Anticancer effects of the novel 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 hybrid analog QW1624F2-2 in human neuroblastoma

A MYCN-driven de-differentiation profile identifies a subgroup of aggressive retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma are childhood eye tumors arising from retinal precursor cells. Two distinct retinoblastoma subtypes with different clinical behavior have been described based on gene expression and methylation profiling. Using consensus clustering of DNA methylation analysis from 61 retinoblastomas, we identify a MYCN-driven cluster of subtype 2 retinoblastomas characterized by DNA hypomethylation and high expression of genes involved in protein synthesis. Subtype 2 retinoblastomas outside the MYCN-driven cluster are characterized by high expression of genes from mesodermal development, including NKX2-5. Knockdown of MYCN expression in retinoblastoma cell models causes growth arrest and reactivates a subtype 1-specific photoreceptor signature. These molecular changes suggest that removing the driving force of MYCN oncogenic activity rescues molecular circuitry driving subtype 1 biology. The MYCN-RB gene signature generated from the cell models better identifies MYCN-driven retinoblastoma than MYCN amplification and can identify cases that may benefit from MYCN-targeted therapy. MYCN drives tumor progression in a molecularly defined retinoblastoma subgroup, and inhibiting MYCN activity could restore a more differentiated and less aggressive tumor biology.

A multi-omics approach for biomarker discovery in neuroblastoma: a network-based framework

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated death in children. MYCN amplification is a prominent genetic marker for NB, and its targeting to halt NB progression is difficult to achieve. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactome of NB is needed to improve treatment outcomes. Analysis of NB multi-omics unravels valuable insight into the interplay between MYCN transcriptional and miRNA post-transcriptional modulation. Moreover, it aids in the identification of various miRNAs that participate in NB development and progression. This study proposes an integrated computational framework with three levels of high-throughput NB data (mRNA-seq, miRNA-seq, and methylation array). Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) and ranked SNF methods were utilized to identify essential genes and miRNAs. The specified genes included both miRNA-target genes and transcription factors (TFs). The interactions between TFs and miRNAs and between miRNAs and their target genes were retrieved where a regulatory network was developed. Finally, an interaction network-based analysis was performed to identify candidate biomarkers. The candidate biomarkers were further analyzed for their potential use in prognosis and diagnosis. The candidate biomarkers included three TFs and seven miRNAs. Four biomarkers have been previously studied and tested in NB, while the remaining identified biomarkers have known roles in other types of cancer. Although the specific molecular role is yet to be addressed, most identified biomarkers possess evidence of involvement in NB tumorigenesis. Analyzing cellular interactome to identify potential biomarkers is a promising approach that can contribute to optimizing efficient therapeutic regimens to target NB vulnerabilities.

AC-265347 Inhibits Neuroblastoma Tumor Growth by Induction of Differentiation without Causing Hypocalcemia

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, with heterogeneous clinical manifestations ranging from spontaneous regression to aggressive metastatic disease. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that senses plasmatic fluctuation in the extracellular concentration of calcium and plays a key role in maintaining calcium homeostasis. We have previously reported that this receptor exhibits tumor suppressor properties in neuroblastoma. The activation of CaSR with cinacalcet, a positive allosteric modulator of CaSR, reduces neuroblastoma tumor growth by promoting differentiation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis. However, cinacalcet treatment results in unmanageable hypocalcemia in patients. Based on the bias signaling shown by calcimimetics, we aimed to identify a new drug that might exert tumor-growth inhibition similar to cinacalcet, without affecting plasma calcium levels. We identified a structurally different calcimimetic, AC-265347, as a promising therapeutic agent for neuroblastoma, since it reduced tumor growth by induction of differentiation, without affecting plasma calcium levels. Microarray analysis suggested biased allosteric modulation of the CaSR signaling by AC-265347 and cinacalcet towards distinct intracellular pathways. No upregulation of genes involved in calcium signaling and ER stress were observed in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models exposed to AC-265347. Moreover, the most significant upregulated biological pathways promoted by AC-265347 were linked to RHO GTPases signaling. AC-265347 upregulated cancer testis antigens (CTAs), providing new opportunities for CTA-based immunotherapies. Taken together, this study highlights the importance of the biased allosteric modulation when targeting GPCRs in cancer. More importantly, the capacity of AC-265347 to promote differentiation of malignant neuroblastoma cells provides new opportunities, alone or in combination with other drugs, to treat high-risk neuroblastoma patients.

