor levels as a novel mechanism whereby flavonoids exert their pleiotropic effects. This study may also contribute to the understanding of the regulation of VDR expression in epidermal keratinocytes.

Anchorage-Dependent Expression of the Vitamin D Receptor in Normal Human Keratinocytes

Although the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) is involved in the control of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation by its ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], its role in epidermal physiology remains poorly understood. Because VDR abundance reflects cellular responsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D3, we investigated VDR expression in cultured human keratinocytes and identified cell anchorage and cytoskeletal integrity as essential requirements for the maintenance of VDR levels. Suspension culture rapidly suppressed VDR expression and 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness (as estimated by induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA), due to decreased transcription of the VDR gene. Concomitantly, overt growth arrest with p21WAF1 induction and cyclin D1 and c-myc suppression occurred, together with induction of differentiation markers and retinoid X receptor alpha, the heterodimeric partner for VDR. Reattachment of suspended keratinocytes to fibronectin led to a rapid restoration of VDR expression, which could be blocked by RGD peptides or a blocking anti-beta1 integrin antibody. VDR expression was also reduced by disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D. Malignant keratinocytes (SCC12B2 and A431), characterized by, anchorage-independent growth, displayed a profound resistance to suspension-induced suppression of VDR, cyclin D1, and c-myc. Taken together, our results associate VDR expression [and 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness] with cell adhesion and an organized cytoskeleton, which are also required for cell growth of primary cells.

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms: Analysis of Ligand Binding and Hormone Responsiveness in Cultured Skin Fibroblasts

Recent reports have suggested that polymorphisms in the gene encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) determine a portion of the genetic contribution to bone mineral density (BMD). Individuals homozygous for the allele lacking the BsmI restriction site in the intron between exons 8 and 9 (BB genotype) have been found to have lower BMD than individuals homozygous for the allele having the BsmI site (bb genotype). Interestingly, this polymorphism has also been associated with prostate cancer risk. The observed changes in BMD and prostate cancer risk might be due to an alteration in the function or abundance of the VDR leading to differential responsiveness of target cells to the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3[1,25(OH) 2D 3]. To test this hypothesis, we cultured dermal fibroblasts from donors with BB, Bb, and bb genotypes and determined the level of VDR expression and the cellular responsiveness to 1,25(OH) 2D 3treatment. VDR abundance, affinity for [ 3H]1,25(OH) 2D 3, and VDR mRNA levels were not detectably different in BB cells compared to bb cells. Moreover, equal expression of both VDR gene alleles was detected by reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on mRNA from Bb fibroblasts. Fibroblast responsiveness to 1,25(OH) 2D 3, assessed by induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA, was similar between BB and bb cell types in dose-response experiments. Although there were individual variations in the parameters we measured, there were no detectable or consistent differences in mean values from our small sample of cultured dermal fibroblasts. In conclusion, we did not detect significant differences in VDR properties or cellular responsiveness to 1,25(OH) 2D 3that correlated with VDR genotype. Our findings suggest that these polymorphisms do not affect VDR function, but rather may be a marker for a nearby gene that is responsible for the genotype-associated variation in osteoporosis and prostate cancer risk.

Simian virus 40-, but not human papillomavirus-, transformation of prostatic epithelial cells results in loss of growth-inhibition by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3

In addition to its well known calcemic actions, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 [1,25(OH)(2)D] exhibits differentiating and antiproliferative effects in several types of cancer cells. 1,25(OH)(2)D receptors (VDR) as well as 1,25(OH)(2)D-mediated growth-inhibition have been demonstrated in human prostate cancer cell lines. In order to further develop model systems for the study of 1,25(OH)(2)D action and to elucidate the mechanism of growth-inhibition, we studied several human prostate cell lines immortalized with either simian virus 40 (SV40) or human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV). The SV40-transformed cell lines P69SV40-T and P153SV40-T were not growth-inhibited by 1,25(OH)(2)D at concentrations as high as 100 nM, whereas the HPV-transformed cells PZ-HPV-7 and CA-HPV-10 were growth-inhibited. All cell lines expressed VDR, and VDR mRNA was demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. All cells exhibited induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA, a 1,25(OH)(2)D responsive gene, after 1,25(OH)(2)D treatment. In an attempt to understand the apparent dissociation of 1,25(OH)(2)D actions in the SV40-transformed cells, we turned to the human prostate cancer cell line DU 145. These cells, like the SV40-transformed cells, are not growth-inhibited but demonstrate induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA after 1,25(OH)(2)D treatment. DU 145 cells contain a mutated retinoblastoma gene (Rb) which contributes to their uncontrolled growth, analogous to the disruption of Rb by SV40 and HPV. We compared DU,145 cells to DU 145 cells transfected with normal Rb (DU 145/Rb). Similar to DU 145, DU 145/Rb cells were not growth-inhibited by 1,25(OH)(2)D, while 24-hydroxylase mRNA was induced. These results suggest that divergent pathways mediate the growth-inhibitory effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D and its induction of 24-hydroxylase. It also appears that the antiproliferative effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D is mediated by an Rb-independent mechanism.

