Involvement of protein kinase C in 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 regulation of calcium uptake by cultured myocytes

Vimentin phosphorylation as a target of cell signaling mechanisms induced by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in immature rat testes

The effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] are mainly mediated by nuclear receptors modulating gene expression. However, there are increasing evidences of nongenomic mechanisms of this hormone associated with kinase- and calcium-activated signaling pathways. In this context, the aim of the present work was to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the mechanism of action of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on vimentin phosphorylation in 15-day-old rat testes. Results showed that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) at concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 1 microM increased vimentin phosphorylation independent of protein synthesis. We also demonstrated that the mechanisms underlying the hormone action involve protein kinase C activation in a phospholipase C-independent manner. Moreover, we showed that the participation of protein kinase A, extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and intra- and extracellular Ca(2+) mediating the effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on the cytoskeleton. In addition, we investigated the effect of different times of exposure to the hormone on total and phosphoERK1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 (JNK1/2) in immature rat testis. Results showed that the total levels of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 were unaltered from 1 to 15 min exposure to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). However, the phosphoERK1/2 levels significantly increased at 1 and 5 min 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment. Furthermore, phosphoJNK1 levels were decreased at 10 and 15 min 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) exposure, while phosphoJNK 2 levels were diminished at 5, 10 and 15 min treatment with the hormone. These findings demonstrate that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may modulate vimentin phosphorylation through nongenomic Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms in testis cells.

Calcitriol modulation of cardiac contractile performance via protein kinase C

Vitamin D(3) deficiency enhances cardiac contraction in experimental studies, yet paradoxically this deficiency is linked to congestive heart failure in humans. Activated vitamin D(3) (1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)) or calcitriol, decreases peak force and activates protein kinase C (PKC) in isolated perfused hearts. However, the direct influence of this hormone on adult cardiac myocyte contractile function is not well understood. Our aim is to investigate whether 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) acutely modulates contractile function via PKC activation in adult rat cardiac myocytes. Sarcomere shortening and re-lengthening were measured in electrically stimulated myocytes isolated from adult rat hearts, and the vitamin D(3) response (10(-10) to 10(-7) M) was compared to shortening observed under basal conditions. Maximum changes in sarcomere shortening and relaxation were observed with 10(-9) M 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). This dose decreased peak shortening, and accelerated contraction and relaxation rates within 5 min of administration, and changes in the Ca(2+) transient contributed to the peak shortening and relaxation effects. The PKC inhibitor, bis-indolylmaleimide (500 nM) largely blocked the acute influence of the most potent dose (10(-9) M) on contractile function. While peak shortening and shortening rate returned to baseline within 30 min, there was a sustained acceleration of relaxation that continued over 60 min. Phosphorylation of the Ca(2+) regulatory proteins, phospholamban, and cardiac troponin I correlated with the accelerated relaxation observed in response to acute application of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Accelerated relaxation continued to be observed after chronic addition of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (e.g. 2 days), yet this sustained increase in relaxation was not associated with increased phosphorylation of phospholamban or troponin I. These results provide evidence that 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) directly modulates adult myocyte contractile function, and protein kinase C plays an important signaling role in the acute response. Phosphorylation of key Ca(2+) regulatory proteins by this kinase contributes to the enhanced relaxation observed in response to acute, but not chronic calcitriol.

Nongenomic steroid action: controversies, questions, and answers

Steroids may exert their action in living cells by several ways: 1). the well-known genomic pathway, involving hormone binding to cytosolic (classic) receptors and subsequent modulation of gene expression followed by protein synthesis. 2). Alternatively, pathways are operating that do not act on the genome, therefore indicating nongenomic action. Although it is comparatively easy to confirm the nongenomic nature of a particular phenomenon observed, e.g., by using inhibitors of transcription or translation, considerable controversy exists about the identity of receptors that mediate these responses. Many different approaches have been employed to answer this question, including pharmacology, knock-out animals, and numerous biochemical studies. Evidence is presented for and against both the participation of classic receptors, or proteins closely related to them, as well as for the involvement of yet poorly understood, novel membrane steroid receptors. In addition, clinical implications for a wide array of nongenomic steroid actions are outlined.

Low vitamin D status: a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure?

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and congestive heart failure (CHF).

BACKGROUND

Impaired intracellular calcium metabolism is an important factor in the pathogenesis of CHF. The etiology of CHF, however, is not well understood.

METHODS

Twenty patients age <50 years and 34 patients age >/=50 years with New York Heart Association classes >/=2 and 34 control subjects age >/=50 years were recruited. N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP), a predictor of CHF severity; vitamin D metabolites; and parameters of calcium metabolism were measured in fasting blood samples collected between November 2000 and March 2001.