Exportin-T: A Novel Prognostic Predictor and Potential Therapeutic Target for Neuroblastoma

Exportins as the key mediators of nucleocytoplasmic transport have been identified as the controllers of the passage of numerous types of crucial cancer-related proteins. Targeting exportins in cancer cells might represent an emerging strategy in cancer intervention with the potential to affect clinical outcomes. Here, we focused on the prognostic and therapeutic values of Exportin-T (XPOT) in neuroblastoma. The correlation between the expression and prognostic values of XPOT in patients with neuroblastoma was investigated based on both published transcriptome data and our clinical data. Then, decision curve analysis (DCA) was implemented to identify a XPOT risk prediction model. In addition, RNA inference was performed to silence the expression of XPOT to further investigate the specific roles of XPOT in the progression of neuroblastoma in vitro. Overexpression of XPOT mRNA was associated with poor clinical characteristics, such as age at diagnosis more than 18 months, amplification of MYCN, and advanced International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stage, and XPOT expression was identified as an independent poor prognosis factor for neuroblastoma using Cox proportional hazards model (P < .001). DCA suggested that neuroblastoma patients could benefit from XPOT risk prediction model-guided interventions (status of MYCN  +  INSS stage  +  XPOT). Experimentally, knockdown of XPOT by small interfering RNA inhibited the proliferation and migration in neuroblastoma cells. XPOT is identified as a novel prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for neuroblastoma patients. Further investigation should focus on the profound molecular mechanism underlying the tumor inhibition activity of XPOT inhibitors.

Considerations for the Use of SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells in Neurobiology

The use of primary mammalian neurons derived from embryonic central nervous system tissue is limited by the fact that once terminally differentiated into mature neurons, the cells can no longer be propagated. Transformed neuronal-like cell lines can be used in vitro to overcome this limitation. However, several caveats exist when utilizing cells derived from malignant tumors. In this context, the popular SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line and its use in in vitro systems is described. Originally derived from a metastatic bone tumor biopsy, SH-SY5Y (ATCC^® CRL-2266™) cells are a subline of the parental line SK-N-SH (ATCC^® HTB-11™). SK-N-SH were subcloned three times; first to SH-SY, then to SH-SY5, and finally to SH-SY5Y. SH-SY5Y were deposited to the ATCC^® in 1970 by June L. Biedler. Three important characteristics of SH-SY5Y cells should be considered when using these cells in in vitro studies. First, cultures include both adherent and floating cells, both types of which are viable. Few studies address the biological significance of the adherent versus floating phenotypes, but most reported studies utilize adherent populations and discard the floating cells during media changes. Second, early studies by Biedler's group indicated that the parental differentiated SK-N-SH cells contained two morphologically distinct phenotypes: neuroblast-like cells and epithelial-like cells (Ross et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 71(4):741-747, 1983). These two phenotypes may correspond to the "N" and "S" types described in later studies in SH-SY5Y by Encinas et al. (J Neurochem 75(3):991-1003, 2000). Cells with neuroblast-like morphology are positive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-β-hydroxylase characteristic of catecholaminergic neurons, whereas the epithelial-like counterpart cells lacked these enzymatic activities (Ross et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 71(4):741-747, 1983). Third, SH-SY5Y cells can be differentiated to a more mature neuron-like phenotype that is characterized by neuronal markers. There are several methods to differentiate SH-SY5Y cells and are mentioned below. Retinoic acid is the most commonly used means for differentiation and will be addressed in detail.