Comparative effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and EB 1089 on mouse renal and intestinal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase

EB 1089 is a vitamin D analog that is less potent than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in its calcemic action but more potent in its antiproliferative action. We characterized the interaction of 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB 1089 with renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase), the first enzyme in the C-24 oxidation pathway, and compared the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB 1089 on induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA in mouse kidney and intestine. 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB 1089 were competitive inhibitors of 24-hydroxylase activity. However, the Ki for 1,25(OH)2D3 (5.2 +/- 2.5 nM) was significantly lower than that for EB 1089 (286 +/- 59 nM). In the kidney, the time course and extent of 24-hydroxylase mRNA induction, relative to 18S rRNA, was similar for 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB 1089 with a peak response at approximately equal to 6 h that was sustained for at least 16 h. In the intestine, however, induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA, relative to 18S rRNA, was approximately 50% lower for EB 1089 than for 1,25(OH)2D3 at 3 h (p < 0.05) and 6 h (p < 0.05) while at 16 h 24-hydroxylase mRNA was no longer detectable. Moreover, while both 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB 10898 elicited a similar dose-dependent induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA in the kidney (EC50 = 0.4 +/- 0.13 and 0.3 +/- 0.08 ng/g for EB 1089 and 1,25(OH)2D3, respectively), the EC50 for EB 1089 (6.6 +/- 1.7 ng/g) was significantly higher than that for 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.9 +/- 0.32 ng/g) in the intestine (p < 0.01). EB 1089 was also less effective than 1,25(OH)2D3 in the induction of intestinal but not renal calbindin-D9k mRNA. To determine the mechanism for tissue-specific differences in potency, we determined the binding affinity of 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB 1089 for the vitamin D receptor. In the kidney, Kd values for 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.40 +/- 0.95 nM) and EB 1089 (0.48 +/- 0.04 nM) were not different. However, in the intestine, the Kd for EB 1089 (1.43 +/- 0.19 nM) was significantly higher than that for 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.85 +/- 0.06 nM; p < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that: (i) EB 1089 has a 50-fold lower affinity than 1,25(OH)2D3 for renal 24-hydroxylase, suggesting that it is more resistant to catabolism by the C-24 oxidation pathway; and (ii) EB 1089 and 1,25(OH)2D3 exhibit tissue-specific differences in vitamin D receptor-mediated responses in vivo that may be ascribed, at least in part, to differences in binding affinities for the vitamin D receptor.

Potentiated 1,25(OH)2D3-induced 24-hydroxylase gene expression in uremic rat intestine

24-Hydroxylase has been considered a major enzyme regulating metabolism of circulating 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. To understand the metabolism of 1,25(OH)2D3 in chronic renal failure, we examined 1,25(OH)2D3-induced 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase) gene expression in the intestine of uremic rats. Northern blot and dot blot analyses showed that the induction of duodenal 24-hydroxylase gene expression was 2.0- to 3.8-fold greater in uremic rats than in sham-operated rats (P < 0.05, Student's t-test) at 6 h after 1,25(OH)2D3 administration. Gene induction of calbindin D9k by 1,25(OH)2D3 was not augmented in uremic group. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that the induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA by 1,25(OH)2D3 was observed exclusively in the columnar epithelium of the crypt and the lower part of the villi, suggesting that the stage of epithelial cell differentiation is a major determinant of 1,25(OH)2D3-induced 24-hydroxylase gene expression. In uremia, 1,25(OH)2D3-induced 24-hydroxylase gene expression was accelerated selectively, possibly because of poorly differentiated epithelial cells.

Regulation of messenger ribonucleic acid expression of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase in rat osteoblasts.

