Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Research Articles

Differences in triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism and resistance to obesity in male and female vitamin D receptor knockout mice

A lean phenotype has been detected in vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockout mice; however, the gender differences in fat metabolism between male and female mice both with age and in response to a high-fat diet have not been studied before. The objective of our study was to assess changes in body and fat tissue weight, food intake and serum cholesterol and triglyceride in VDR knockout mice from weaning to adulthood and after a challenge of adult animals with a high-fat diet. Although VDR knockout mice of both sexes consumed more food than wild-type and heterozygous littermates, their body weight and the weight of fat depots was lower after 6 months on a diet with 5% crude fat content. When adult animals were challenged with a high-fat diet containing 21% crude fat content for 8 weeks, VDR knockout mice of both sexes had a significantly higher food intake but gained less weight than their wild-type littermates. Cholesterol levels were higher after 2 days on the high-fat diet in both sexes, but in the VDR knockout mice, less cholesterol was detected in the serum after 8 weeks. Wild-type male mice showed signs of fatty liver disease at the end of the experiment, which was not detected in the other groups. In conclusion, lack of the VDR receptor results in reduced fat accumulation with age and when adult mice are fed a high-fat diet, despite a higher food intake of VDR knockout mice relative to their wild-type littermates. These effects can be detected in both sexes. Wild-type male mice react with the highest weight gain and cholesterol levels of all groups and develop fatty liver disease after 8 weeks on a high-fat diet, while male VDR knockout mice appear to be protected.

Normocalcemia is maintained in mice under conditions of calcium malabsorption by vitamin D–induced inhibition of bone mineralization

Serum calcium levels are tightly controlled by an integrated hormone-controlled system that involves active vitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D], which can elicit calcium mobilization from bone when intestinal calcium absorption is decreased. The skeletal adaptations, however, are still poorly characterized. To gain insight into these issues, we analyzed the consequences of specific vitamin D receptor (Vdr) inactivation in the intestine and in mature osteoblasts on calcium and bone homeostasis. We report here that decreased intestinal calcium absorption in intestine-specific Vdr knockout mice resulted in severely reduced skeletal calcium levels so as to ensure normal levels of calcium in the serum. Furthermore, increased 1,25(OH)(2)D levels not only stimulated bone turnover, leading to osteopenia, but also suppressed bone matrix mineralization. This resulted in extensive hyperosteoidosis, also surrounding the osteocytes, and hypomineralization of the entire bone cortex, which may have contributed to the increase in bone fractures. Mechanistically, osteoblastic VDR signaling suppressed calcium incorporation in bone by directly stimulating the transcription of genes encoding mineralization inhibitors. Ablation of skeletal Vdr signaling precluded this calcium transfer from bone to serum, leading to better preservation of bone mass and mineralization. These findings indicate that in mice, maintaining normocalcemia has priority over skeletal integrity, and that to minimize skeletal calcium storage, 1,25(OH)(2)D not only increases calcium release from bone, but also inhibits calcium incorporation in bone.

Abstract LB-174: Enhanced prostate tumorigenesis in TgAPT121 mice lacking prostatic VDR expression