Temporal Proteomic Profiling of SH-SY5Y Differentiation with Retinoic Acid Using FAIMS and Real-Time Searching

The SH-SY5Y cell line is often used as a surrogate for neurons in cell-based studies. This cell line is frequently differentiated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) over a 7-day period, which confers neuron-like properties to the cells. However, no analysis of proteome remodeling has followed the progress of this transition. Here, we quantitatively profiled over 9400 proteins across a 7-day treatment with retinoic acid using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies, including FAIMS, real-time database searching, and TMTpro16 sample multiplexing. Gene ontology analysis revealed that categories with the highest increases in protein abundance were related to the plasma membrane/extracellular space. To showcase our data set, we surveyed the protein abundance profiles linked to neurofilament bundle assembly, neuron projections, and neuronal cell body formation. These proteins exhibited increases in abundance level, yet we observed multiple patterns among the queried proteins. The data presented represent a rich resource for investigating temporal protein abundance changes in SH-SY5Y cells differentiated with retinoic acid. Moreover, the sample preparation and data acquisition strategies used here can be readily applied to any analogous cell line differentiation analysis.

Role of local bioactivation of vitamin D by CYP27A1 and CYP2R1 in the control of cell growth in normal endometrium and endometrial carcinoma

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been suggested as a risk factor for cancer. One recognized mechanism is that the low-serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of VD deficiency reduces intratumoral 25(OH)D conversion to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D, the hormonal form of VD), compromising 1,25D-VD receptor (VDR) antitumoral actions. Reduced tumoral VDR and increased CYP24A1, the enzyme that degrades 1,25D and 25(OH)D, further worsen cancer progression. Importantly, in cells expressing CYP27A1 and/or CYP2R1, which convert inert VD into 25(OH)D, low-serum VD may reduce intratumoral 25(OH)D synthesis thereby compromising VDR antitumoral actions because 25(OH)D can activate the VDR directly and enhance 1,25D-VDR action. Therefore, this study examined whether abnormal endometrial expression of CYP27A1 and/or CYP2R1 may impair VDR-antiproliferative properties in endometrial carcinoma (EC). Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays of normal human endometrium (NE; n=60) and EC (n=157) showed the expected lower VDR expression in EC (P=0.0002). Instead, CYP24A1 expression was lower in EC compared with NE, while CYP27A1 and CYP2R1 expressions were higher (P=0.0002; P=0.03). Furthermore, in NE and EC, CYP2R1 and CYP27A1 expression correlated directly with nuclear VDR levels, an indicator of ligand-induced VDR activation, and inversely with the proliferation marker Ki67. Accordingly, in the endometrioid carcinoma cell lines IK, RL95/2 and HEC1-A, which express VDR, CYP27A1, and CYP2R1, VD efficaciously reduced cell viability and colony number, with a time course that paralleled actual increases in both intracellular 25(OH)D and nuclear VDR levels. Thus, VD may protect from EC progression in part through increased intratumoral 25(OH)D production by CYP27A1 and CYP2R1 for autocrine/paracrine enhancement of 1,25D-VDR-antiproliferative actions.

Considerations for the use of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in neurobiology

The use of primary mammalian neurons derived from embryonic central nervous system tissue is limited by the fact that once terminally differentiated into mature neurons, the cells can no longer be propagated. Transformed neuronal-like cell lines can be used in vitro to overcome this limitation. However, several caveats exist when utilizing cells derived from malignant tumors. In this context, the popular SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line and its use in in vitro systems is described. Originally derived from a metastatic bone tumor biopsy, SH-SY5Y (ATCC(®) CRL-2266™) cells are a subline of the parental line SK-N-SH (ATCC(®) HTB-11™). SK-N-SH were subcloned three times; first to SH-SY, then to SH-SY5, and finally to SH-SY5Y. SH-SY5Y were deposited to the ATCC(®) in 1970 by June L. Biedler.Three important characteristics of SH-SY5Y cells should be considered when using these cells in in vitro studies. First, cultures include both adherent and floating cells, both types of which are viable. Few studies address the biological significance of the adherent versus floating phenotypes, but most reported studies utilize adherent populations and discard the floating cells during media changes. Second, early studies by Biedler's group indicated that the parental differentiated SK-N-SH cells contained two morphologically distinct phenotypes: neuroblast-like cells and epithelial-like cells (Ross et al., J Nat Cancer Inst 71:741-747, 1983). These two phenotypes may correspond to the "N" and "S" types described in later studies in SH-SY5Y by Encinas et al. (J Neurochem 75:991-1003, 2000). Cells with neuroblast-like morphology are positive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-β-hydroxylase characteristic of catecholaminergic neurons, whereas the epithelial-like counterpart cells lacked these enzymatic activities (Ross et al., J Nat Cancer Inst 71:741-747, 1983). Third, SH-SY5Y cells can be differentiated to a more mature neuron-like phenotype that is characterized by neuronal markers. There are several methods to differentiate SH-SY5Y cells and are mentioned below. Retinoic acid is the most commonly used means for differentiation and will be addressed in detail.