RESULTS

Both groups of CHF patients had markedly increased serum levels of NT-proANP (p < 0.001), increased serum phosphorus levels (p < 0.001), and reduced circulating levels of both 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p < 0.001) and calcitriol (p < 0.001). Albumin-corrected calcium levels were reduced and parathyroid hormone levels were increased in the younger CHF patients compared with the controls (both p values <0.001). Moreover, parathyroid hormone levels tended to be higher in the elderly CHF patients than in the controls (p = 0.074). In a nonlinear regression analysis 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcitriol were inversely correlated with NT-proANP (r(2) = 0.16; p < 0.001 and r(2) = 0.12; p < 0.01, respectively). The vitamin D genotype at the BmsI restriction site did not differ between the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The low vitamin D status can explain alterations in mineral metabolism as well as myocardial dysfunction in the CHF patients, and it may therefore be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of CHF.

Vitamin D and systemic cancer: is this relevant to malignant melanoma?

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] is a well-known potent regulator of cell growth and differentiation and there is recent evidence of an effect on cell death, tumour invasion and angiogenesis, which makes it a candidate agent for cancer regulation. The classical synthetic pathway of 1,25(OH)2D3 involves 25- and 1 alpha-hydroxylation of vitamin D3, in the liver and kidney, respectively, of absorbed or skin-synthesized vitamin D3. There is recent focus on the importance in growth control of local metabolism of 1,25(OH)2D3, which is a function of local tissue synthetic hydroxylases and particularly the principal catabolizing enzyme, 24-hydroxylase. The classical signalling pathway of 1,25(OH)2D3 employs the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR), which is a transcription factor for 1,25(OH)2D3 target genes. Effects of this pathway include inhibition of cellular growth and invasion. Cytoplasmic signalling pathways are increasingly being recognized, which similarly may regulate growth and differentiation but also apoptosis. 1,25(OH)2D3 has a major inhibitory effect on the G1/S checkpoint of the cell cycle by upregulating the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p27 and p21, and by inhibiting cyclin D1. Indirect mechanisms include upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta and downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. 1,25(OH)2D3 may induce apoptosis either indirectly through effects on the insulin-like growth receptor and tumour necrosis factor-alpha or more directly via the Bcl-2 family system, the ceramide pathway, the death receptors (e.g. Fas) and the stress-activated protein kinase pathways (Jun N terminal kinase and p38). Inhibition of tumour invasion and metastasis potential has been demonstrated and mechanisms include inhibition of serine proteinases, metalloproteinases and angiogenesis. The lines of evidence for an effect of vitamin D3 in systemic cancer are the laboratory demonstration of relevant effects on cellular growth, differentiation, apoptosis, malignant cell invasion and metastasis; epidemiological findings of an association of the occurrence and outcome of cancers with derangements of vitamin D3/1,25(OH)2D3 and the association of functional polymorphisms of the VDR with the occurrence of certain cancers. In addition, vitamin D3 analogues are being developed as cancer chemotherapy agents. There is accumulating evidence that the vitamin D3/1,25(OH)2D3/VDR axis is similarly important in malignant melanoma (MM). MM cells express the VDR, and the antiproliferative and prodifferentiation effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 have been shown in cultured melanocytes, MM cells and MM xenografts. Recently, an inhibitory effect on the spread of MM cells has been demonstrated, low serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 have been reported in MM patients and the VDR polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with both the occurrence and outcome of MM. The relationship between solar irradiation and MM is more complex than for the systemic cancers. As in other cancers, there is evidence of a protective effect of vitamin D3 in MM, but ultraviolet radiation, which is a principal source of vitamin D3, is mutagenic. Further work is necessary on the influence of serum vitamin D3 levels on the occurrence and prognosis of MM, the effects of sun protection measures on serum vitamin D3 levels in temperate climates and epidemiological studies on geographical factors and skin type on the prognosis of MM. Meanwhile, it would seem mandatory to ensure an adequate vitamin D3 status if sun exposure were seriously curtailed, certainly in relation to carcinoma of breast, prostate and colon and probably also MM.