Abstract Population and cell-based work support the hypothesis that vitamin D has anti-cancer effects. We have previously reported that dietary vitamin D deficiency increases prostate epithelial cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis in wild-type mice and leads to more advanced prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions in a transgenic mouse model (TgAPT121) of early-stage prostate cancer. Vitamin D action depends upon signaling through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and we have recently discovered that the prostate VDR mRNA and protein levels are elevated in TgAPT121 PIN lesions. To determine the importance of VDR in prostate cancer prevention we deleted the VDR gene in TgAPT121 mice and examined the impact on cancer development. Two different models were used to delete the VDR gene. In study 1, we made a triple transgenic mouse line with prostate epithelial cell-specific deletion of VDR: TgAPT121; VDRflox/flox; probasin-Cre+/− (PS-VDR KO, n = 32) and TgAPT121; VDRflox/flox; probasin-Cre−/− controls (n = 33). In study 2, we crossed TgAPT121 mice with global VDR knockout mice whose abnormal calcium metabolism was corrected by intestinal-specific expression of human VDR (HV2) to generate the TgAPT121; HV2+/−, VDR−/− mice (HV2-VDR KO, n = 23) and TgAPT121; HV2+/−, VDR+/− controls (n = 27). HV2-VDR KO mice lack VDR in all cells of the prostate. Mice in both studies were provided with 1000 IU vitamin D3/kg diet from weaning until 6.5-mo of age at which time the prostates were harvested and processed for histology. H&E-stained sections of the anterior lobes were examined using a grading system established based on the spectrum of prostate phenotypes in TgAPT121 mice: hyperplasia, four levels of PIN lesions (PIN I-PIN IV), microinvasive lesion (Mic), and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (Ad). A disease score was calculated for each mouse based on the prevalence of its two most severe lesion types, with a higher score indicating more advanced cancer. In study 1, twice as many PS-VDR KO mice developed Ad compared to control (73% vs. 38%, p = 0.004). On average, the PS-VDR KO mice had more Ad foci (p = 0.003) and the size of each focus was larger (p = 0.005) when compared with controls. Consistent with the grading data, mean disease score was significantly higher in PS-VDR KO mice (32.2 vs. 30.7; p = 0.012). Similar results were found in Study 2 where HV2-VDR KO mice had higher Ad incidence, more Ad foci, and larger Ad focus size, as well as higher mean disease score than controls (31.8 vs. 29.9, p = 0.027). In addition, more PINIV and Mic foci were found in HV2-VDR KO mice than controls (p < 0.05). Together these results show that disrupted VDR expression increases prostate cancer development in TgAPT121 mice, supporting the hypothesis that VDR is essential for vitamin D-mediated prostate cancer prevention. Supported by NIH Award CA101113 (JCF and SKC), NCI Cancer Prevention Interdisciplinary Education Program (YL), and Purdue Center for Cancer Research (JCF). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-174. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-174

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Vitamin D and fertility: a systematic review

Vitamin D has been well-known for its function in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and promoting bone mineralization. There is some evidence that in addition to sex steroid hormones, the classic regulators of human reproduction, vitamin D also modulates reproductive processes in women and men. The aim of this review was to assess the studies that evaluated the relationship between vitamin D and fertility in women and men as well as in animals. We performed a systematic literature search in Pubmed for relevant English language publications published until October 2011. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D metabolizing enzymes are found in reproductive tissues of women and men. Vdr knockout mice have significant gonadal insufficiency, decreased sperm count and motility, and histological abnormalities of testis, ovary and uterus. Moreover, we present evidence that vitamin D is involved in female reproduction including IVF outcome (clinical pregnancy rates) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In PCOS women, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are associated with obesity, metabolic, and endocrine disturbances and vitamin D supplementation might improve menstrual frequency and metabolic disturbances in those women. Moreover, vitamin D might influence steroidogenesis of sex hormones (estradiol and progesterone) in healthy women and high 25(OH)D levels might be associated with endometriosis. In men, vitamin D is positively associated with semen quality and androgen status. Moreover, vitamin D treatment might increase testosterone levels. Testiculopathic men show low CYP21R expression, low 25(OH)D levels, and osteoporosis despite normal testosterone levels.

Mammary adipocytes bioactivate 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and signal via vitamin D3 receptor, modulating mammary epithelial cell growth

The vitamin D(3) receptor (VDR) is present in all microenvironments of the breast, yet it is hypothesized to signal through the epithelium to regulate hormone induced growth and differentiation. However, the influence or contribution of the other microenvironments within the breast that express VDR, like the breast adipose tissue, are yet to be investigated. We hypothesized that the breast adipocytes express the signaling components necessary to participate in vitamin D(3) synthesis and signaling via VDR, modulating ductal epithelial cell growth and differentiation. We utilized human primary breast adipocytes and VDR wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice to address whether breast adipocytes participate in vitamin D(3) -induced growth regulation of the ductal epithelium. We report in this study that breast primary adipocytes express VDR, CYP27B1 (1α-hydroxylase, 1α-OHase), the enzyme that generates the biologically active VDR ligand, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3) ), and CYP24 (24-hydroxylase, 24-OHase), a VDR-1,25D(3) induced target gene. Furthermore, the breast adipocytes participate in bioactivating 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25D(3) ) to the active ligand, 1,25D(3) , and secreting it to the surrounding microenvironment. In support of this concept, we report that purified mammary ductal epithelial fragments (organoids) from VDR KO mice, co-cultured with WT breast adipocytes, were growth inhibited upon treatment with 25D(3) or 1,25D(3) compared to vehicle alone. Collectively, these results demonstrate that breast adipocytes bioactivate 25D(3) to 1,25D(3) , signal via VDR within the adipocytes, and release an inhibitory factor that regulates ductal epithelial cell growth, suggesting that breast adipose tissue contributes to vitamin D(3) -induced growth regulation of ductal epithelium.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 influences cellular homocysteine levels in murine preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells by direct regulation of cystathionine β-synthase