Neuroblastoma and MYCN

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, is thought to originate from undifferentiated neural crest cells. Amplification of the MYC family member, MYCN, is found in ∼25% of cases and correlates with high-risk disease and poor prognosis. Currently, amplification of MYCN remains the best-characterized genetic marker of risk in neuroblastoma. This article reviews roles for MYCN in neuroblastoma and highlights recent identification of other driver mutations. Strategies to target MYCN at the level of protein stability and transcription are also reviewed.

Differential photoprotective effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and a low calcaemic deltanoid

We have previously demonstrated that the active vitamin D hormone, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) and a cis-locked non-genomic analogue, protect skin cells from ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced skin cell loss, DNA damage, immunosuppression and skin carcinogenesis. Herein, we used a low-calcaemic analogue, 1α-hydroxymethyl-16-ene-24,24-difluoro-25-hydroxy-26,27-bis-homovitamin D3 (QW), which has some transactivating capacity and is approximately 80-100 times less calcaemic than 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). QW (0.1-10 nM) significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) reduced UV-induced DNA lesions (CPD) in skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes and reduced cell death after UV exposure. Moreover, both 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and QW (1 nM) were equally effective in significantly (p < 0.01) increasing levels of tumour suppressive p53 in cultured human keratinocytes at 3 and 6 h after UV exposure. In a hairless mouse model, both 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and QW (22.8 ρmol cm(-2)) reduced UV-immunosuppression from 13.7 ± 1.3% to 0.1 ± 1.1% (p < 0.01) and 5.4 ± 1.5% (p < 0.01) respectively. When tested alongside 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in a murine model of skin carcinogenesis. QW (22.8 ρmol cm(-2)) was not as effective as 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) or a cis-locked analogue in reducing tumour formation or inhibiting tumour progression. It is possible that the dose required for QW to be effective as an anti-photocarcinogenesis agent in vivo is higher than for protection against the acute effects of UV exposure, but the dissociation between clear acute photo-protective effects and limited long term photoprotection is as yet unexplained.

Novel vitamin D compounds and skin cancer prevention

As skin cancer is one of the most costly health issues in many countries, particularly in Australia, the possibility that vitamin D compounds might contribute to prevention of this disease is becoming increasingly more attractive to researchers and health communities. In this article, important epidemiologic, mechanistic and experimental data supporting the chemopreventive potential of several vitamin D-related compounds are explored. Evidence of photoprotection by the active hormone, 1α,25dihydroxyvitamin D3, as well as a derivative of an over-irradiation product, lumisterol, a fluorinated analog and bufalin, a potential vitamin D-like compound, are provided. The aim of this article is to understand how vitamin D compounds contribute to UV adaptation and potentially, skin cancer prevention.

Vitamin D receptor ligands: the impact of crystal structures

INTRODUCTION

In the past years, the biologically active form of vitamin D(3), 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1α,25(OH)(2)D(3)), has received large appreciation due to the broad physiological impact of the hormone and its nuclear receptor, the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). Recently, the understanding of VDR actions has progressed greatly, due to VDR crystal structures with various ligands.

AREAS COVERED

This review will present and discuss new synthetic agonistic and antagonistic 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs in the context of the recent insights provided by VDR crystal structures.