1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) affects the subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isoenzymes in rat duodenum: influence of aging

We have previously shown that the steroid hormone 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] stimulates total cell protein kinase C (PKC) activity in rat duodenum, an effect that is severely impaired in old animals. We further examined the role of 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) on PKC as it relates to aging by measuring hormone-induced changes in subcellular localization of PKC activity and isoenzymes in duodenal mucosae from young (three-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) rats. Short treatment of duodenum with 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) (0.1 nM, 1 min) increased membrane-associated PKC activity, whereas it decreased the activity in the cytosol of young rats but was without significant effect in aged animals. Furthermore, the ability to translocate was present in young animals after a short treatment with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA; 100 nM) or dioctanoyl-glycerol (50 microM), whereas the ability was absent in aged rats, suggesting that PKC function was impaired with aging independent of agonist stimulation. The expression of specific PKC isoenzymes and changes in their subcellular distribution after short exposure of the duodenum to the hormone were determined. Western blot analysis of total homogenates using antibodies to various PKC isoforms allowed detection of PKC alpha, beta, and delta. The expression of the straight theta and the zeta isoforms was in addition demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The pattern of isoenzymes present in the duodenum was unaffected by aging. In young rats, 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) translocates PKC alpha, beta, and delta to the membrane and nucleus; however, no translocation of PKC isoforms was observed in 24-month-old animals in response to the hormone. In summary, in rat duodenum, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) modulation of PKC activity and isoenzyme subcellular distribution are impaired with aging and may explain age-induced alterations in the intestinal processes under the control of the hormone.

Surface roughness modulates the response of MG63 osteoblast-like cells to 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) through regulation of phospholipase A(2) activity and activation of protein kinase A

Implant surface roughness influences osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and local factor production. Moreover, the responsiveness of osteoblasts to systemic hormones such as 1, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) is altered by the effects of surface roughness; on the roughest Ti surfaces the effects of roughness and 1, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) are synergistic. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) appears to be involved in mediating the effects of surface roughness on the cells, as well as in the response to 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3). However, it is not yet known through which signaling pathways surface roughness exerts its effects on the response of osteoblasts to 1, 25-(OH)(2)D(3). The present study examined the potential role of protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipase A(2)(PLA(2)), and protein kinase C (PKC) in this process. MG63 osteoblast-like human osteosarcoma cells were cultured on cpTi disks with R(a) values of 0. 54 microm (PT), 4.14 microm (SLA), or 4.92 microm (TPS). PKA was inhibited by adding H8 to the cultures; similarly, PLA(2) was inhibited with quinacrine or activated with melittin, and PKC was inhibited with chelerythrine. Inhibitors or activators were included in the culture media through the entire culture period or for the last 24 h of culture. In addition, cultures were treated for 24 h with inhibitors or activators in the presence of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3). The effects on cell number and alkaline phosphatase specific activity were determined after 24 h; PKC activity was determined after 9 min and at 24 h. Cell number was reduced on rough surfaces, and alkaline phosphatase activity was increased. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) had a synergistic effect with surface roughness on alkaline phosphatase. However, neither surface roughness nor 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) had an effect on PKC. H8 treatment for 24 h inhibited cell number and alkaline phosphatase on all surfaces; however, when it was present throughout the culture period, the PKA inhibitor had no effect on cell number, but decreased alkaline phosphatase-specific activity. H8 reduced the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated effect on cell number and alkaline phosphatase. Quinacrine inhibited cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase on all surfaces and further reduced the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-dependent decreases in both parameters. Melittin had no effect when applied for 24 h and did not modify the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) effect; however, when present throughout the culture period, it caused a decrease in proliferation and an increase in enzyme activity. Chelerythrine, the PKC inhibitor, only inhibited cell proliferation when it was present throughout the entire culture period. However, it decreased alkaline phosphatase in cultures treated for 24 h, but increased enzyme activity when it was present for the entire culture period. The results indicate that surface roughness and 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) both mediate their effects through PLA(2) which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in PGE(2) production. Further downstream, PGE(2) activates PKA. Surface roughness-dependent effects are also mediated through PKC, but only after the cells have reached confluence and are undergoing phenotypic maturation. The effect of surface roughness on responsiveness to 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) is mediated through PLA(2)/PKA and not through PKC.

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.

Crucial role of N terminus in function of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel and its modulation by protein kinase C