High homocysteine (HCY) levels are a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture. Furthermore, bone quality and strength are compromised by elevated HCY owing to its negative impact on collagen maturation. HCY is cleared by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), the first enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway. CBS converts HCY to cystathionine, thereby committing it to cysteine synthesis. A microarray experiment on MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblasts treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2) D(3) ] revealed a cluster of genes including the cbs gene, of which the transcription was rapidly and strongly induced by 1,25(OH)(2) D(3) . Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed higher levels of cbs mRNA and protein after 1,25(OH)(2) D(3) treatment in murine and human cells. Moreover, measurement of CBS enzyme activity and quantitative measurements of HCY, cystathionine, and cysteine concentrations were consistent with elevated transsulfuration activity in 1,25(OH)(2) D(3) -treated cells. The importance of a functional vitamin D receptor (VDR) for transcriptional regulation of cbs was shown in primary murine VDR knockout osteoblasts, in which upregulation of cbs in response to 1,25(OH)(2) D(3) was abolished. Chromatin immunoprecipitation on chip and transfection studies revealed a functional vitamin D response element in the second intron of cbs. To further explore the potential clinical relevance of our ex vivo findings, human data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam suggested a correlation between vitamin D status [25(OH)D(3) levels] and HCY levels. In conclusion, this study showed that cbs is a primary 1,25(OH)(2) D(3) target gene which renders HCY metabolism responsive to 1,25(OH)(2) D(3).

Genetic analysis of lung function in inbred mice suggests vitamin D receptor as a candidate gene

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with an increased asthma incidence in human populations; however, observations in Vdr knockout mice are unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of the genetic variation in Vdr among inbred strains on lung resistance (i.e., dynamic and airway resistance). In an intercross between the strains C57BL/6J (B6) and KK/HlJ (KK), we identified that a significant QTL for dynamic resistance on Chr X was interacting with a QTL on Chr 15. The Chr 15 QTL peak was located in close proximity to the Vdr locus. We further examined if phenotypes of several inbred strains with varying Vdr genotypes differed. Strains with a B6-like genotype on the Vdr locus had significantly lower airway resistance than strains with a KK-like genotype. Vdr knockout mice were examined for dynamic resistance and showed significantly higher resistance than mice with one (i.e., heterozygous) or both copies (i.e., wild-type) of the Vdr. In comparison to B6, the strain A/J is more resistant but carries the same genotype at the Vdr locus. Dietary vitamin D manipulation in the strain A/J did not rescue the high airway resistance phenotype. Finally, we observed that serum vitamin D does not correlate significantly with lung resistance parameters in a survey of 18 strains. Conclusively, Vdr contributes to the phenotypic variation of lung resistance in inbred mice but other molecules in the Vdr pathway and extended network [i.e., Chr X gene(s)] may contribute as well.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00438-011-0642-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Converging pathways lead to overproduction of IL-17 in the absence of vitamin D signaling

Multiple pathways converge to result in the overexpression of T(h)17 cells in the absence of either vitamin D or the vitamin D receptor (VDR). CD4(+) T cells from VDR knockout (KO) mice have a more activated phenotype than their wild-type (WT) counterparts and readily develop into T(h)17 cells under a variety of in vitro conditions. Vitamin D-deficient CD4(+) T cells also overproduced IL-17 in vitro and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D(3) inhibited the development of T(h)17 cells in CD4(+) T-cell cultures. Conversely, the induction of inducible (i) Tregs was lower in VDR KO CD4(+) T cells than WT and the VDR KO iTregs were refractory to IL-6 inhibition. Host-specific effects of the VDR were evident on in vivo development of naive T cells. Development of naive WT CD4(+) T cells in the VDR KO host resulted in the overexpression of IL-17 and more severe experimental inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The increased expression of T(h)17 cells in the VDR KO mice was associated with a reduction in tolerogenic CD103(+) dendritic cells. The data collectively demonstrate that T(h)17 and iTreg cells are direct and indirect targets of vitamin D. The increased propensity for development of T(h)17 cells in the VDR KO host results in more severe IBD.