EXPERT OPINION

During the last 5 years, a large number of new 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs, many of which have an interesting functional profile, have been patented. Moreover, for a surprisingly high number of 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs, the crystal structure data of their complex with the VDR is available. This structural information provides important insight into the functional potential of the VDR ligands and explains their agonistic and antagonistic action. However, so far, only for a few VDR ligands, a rational design, based on crystal structure information, has been applied. The design of future analogs may also take the specificity of co-factor interaction into account, in order to create selective VDR modulators.

The yin and yang of vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling in neoplastic progression: operational networks and tissue-specific growth control

Substantive evidence implicates vitamin D receptor (VDR) or its natural ligand 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ in modulation of tumor growth. However, both human and animal studies indicate tissue-specificity of effect. Epidemiological studies show both inverse and direct relationships between serum 25(OH)D levels and common solid cancers. VDR ablation affects carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in a tissue-specific manner in model systems. Better understanding of the tissue-specificity of vitamin D-dependent molecular networks may provide insight into selective growth control by the seco-steroid, 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃. This commentary considers complex factors that may influence the cell- or tissue-specificity of 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃/VDR growth effects, including local synthesis, metabolism and transport of vitamin D and its metabolites, vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and ligand-interactions, 1α,25-(OH)₂ D₃ genomic and non-genomic actions, Ca²⁺ flux, kinase activation, VDR interactions with activating and inhibitory vitamin D responsive elements (VDREs) within target gene promoters, VDR coregulator recruitment and differential effects on key downstream growth regulatory genes. We highlight some differences of VDR growth control relevant to colonic, esophageal, prostate, pancreatic and other cancers and assess the potential for development of selective prevention or treatment strategies.

Ganglioneuroblastoma-associated vitamin D deficiency rickets

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of rickets mainly in breast-fed dark-skinned, African or Asian children receiving inadequate sunlight exposure. We report a case of a 1.5 year-old Afro-Italian male infant living in South Italy who came to our observation with the typical clinical picture of vitamin D deficiency rickets. The child was exclusively breast-fed for 8 months without vitamin D supplements. Owing to the rarity of vitamin D deficiency rickets in the South of Italy he underwent several investigations, which demonstrated the association with an abdominal ganglioneuroblastoma. To our knowledge, ganglioneuroblastoma has never been reported in association with vitamin D deficiency rickets. Although the association between these 2 rare conditions may be coincidental, the protective action of vitamin D against cancer suggests that vitamin D deficiency might have contributed to the development of ganglioneuroblastoma in our patient.

Vitamin D analogs: therapeutic applications and mechanisms for selectivity

The vitamin D endocrine system plays a central role in mineral ion homeostasis through the actions of the vitamin D hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], on the intestine, bone, parathyroid gland, and kidney. The main function of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is to promote the dietary absorption of calcium and phosphate, but effects on bone, kidney and the parathyroids fine-tune the mineral levels. In addition to these classical actions, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) exerts pleiotropic effects in a wide variety of target tissues and cell types, often in an autocrine/paracrine fashion. These biological activities of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) have suggested a multitude of potential therapeutic applications of the vitamin D hormone for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders (e.g. cancer and psoriasis), immune dysfunction (autoimmune diseases), and endocrine disorders (e.g. hyperparathyroidism). Unfortunately, the effective therapeutic doses required to treat these disorders can produce substantial hypercalcemia. This limitation of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) therapy has spurred the development of vitamin D analogs that retain the therapeutically important properties of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), but with reduced calcemic activity. Analogs with improved therapeutic indices are now available for treatment of psoriasis and secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease, and research on newer analogs for these indications continues. Other analogs are under development and in clinical trials for treatment of various types of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and many other diseases. Although many new analogs show tremendous promise in cell-based models, this article will limit it focus on the development of analogs currently in use and those that have demonstrated efficacy in animal models or in clinical trials.

