1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 rapidly increases nuclear calcium levels in rat osteosarcoma cells

Growth and EGFR Regulation in Breast Cancer Cells by Vitamin D and Retinoid Compounds

The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), analog C (1,25-(OH)(2)-16-en-23-yn-26,27-F(6)-vitamin D(3)), 9-cis retinoic acid, and all-trans retinoic acid on the growth and expression of EGFR in MCF7, T47D, BT474, and BT549 breast cancer cells was examined. Significant growth inhibition was noted in MCF7, T47D, and BT474 cells by 8 days of treatment, while BT549 cells showed none. MCF7, T47D, and BT549 cells treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) demonstrated a 50% decrease in EGFR mRNA within 2 h which was sustained to 72 h, while BT474 cells demonstrated a 200-500% increase. EGFR protein levels correlated with these mRNA changes in BT474 and BT549 cells. Measurement of mRNA stability in vitamin D treated BT474 cells indicated that there was no change in EGFR mRNA half-life. Transfection of an EGFR promoter containing reporter plasmid demonstrated vitamin D induced changes in reporter gene activity that paralleled the changes observed in EGFR mRNA and protein. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using a putative vitamin D response element within this region of the EGFR promoter demonstrated specific VDR binding. These results indicate that the vitamin D effect on EGFR expression in breast cancer cells has a transcriptional component likely mediated through a vitamin D responsive promoter sequence. They also suggest that growth inhibition and EGFR down-regulation by vitamin D and retinoids may be related events in some breast cancer cells, but not in all.

Hormonal regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) in periosteal-derived osteoblasts: effects of parathyroid hormone, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and prostaglandin E(2)

The effects of hormonal modulators of osteoblast function, parathyroid hormone, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and prostaglandins on [Ca(2+)](i) in periosteal-derived osteoblasts from rat femurs have been investigated. Our results show that application of parathyroid hormone PTH (10(-5) M) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) (4 microM) result in a rapid heterogeneous elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) that, in the case of PTH, is dependent on both extracellular and intracellular sources of calcium. Variable responses to treatments have been found within populations of cells. The PGE(2) response is dose dependent. Treatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (10(-8) M) induces a brief (60-90 sec) elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) that is almost totally abolished in EGTA-buffered Ca(2+)-free medium. Interactive effects of multiple hormone treatments have been observed. Pretreatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) results in near-total inhibition of the PTH and PGE(2) responses. In conclusion, modulation of [Ca(2+)](i) appears to play a role not only in the direct effects of osteotropic hormones on osteoblasts but also in the synergistic and antagonistic effects between circulating hormones.

Nongenomic effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)

The hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), is the key molecule of the vitamin D endocrine system, which produces biological effects in about 30 target cell systems. Growing experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that these biological effects can be generated both by a signal transduction mechanism involving a nuclear receptor (nVDR) that modulates gene transcription, and via a nongenomic receptor located in the plasma membrane (mVDR), which modulates a complex signaling system involving the rapid opening of Ca(2+) channels. Some data reviewed herein also indicate that crosstalk between genomic and nongenomic pathways operates in several cell types, and suggest that the physiological role of the rapid, nongenomic actions might involve the regulation of hormone-mediated gene activation.

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases transforming growth factor and transforming growth factor receptor type I and II synthesis in human bone cells

To determine whether the inhibition of human osteoblast growth mediated by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25(OH)D3) occurs as a result of changes in transforming growth factor (TGF) and TGF receptor synthesis, we examined the effects of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 on the synthesis of TGF beta and TGF-beta receptors. Treatment with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, but not vehicle, increased TGF-beta 2 concentrations in human osteoblast cell supernantants in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The increase in TGF-beta 2 concentrations was associated with an inhibition of osteoblast cell growth; antibodies directed against transforming growth factor beta partially blocked the inhibition of cellular growth mediated by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 TGF-beta 2 gene transcription and TGF-beta 2 mRNA concentrations were increased in 1 alpha,25(OH)D3 but not in vehicle-treated cells. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 increased TGF-beta type I and type II receptor mRNA levels in osteoblasts. Increased expression of TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta receptors by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 might account for the inhibition of human osteoblast growth seen following 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 treatment.

Homeostatic control of plasma calcium concentration

Due to the importance of Ca2+ in the regulation of vital cellular and tissue functions, the concentration of Ca2+ in body fluids is closely guarded by an efficient feedback control system. This system includes Ca(2+)-transporting subsystems (bone, and kidney), Ca2+ sensing, possibly by a calcium-sensing receptor, and calcium-regulating hormones (parathyroid hormone [PTH], calcitonin [CT], and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]). In humans and birds, acute Ca2+ perturbations are handled mainly by modulation of kidney Ca2+ reabsorption and by bone Ca2+ flow under PTH and possibly CT regulation, respectively. Chronic perturbations are also handled by the more sluggish but economic regulatory action of 1,25(OH2)D3 on intestinal calcium absorption. Peptide hormone secretion is modulated by Ca2+ and several secretagogues. The hormones' signal is produced by interaction with their respective receptors, which evokes the cAMP and phospholipase C-IP3-Ca2+ signal transduction pathways. 1,25 (OH)2D3 operates through a cytoplasmic receptor in controlling transcription and through a membrane receptor that activates the Ca2+ and phospholipase C messenger system. The calciotropic hormones also influence processes not directly associated with Ca2+ regulation, such as cell differentiation, and may thus affect the calcium-regulating subsystems also indirectly.