A novel role for vitamin D: modulation of expression and function of the local renin–angiotensin system in mouse pancreatic islets

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that hormonal vitamin D (calcitriol) modulates the local pancreatic islet renin-angiotensin system (RAS) whilst improving islet beta cell secretory function. Isolated islets cultured ex vivo under high- or low-glucose conditions and treated with or without calcitriol were examined for changes in RAS component activity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Isolated islets from vitamin D receptor knockout (VDR-KO) mice were compared with islets from wild-type (WT) mice for major RAS component expression and RAS protein production. Isolated islets incubated ex vivo under high-glucose conditions showed increased expression and production of major RAS components; this was prevented and reversed by calcitriol in parallel with increases in GSIS. VDR-KO mice displayed increased RAS component mRNA expression and protein production as compared with WT mice, despite comparable glucose homeostasis. Young mice with vitamin D receptor ablation showed abnormal increases in islet RAS components at mRNA and protein levels, despite unaltered glucose homeostasis. Calcitriol prevents and can correct induction of RAS component production under high-glucose conditions in parallel with the well-known effect of calcitriol on increasing islet beta cell secretory responses to glucose.

Intrinsic Requirement for the Vitamin D Receptor in the Development of CD8αα-Expressing T Cells

Vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) deficiency results in severe symptoms of experimental inflammatory bowel disease in several different models. The intraepithelial lymphocytes of the small intestine contain large numbers of CD8αα(+) T cells that have been shown to suppress the immune response to Ags found there. In this study, we determined the role of the VDR in the development of CD8αα(+) T cells. There are fewer total numbers of TCRαβ(+) T cells in the gut of VDR knockout (KO) mice, and that reduction was largely in the CD8αα(+) TCRαβ(+) cells. Conversely TCRγδ(+) T cells were normal in the VDR KO mice. The thymic precursors of CD8αα(+) TCRαβ(+) cells (triple-positive for CD4, CD8αα, and CD8αβ) were reduced and less mature in VDR KO mice. In addition, VDR KO mice had a higher frequency of the CD8αα(+) TCRαβ(+) precursors (double-negative [DN] TCRαβ(+) T cells) in the gut. The proliferation rates of the DN TCRαβ(+) gut T cells were less in the VDR KO compared with those in wild type. Low proliferation of DN TCRαβ(+) T cells was a result of the very low expression of the IL-15R in this population of cells in the absence of the VDR. Bone marrow transplantation showed that the defect in VDR KO CD8αα(+) TCRαβ(+) cells was cell intrinsic. Decreased maturation and proliferation of CD8αα(+) TCRαβ(+) cells in VDR KO mice results in fewer functional CD8αα(+) TCRαβ(+) T cells, which likely explains the increased inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract of VDR KO and vitamin D-deficient mice.

Deletion of vitamin D receptor leads to premature emphysema/COPD by increased matrix metalloproteinases and lymphoid aggregates formation

Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with accelerated decline in lung function. Vitamin D is a ligand for nuclear hormone vitamin D receptor (VDR), and upon binding it modulates various cellular functions. The level of VDR is reduced in lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which led us to hypothesize that deficiency of VDR leads to significant alterations in lung phenotype that are characteristics of COPD/emphysema associated with increased inflammatory response. We found that VDR knock-out (VDR –/–) mice had increased influx of inflammatory cells, phospho-acetylation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) associated with increased proinflammatory mediators, and up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 in the lung. This was associated with emphysema and decline in lung function associated with lymphoid aggregates formation compared to WT mice. These findings suggest that deficiency of VDR in mouse lung can lead to an early onset of emphysema/COPD because of chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and lung destruction.