Potential use of cholecalciferol polyethylene glycol succinate as a novel pharmaceutical additive

D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) has been utilized in numerous drug delivery formulations in recent years. Because of its amphiphilic structure, it can be used as emulsifier and vehicle for lipid-based drug delivery formulations. It is also an effective P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor. However, TPGS represents only one of the surfactants in the class of "Vitamin-PEG" conjugated surfactants. To design a new adjuvant or additive, a conjugate made of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) and PEG-cholecalciferol polyethylene glycol succinate (CPGS) was synthesized via a two-step reaction. We hypothesized that CPGS may exhibit similar characteristics to TPGS, and thus the physicochemical properties as well as the anticancer properties of CPGS were studied. The results demonstrated that CPGS reduced the particle size and increased the encapsulation efficiency of the PLGA nanoparticles, indicating that CPGS may also have the emulsifier function similar to TPGS. The drug release profiles showed that the nanoparticles with CPGS additive had a lower initial burst and more sustained release pattern. In vitro testing with Caco-2 cells showed that CPGS could increase the cytotoxicity of DOX-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Based on the rhodamine accumulation study, the increased cytotoxicity is possibly due to the P-gp inhibition by CPGS. From current results, the use of CPGS as an adjuvant is promising and may enhance the efficacy of the overall drug delivery system.

Targeting cytochrome P450 enzymes: a new approach in anti-cancer drug development

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) represent a large class of heme-containing enzymes that catalyze the metabolism of multitudes of substrates both endogenous and exogenous. Until recently, however, CYPs have been largely overlooked in cancer drug development, acknowledged only for their role in phase I metabolism of chemotherapeutics. The first successful strategy targeting CYP enzymes in cancer therapy was the development of potent inhibitors of CYP19 (aromatase) for the treatment of breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors ushered in a new era in hormone ablation therapy for estrogen dependent cancers, and have paved the way for similar strategies (i.e., inhibition of CYP17) that combat androgen dependent prostate cancer. Identification of CYPs involved in the inactivation of anti-cancer metabolites of vitamin D(3) and vitamin A has triggered development of agents that target these enzymes as well. The discovery of the over-expression of exogenous metabolizing CYPs, such as CYP1B1, in cancer cells has roused interest in the development of inhibitors for chemoprevention and of prodrugs designed to be activated by CYPs only in cancer cells. Finally, the expression of CYPs within tumors has been utilized in the development of bioreductive molecules that are activated by CYPs only under hypoxic conditions. This review offers the first comprehensive analysis of strategies in drug development that either inhibit or exploit CYP enzymes for the treatment of cancer.

1 alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D2 inhibits growth of human neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. The poor outcomes of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma have encouraged the search for new therapies. In the current study, the effect of the vitamin D analog 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D2 (1alpha-OH-D2, doxercalciferol) was assessed in a mouse xenograft model of human neuroblastoma. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression levels in seven neuroblastoma cell lines were compared using real-time PCR. SK-N-AS cells, which express relatively high levels of VDR, were injected into the flanks of 60 mice. The mice were treated daily via oral gavage for 5 weeks with vehicle (control), 0.15 microg, or 0.3 microg of 1alpha-OH-D2. The animals were then euthanized, and tumors, sera, and kidneys were collected and analyzed. End tumor volumes were significantly smaller in both the 0.15 microg group (712.07 mm3, P = 0.0121) and 0.3 microg group (772.97 mm3, P = 0.0209) when compared to controls (1,681.75 mm3). In terms of toxicity, serum calcium levels were increased but mortality was minimal in both treatment groups. These results were similar to those previously described in the transgenic (LHbeta-Tag) and human xenograft (Y-79) models of retinoblastoma, a related tumor. In vitro cell viability studies of SK-N-AS and NGP cells, which represent two major human neuroblastoma subtypes that differ in their genetic abnormalities as well as their VDR expression levels, show that both are sensitive to calcitriol, the active metabolite of vitamin D3. In conclusion, the present study shows that 1alpha-OH-D2 can inhibit human neuroblastoma growth in vivo with relatively low toxicity. The safety of 1alpha-OH-D2 has been extensively studied; the drug is FDA-approved for the treatment of adult kidney patients, and Phase I/II trials have been conducted in adult oncology patients. There should not be major obstacles to starting Phase I and II clinical trials with this drug in pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.