We have reported that PTH inhibits 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase messenger RNA (mRNA) expression induced by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3] in rat kidney but not intestine. In the present study, we examined whether the suppression of 24-hydroxylase mRNA expression by PTH occurs commonly in tissues and cells which have PTH receptors. Administration of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 into rats fed a synthetic vitamin D-repleted diet containing adequate calcium greatly increased serum levels of calcium and 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3. Also, there was a 4-fold increase in bone 24-hydroxylase activity in response to 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 administration. In rats fed a low calcium diet, renal 24-hydroxylase activity was suppressed probably due to secondary hyperparathyroidism. In contrast, the low calcium feeding did not suppress bone 24-hydroxylase activity. The expression of 24-hydroxylase mRNA in rat osteoblastic C-26 and C-11 cells was similar and attained maximal levels 24 h after cells were incubated with 10(-8) M 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3. Induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA expression by 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 was much greater and earlier in immature C-26 cells than mature C-11 cells. Simultaneous addition of PTH, prostaglandin E2, or cAMP together with 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 did not down-regulate mRNA expression of 24-hydroxylase induced by the vitamin in both C-26 and C-11 cells. Of the three osteoblastic cells (C-26, C-20, and C-11) examined, C-26 cells showed the least mRNA expression of vitamin D receptors, in spite of the highest expression of 24-hydroxylase mRNA. These results suggest that unlike in the kidney, bone 24-hydroxylase mRNA expression is not down-regulated by PTH despite of the presence of PTH receptors. They also suggest that the degree of the induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA by 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 is not explained simply by the vitamin D receptors content.

Regulation of vitamin D receptor abundance and responsiveness during differentiation of HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

We have studied the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D3] on cellular differentiation in the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. Our aim was to evaluate the regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor (VDR) abundance and hormone responsiveness during the transition of rapidly proliferating to differentiated cells. Differentiation was induced by three means: cells were cultured in galactose-supplemented medium without glucose (GAL), grown on Matrigel-coated surfaces (MTG), or treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. Cell proliferation, assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was equivalently inhibited by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, GAL or MTG. Differentiation was assessed by the induction of amino-oligo peptidase activity which was low in the proliferating cells. Following treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, or growth in GAL or on MTG, amino-oligo peptidase activity increased 8- to 9-fold. The abundance of VDR measured by [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 binding, decreased to half without significant change in affinity, in cells differentiated by all three means compared to proliferating cells. Northern blot analyses of differentiated cells showed decreased steady-state levels of VDR messenger RNA (mRNA), indicating that all three treatments similarly decreased the abundance of VDR, at least in part, at the mRNA level. When exposed to 1,25(OH)2D3, the proliferating cells exhibited homologous up-regulation of VDR as well as the induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA; the differentiated cells failed to exhibit both of these biological responses. Our findings demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3, GAL and MTG treatment all inhibit HT-29 cell proliferation and stimulate differentiation. Postproliferative differentiation achieved by the three approaches was associated with decreased VDR abundance, loss of VDR homologous up-regulation, and development of hormone unresponsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D3.

Regulation of vitamin D receptor abundance and responsiveness during differentiation of HT-29 human colon cancer cells

We have studied the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D3] on cellular differentiation in the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. Our aim was to evaluate the regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor (VDR) abundance and hormone responsiveness during the transition of rapidly proliferating to differentiated cells. Differentiation was induced by three means: cells were cultured in galactose-supplemented medium without glucose (GAL), grown on Matrigel-coated surfaces (MTG), or treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. Cell proliferation, assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was equivalently inhibited by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, GAL or MTG. Differentiation was assessed by the induction of amino-oligo peptidase activity which was low in the proliferating cells. Following treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, or growth in GAL or on MTG, amino-oligo peptidase activity increased 8- to 9-fold. The abundance of VDR measured by [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 binding, decreased to half without significant change in affinity, in cells differentiated by all three means compared to proliferating cells. Northern blot analyses of differentiated cells showed decreased steady-state levels of VDR messenger RNA (mRNA), indicating that all three treatments similarly decreased the abundance of VDR, at least in part, at the mRNA level. When exposed to 1,25(OH)2D3, the proliferating cells exhibited homologous up-regulation of VDR as well as the induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA; the differentiated cells failed to exhibit both of these biological responses. Our findings demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3, GAL and MTG treatment all inhibit HT-29 cell proliferation and stimulate differentiation. Postproliferative differentiation achieved by the three approaches was associated with decreased VDR abundance, loss of VDR homologous up-regulation, and development of hormone unresponsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D3.