Age-Related Changes in the Epithelial and Stromal Compartments of the Mammary Gland in Normocalcemic Mice Lacking the Vitamin D3 Receptor

The vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) serves as a negative growth regulator during mammary gland development via suppression of branching morphogenesis during puberty and modulation of differentiation and apoptosis during pregnancy, lactation and involution. To assess the role of the VDR in the aging mammary gland, we utilized 12, 14, and 16 month old VDR knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice for assessment of integrity of the epithelial and stromal compartments, steroid hormone levels and signaling pathways. Our data indicate that VDR ablation is associated with ductal ectasia of the primary mammary ducts, loss of secondary and tertiary ductal branches and atrophy of the mammary fat pad. In association with loss of the white adipose tissue compartment, smooth muscle actin staining is increased in glands from VDR KO mice, suggesting a change in the stromal microenviroment. Activation of caspase-3 and increased Bax expression in mammary tissue of VDR KO mice suggests that enhanced apoptosis may contribute to loss of ductal branching. These morphological changes in the glands of VDR KO mice are associated with ovarian failure and reduced serum 17β-estradiol. VDR KO mice also exhibit progressive loss of adipose tissue stores, hypoleptinemia and increased metabolic rate with age. These developmental studies indicate that, under normocalcemic conditions, loss of VDR signaling is associated with age-related estrogen deficiency, disruption of epithelial ductal branching, abnormal energy expenditure and atrophy of the mammary adipose compartment.

Mechanisms underlying the effect of vitamin D on the immune system

Vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been shown to be important regulators of the immune system. In particular, vitamin D and VDR deficiency exacerbates experimental autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD develops due to an immune-mediated attack by pathogenic T-cells that overproduce IL-17 and IFN-gamma and a few regulatory cells. VDR knockout mice have twice as many T-cells making IL-17 and IFN-gamma than wild-type mice. In addition, vitamin D and the VDR are required for normal numbers of regulatory T-cells (iNKT and CD8alphaalpha) that have been shown to suppress experimental IBD. In the absence of vitamin D and the VDR, autoimmunity occurs in the gastrointestinal tract due to increased numbers of IL-17 and IFN-gamma secreting T-cells and a concomitant reduction in regulatory T-cells.

Disruption of the hedgehog signaling pathway contributes to the hair follicle cycling deficiency in Vdr knockout mice

Mice null for the Vitamin D receptor (VdrKO) have a disrupted first hair follicle cycle and aborted subsequent hair follicle cycling. We examined the expression of different markers and mediators of hair follicle cycling in the hair follicle of the VdrKO mouse during days 13-22 when the hair follicle normally initiates and completes the first catagen. We compared the expression of those genes in mice with a nonsense mutation in hairless (Rhino), which have a similar alopecia phenotype, and to Cyp27b1 null mice which are deficient in the production of 1,25(OH)2D3, the Vdr ligand, but display normal hair follicle cycling. Our results demonstrate the down regulation of hair follicle markers and the alteration of expression of hedgehog (Hh), Wnt, Fgf, and Tgfbeta pathways in VdrKO and Rhino mice, but not in Cyp27b1KO mice. Treatment of VdrKO mice with an agonist to the Hh pathway partially restored hair follicle cycling, suggesting a role of this pathway in the regulation of hair follicle cycling by VDR. These results suggest that Vdr regulates directly or indirectly the expression of genes required for hair follicle cycling, including Hh signaling, independent of 1,25(OH)2D3.

The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3-independent actions of the vitamin D receptor in skin

The vitamin D endocrine system plays important but poorly understood roles in the skin and in hair follicle cycling. Rare, human genetic disorders and knockout mouse models highlight essential roles and potentially novel mechanisms of the vitamin D endocrine system in the skin. Vitamin D receptor knockout mice express a hair follicle cycling defect and a hyperproliferative phenotype resulting in disordered skin structure, epidermal thickening, and alopecia. In contrast, ligand knockout mice (i.e., mice with a disrupted CYP27B1 gene that encodes the 25-hydroxyvitamin-D 3 1α-hydroxylase) have normal hair follicle function and a comparatively modest skin phenotype. These disparate models indicate that VDR may function independently of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2D 3) in regulating hair follicle cycling and skin biology. Recent studies highlight this concept and provide key support for this hypothesis. While VDR knockout mice are highly susceptible to chemically induced skin tumorigenesis, CYP27B1 knockouts are resistant. These studies reveal a second global physiological process in the skin that may be regulated by VDR in a 1,25(OH) 2D 3-independent fashion, namely, genoprotection against carcinogenic mutagens. Key cellular and molecular data supporting this mechanism were published recently showing a keratinocyte-selective transactivation activity mediated by VDR that is independent of the 1,25(OH) 2D 3 ligand. Thus, evidence is building to support a potentially novel, 1,25(OH) 2D 3-independent mechanism through which VDR functions in keratinocytes and perhaps within stem cell populations in the follicle to regulate genoprotection and other key developmental processes in the skin.