Difluoromethyl analogs of the natural hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: Design, synthesis, and preliminary biological evaluation

Three new Vitamin D analogs 3-5 incorporating a -CHF(2) group as an -OH surrogate have been prepared. Two of these new analogs (3 and 5) are strongly antiproliferative toward murine keratinocytes and are approximately 50 times less calciuric in vivo than the natural hormone calcitriol. The transcriptional activity of the 25-CHF(2) analog 3 is higher than that of the 1-CHF(2) analog 4.

Antitumor effects of two less-calcemic vitamin D analogs (Paricalcitol and QW-1624F2-2) in squamous cell carcinoma cells

The active metabolite of vitamin D(3) (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), calcitriol) has potent antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo in multiple cancers. Concerns about induction of hypercalcemia by calcitriol and the desire for more potent agents have prompted development of less-calcemic vitamin D analogs. These studies demonstrate that two vitamin D analogs, 19-nor-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2) (paricalcitol) and 1alpha-hydroxymethyl-16-ene-24,24-difluoro-25-hydroxy-26,27-bis-homovitamin D(3) (QW-1624F(2)-2, QW), have anticancer effects in the calcitriol-responsive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell line. Paricalcitol (GI50 = 0.7 nM) and QW (GI50 = 0.001 nM) inhibited SCC cell growth; however, QW was more potent. Paricalcitol (10 nM) and QW (10 nM) induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited DNA synthesis by approximately 95%. The vitamin D analogs modulated cell cycle regulators, including decreasing mRNA and protein levels of p21(Waf1/Cip1) (p21) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk2), and increasing p27(Kip1) (p27) protein expression. Vitamin D analogs induced apoptosis, caspase-3 cleavage and increased expression of pro-apoptotic MEKK-1. Phosphorylation of Akt, MEK and ERK1/2 that promote cell growth and survival were inhibited by vitamin D analogs. The anticancer effects of paricalcitol and QW are comparable to the effect of calcitriol. These less-calcemic vitamin D analogs are as effective as calcitriol in vitro and are promising for prevention and treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Vitamin D and cancer

1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D [1,25-(OH)(2)D] exerts its effects via the vitamin D receptor (VDR) that belongs to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily leading to gene regulation which results in various biological responses. Within the last two decades, the receptor has been shown to be present not only in classical target tissues such as bone, kidney and intestine but also in many other non-classical tissues. Besides the almost universal presence of VDRs, some cell types (e.g. keratinocytes, monocytes, bone, placenta) are capable of metabolizing 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25(OH)(2)D by the enzyme 1alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1). The combined presence of 25(OH)D-1alpha-hydroxylase as well as the specific receptor in several tissues introduced the idea of a paracrine role for 1,25(OH)(2)D. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that 1,25(OH)(2)D can induce differentiation and inhibit proliferation of a wide variety of cell types. The molecular mechanisms behind this antiproliferative action is thoroughly explored but the whole picture is still difficult to understand. Important cell cycle regulators are involved such as cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases and their corresponding inhibitors as well as E2F transcription factors and accompanying pocket proteins. However the precise hierarchical structure of this wide diversity of actions of 1,25(OH)(2)D on genes influencing cell cycle progression is not firmly established nor do we understand which pathways are essential and which redundant. The antiproliferative action makes 1,25-(OH)(2)D and its analogs a possible therapeutic tool to treat hyperproliferative disorders, among which different types of cancer. This review focuses on the effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D and its analogs on cell proliferation, the results in in vivo experiments in Vitamin D deficient or resistant animals to cancer and the current epidemiological and intervention studies linking Vitamin D status or treatment and human cancer.

Low-Calcemic, Highly Antiproliferative, 1-Difluoromethyl Hybrid Analogs of the Natural Hormone 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3: Design, Synthesis, and Preliminary Biological Evaluation

Replacing the 1alpha-OH group of the natural hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) by a 1alpha-CHF(2) group and incorporating a potentiating side chain produced two new hybrid analogs 6 and 7. Both of these two hybrid analogs are as transcriptionally active as calcitriol and are strongly antiproliferative in vitro but are low-calcemic in vivo.