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 rapidly alters phospholipid metabolism in the nuclear envelope of osteoblasts

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3) has been shown to increase cytosolic calcium and inositol triphosphate levels in rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8) and to increase nuclear calcium in these cells. To determine the mechanism(s) of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-induced changes in nuclear calcium, the effect of the hormone on phospholipid metabolism in isolated osteoblast nuclei was assessed. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, 20 nM, increased inositol triphosphate levels in the nuclei after 5 min of treatment. The biologically inactive epimer, 1 beta,25-(OH)2D3, had no significant effect on inositol triphosphate levels. ATP, 1 mM, also increased inositol triphosphate levels in the isolated nuclei after 5 min. 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, 20 nM, increased calcium in the isolated nuclei in the presence but not in the absence of extranuclear calcium within 5 min. Nuclear calcium was also increased within 5 min by ATP, 1 mM, and inositol triphosphate, 1 mM. The effect of ATP on nuclear calcium was not additive with 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, suggesting that these two agents increase nuclear calcium in these osteoblast-like cells by similar mechanisms. In summary, 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 and ATP rapidly increase inositol triphosphate levels in nuclei isolated from ROS 17/2.8 cells. The hormone, the nucleotide, and the inositol phospholipid increase nuclear calcium. Thus, the 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 and ATP effects on nuclear calcium may be mediated by changes in phospholipid metabolism in the nuclei of these osteoblast-like cells.

Binding characteristics of a membrane receptor that recognizes 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its epimer, 1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The steroid hormone 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has been shown to exert rapid effects (15 s to 5 min) in osteoblasts. These effects occur in osteoblast-like cells lacking the nuclear vitamin D receptor, ROS 24/1, suggesting that a separate signalling system mediates the rapid actions. These non-genomic actions include rapid activation of phospholipase C and opening of calcium channels, pointing to a membrane localization of this signalling system. Previous studies have shown that the 1 beta epimer of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 can block these rapid actions, indicating that the 1 beta epimer may bind to the receptor responsible for the rapid actions in a competitive manner. We have assessed the displacement of 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by vitamin D compounds, as well as the apparent dissociation constant of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its 1 beta epimer for the membrane receptor in membrane preparations from ROS 24/1 cells. Increasing concentrations of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 7.25 nM to 725 nM, displaced 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 from the membranes with 725 nM of the hormone displacing 40-49% of the radioactivity. Similarly, 1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 7.25 nM and 72.5 nM, displaced 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 binding while 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 72.5 nM and 725 nM, did not. The apparent dissociation constant (KD) for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was determined from displacement of 3H-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 yielding a value of 8.1 x 10(-7) M by Scatchard analysis. The KD for the 1 beta epimer determined from displacement of 3H-1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was 4.8 x 10(-7) M.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nongenomic actions of the steroid hormone 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Recent studies indicate that the vitamin D hormone, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exerts rapid effects (seconds to minutes) in a variety of cell types. These rapid nongenomic actions in osteoblasts include effects on membrane voltage-gated calcium channels, phospholipase C activity, and the sodium/hydrogen antiport. Since the rapid effects occur in osteoblasts that lack the nuclear vitamin D receptor, it is postulated that the nongenomic responses to the hormone reflect interaction with a separate, membrane localized signalling system. Preliminary studies demonstrate the presence of a receptor on the membranes of osteoblasts that lack the nuclear vitamin D receptor. This membrane receptor recognizes 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its inaction 1 beta epimer, but not 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. These rapid nongenomic actions generated by interaction with the membrane receptor modulate the effects of the hormone on gene transcription. Thus, the rapid nongenomic pathway may play a regulatory function in modulating the genomic pathways affected by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced changes in intracellular pH in osteoblast-like cells modulate gene expression

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 exerts rapid nongenomic effects on rat osteoblast-like cells independent of the classic nuclear receptor. These effects include changes in phospholipid metabolism and cell calcium. Intracellular calcium itself has been proposed to regulate intracellular pH in osteoblast cell lines. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on intracellular pH, the relationship of changes in calcium to changes in pH, and the role of pH changes in genomic activation. 1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased intracellular pH within 10 min in rat osteoblast-like cells, an effect that was inhibited by removal of extracellular sodium and by the biologically inactive epimer 1 beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The hormone increased intracellular calcium in Quin 2 loaded cells in the presence and absence of extracellular sodium. The 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced increments in osteocalcin and osteopontin mRNA levels were abolished in sodium-free medium. The results indicate that 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced increments in cellular calcium precede cell alkalinization and that these changes in intracellular pH may modulate steady-state mRNA levels of genes induced by vitamin D.