Tumor progression in the LPB-Tag transgenic model of prostate cancer is altered by vitamin D receptor and serum testosterone status

Previous studies have suggested that 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2D 3) induces cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in vitro, suggesting that vitamin D may be a useful adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer and a chemopreventive agent. Most epidemiological data however shows a weak link between serum 25(OH)D 3 and risk of prostate cancer. To explore this dichotomy we have compared tumor progression in the LPB-Tag model of prostate in VDR knock out (VDRKO) and wild type (VDRWT) mice. On the C57BL/6 background LPB-Tag tumors progress significantly more rapidly in the VDRKO mice. VDRKO tumors show significantly higher levels of cell proliferation than VDRWT tumors. In mice supplemented with testosterone to restore the serum levels to the normal range, these differences in tumor progression, and proliferation are abrogated, suggesting that there is considerable cross-talk between the androgen receptor (AR) and the vitamin D axis which is reflected in significant changes in steady state mRNA levels of the AR, PCNA, cdk2 survivin and IGFR1 and 2 genes. These alterations may explain the differences between the in vitro data and the epidemiological studies.

Vitamin D receptor and vitamin D metabolizing enzymes are expressed in the human male reproductive tract

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human testis, and vitamin D (VD) has been suggested to affect survival and function of mature spermatozoa. Indeed, VDR knockout mice and VD deficient rats show decreased sperm counts and low fertility. However, the cellular response to VD is complex, since it is not solely dependent on VDR expression, but also on cellular uptake of circulating VD and presence and activity of VD metabolizing enzymes. Expression of VD metabolizing enzymes has not previously been investigated in human testis and male reproductive tract. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of VDR, VD activating (CYP2R1, CYP27A1, CYP27B1) and inactivating (CYP24A1) enzymes in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle (SV), prostate and spermatozoa. Tissue samples were obtained after orchiectomy (testis n = 13; epididymis n = 7), prostatectomy (prostate n = 5 and SVs n = 3) and semen samples obtained after ejaculation (n = 13). mRNA was detected with RT-PCR and expression of proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry. VDR and VD metabolizing enzymes were concomitantly expressed in round and elongated spermatids, vesicles within the caput epididymis, and glandular epithelium of cauda epididymis, SV and prostate. The expression pattern in ejaculated spermatozoa varied, although, concomitant expression of VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 was observed in neck and midpiece in a subpopulation of mature spermatozoa. On the basis of the marked expression of VDR and the VD metabolizing enzymes in human testis, ejaculatory tract and mature spermatozoa, we suggest that VD is important for spermatogenesis and maturation of human spermatozoa.

Abstract A52: Mechanisms of 1,25-dihdyroxyvitamin D-mediated growth arrest and apoptosis in transformed mammary cells

Abstract 1,25-Dihdyroxyvitamin D (1,25D), the biologically active form of vitamin D, exerts pro-differentiating and anti-proliferative actions on epithelial cells, but the exact role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in mediating these effects remains to be defined. The goal of this project is to link specific functional domains of the VDR with regulation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Epithelial cell lines derived from DMBA induced mammary tumors generated in VDR knock-out (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were characterized for growth arrest and apoptosis following 1,25D treatment. Cells derived from WT tumors expressed VDR and exhibited growth arrest and apoptosis in response to 1,25D. In VDR positive cells, 1,25D mediated apoptosis was associated with activation of multiple caspases and calpain, resulting in PARP cleavage. In contrast, cells derived from KO tumors lacked VDR and failed to undergo growth arrest and apoptosis upon 1,25D treatment. To recreate VDR signaling in KO cells, human VDR was stably expressed in the KO240 cell line, generating the KOhVDR cell line. KOhVDR cells expressed transcriptionally active VDR protein at levels comparable to that of WT cells. Re-introduction of VDR did not affect doubling time of KOhVDR cells in the absence of ligand, but did sensitize cells to growth arrest and apoptosis in response to VDR agonists. PCR screening arrays and independent qPCR validation were used to identify VDR target genes in this model system. In WT cells, 6-24h treatment with 100nM 1,25D induced PDGF-B (up to 10 fold) and VEGF-A (up to 5 fold). No changes in PDGF-B or VEGF-A expression were observed in KO cells treated with 1,25D, but both genes were inducible by 1,25D in KOhVDR cells stably expressing hVDR. Thus, 1,25D can activate either human or murine VDR to induce endogenous PDGF-B and VEGF-A gene expression in these murine cells. In summary, these data indicate that VDR does not exert ligand-independent effects on mammary cell growth, but is essential to trigger gene expression, growth arrest and apoptosis in response to 1,25D. Supported by NIH CA69700. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A52.

Abstract A41: Impact of vitamin D receptor and the vitamin D hydroxylase CYP27B1 on morphology and gene expression in the mouse mammary gland

Abstract Multiple epidemiological studies have demonstrated correlations between vitamin D status and incidence of many types of cancer, including colon and breast. Our long term goal is to understand the mechanisms by which the vitamin D signaling pathway impacts on breast cancer. Upon absorption or endogenous synthesis, vitamin D is metabolized into 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) in multiple tissues. 1,25D is a high-affinity ligand for the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) that alters gene expression and inhibits growth of normal and transformed mammary cells. However, 25D and other steroid-like compounds such as bile acids, can also activate VDR in vitro. Although studies with VDR knockout (KO) mice have demonstrated that VDR affects proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in the mammary gland, the specific ligands that trigger VDR signaling in mammary tissue have yet to be identified. Generation of 1,25D from 25D is mediated by the mitochondrial enzyme CYP27B1 (also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1α-hydroxylase) which is present and developmentally regulated in mammary gland. Studies with the VDRKO mouse have formally established that its phenotype is different from mice lacking CYP27B1, supporting the concept that other VDR ligands exist, and/or that the VDR may act in the absence of ligand. In our studies, we are using animal models to determine whether VDR exerts 1,25D-independent effects on growth, apoptosis or differentiation of mammary epithelial cells in vivo. Glands from VDRKO and CYP27B1KO mice during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, involution and aging have been collected for analysis of gross morphology, histology, and genomic profiling in comparison to age-matched control mice. Our data indicate that mammary glands from VDRKO mice display accelerated branching, enhanced sensitivity to estrogen and progesterone and altered gene expression during puberty and early pregnancy. Surprisingly, initial studies indicate that similar changes are not observed in glands from CYP27B1KO mice, suggesting that 25D or other VDR ligands may substitute for 1,25D in control of mammary cell turnover in vivo. Alternatively, our results are consistent with the concept that unoccupied VDR may function in the mammary gland. To further explore the role of VDR and CYP27B1 in the glandular epithelial compartment, mice with mammary epithelial-specific deletion of VDR or CYP27B1 were generated by crossing MMTV-cre mice with mice carrying floxed alleles of VDR or CYP27B1. Quantitation of VDR and CYP27B1 expression in mammary gland, and characterization of the phenotype of these cre-flox mouse strains is in progress. Collectively, these studies have identified novel roles for the VDR and its ligands in mammary gland development that provide insight into the relationship between vitamin D status and breast cancer. Supported by NIH CA69700. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A41.

Identification of a highly specific and versatile vitamin D receptor antibody

The active form of vitamin D, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2D 3) is critical for regulation of serum calcium and phosphorus levels and for proper maintenance of bone mineralization and neuromuscular function. Biological effects of 1,25(OH) 2D 3 are mediated through a nuclear steroid hormone receptor, known as the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The discovery of VDR in a number of different cell and tissue types, suggests that the physiological role of vitamin D may extend beyond the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone function. Unfortunately, identification of tissues expressing VDR has been controversial due to low abundance of the receptor and quality of the antibodies used. Therefore, we elected to characterize a panel of commercially available VDR antibodies in order to identify antibodies with high specificity and sensitivity. To address these objectives, we have used multiple immunoassays to determine VDR expression in tissues from several organs from multiple species employing tissues from VDR knockout mice as critical negative controls. Many of the antibodies tested showed nonspecific binding that can account for divergent reports. However, one antibody, identified as D-6, is highly specific and extremely sensitive. The specificity, sensitivity, and versatility of this antibody make it the preferred antibody for identifying VDR expression in target tissues using immunological methods.