The role of the cytosolic N terminus of the main subunit (alpha1C) of cardiac L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel was studied in Xenopus oocyte expression system. Deletion of the initial 46 or 139 amino acids (a.a.) of rabbit heart alpha1C caused a 5-10-fold increase in the whole cell Ca2+ channel current carried by Ba2+ (IBa), as reported previously (Wei, X., Neely, A., Olcese, R., Lang, W., Stefani, E., and Birnbaumer, L. (1996) Recept. Channels 4, 205-215). The plasma membrane content of alpha1C protein, measured immunochemically, was not altered by the 46-a.a. deletion. Patch clamp recordings in the presence of a dihydropyridine agonist showed that this deletion causes a approximately 10-fold increase in single channel open probability without changing channel density. Thus, the initial segment of the N terminus affects channel gating rather than expression. The increase in IBa caused by coexpression of the auxiliary beta2A subunit was substantially stronger in channels with full-length alpha1C than in 46- or 139-a.a. truncated mutants, suggesting an interaction between beta2A and N terminus. However, only the I-II domain linker of alpha1C, but not to N or C termini, bound beta2A in vitro. The well documented increase of IBa caused by activation of protein kinase C (PKC) was fully eliminated by the 46-a.a. deletion. Thus, the N terminus of alpha1C plays a crucial role in channel gating and PKC modulation. We propose that PKC and beta subunit enhance the activity of the channel in part by relieving an inhibitory control exerted by the N terminus. Since PKC up-regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels has been reported in many species, we predict that isoforms of alpha1C subunits containing the initial N-terminal 46 a.a. similar to those of the rabbit heart alpha1C are widespread in cardiac and smooth muscle cells.

1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 signaling in chick enterocytes: enhancement of tyrosine phosphorylation and rapid stimulation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase

The steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3) generates biological responses in intestinal and other cells via both genomic and rapid, nongenomic signal transduction pathways. We examined the hypothesis that 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 action in chick enterocytes may be linked to pathways involving tyrosine phosphorylation. Brief exposure of isolated chick enterocytes to 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 demonstrated increased tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins (antiphosphotyrosine immunoblots of whole cell lysates) with prominent bands at 42-44, 55-60, and 105-120 Kda. The 42-44 Kda bands comigrated with mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (immunoblotting with anti-MAP kinase antibody) The response occurred within 30 s, peaked at 1 min, and was dose-dependent (0.01-10 nM), with maximal stimulation at 1 nM (three- to fivefold). This effect was specific for 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 since its metabolic precursors 25(OH)D3 and vitamin D3 did not increase MAP kinase tyrosine phosphorylation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, blocked 1alpha,25(OH)2D3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of MAP kinase, while staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, attenuated the hormone's effects by 30%. We have evaluated the ability of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 analogs, which have complete flexibility around the 6,7 carbon-carbon bond (6F) or which are locked in either the 6-s-cis (6C) or the 6-s-trans (6T) shape(s), to activate MAP kinase. Thus, two 6F and one 6C analog stimulated while one 6T analog did not stimulate MAP kinase tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, 1beta,25(OH)2D3, a known antagonist of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3-mediated rapid responses, blocked the hormone effects on MAP kinase. We conclude that 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 and analogs which can achieve the 6-s-cis shape (6F and 6C) can increase tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of MAP kinase in chick enterocytes.

1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 affects the subcellular distribution of protein kinase C isoenzymes in muscle cells

Previous studies have shown the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] regulation of DNA synthesis (long-term effect) and Ca2+ channel activity (short-term effect) in cultured myoblasts. Both events mediate stimulation of myoblast cell proliferation and growth by 1,25(OH)2D3. To characterise further the role of PKC in the hormone mode of action in muscle cells, the presence of PKC isoenzymes in chicken embryo myoblasts and changes in their total cell and subcellular levels after treatment (72 h and 5 min) with 1,25(OH)2D3 (1 nM), 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA; 100 nM) and 1,2-dioctanoyl-rac-glycerol (DOG; 50 microM) were investigated. Western blot analysis provided evidence on the expression of PKC alpha, beta and delta isoforms in avian myoblasts. Two immunoreactive bands of 80 kDa (intact molecule) and 50 kDa (catalytic fragment) were detected for each isoenzyme. 1,25(OH)2D3 and DOG, which increased myoblast PKC activity parallel with the stimulation of DNA synthesis and culture growth and the phorbol ester TPA which induced the opposite changes, exerted differential effects on PKC isoenzymes. Long-term (72 h) treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 and DOG did not change total PKC isoform levels but decreased the 80 kDa species and increased the release of the catalytic fragment of PKC delta and beta, whereas TPA augmented the total amounts of the three PKC isoforms, increasing the band of 80 kDa of PKC beta and delta and the 50 kDa species for PKC alpha. Subcellular distribution studies showed that the 80 kDa molecule is only present in the cytosolic fraction whereas in the particulate fractions the 50 kDa fragments are detected. Increased amounts of the catalytic fragments of PKC beta and delta both in the nucleus and membranes were observed after 72 h treatment with DOG while 1,25(OH)2D3 increases PKC beta in the nucleus and PKC delta in membranes. TPA induced the appearance of the 50 kDa species of PKC alpha in the nuclear and membrane fractions. The phorbol ester also decreased the catalytic fragments of PKC beta and delta in membranes. Increased levels of PKC beta, and to a lesser extent of PKC delta, in membranes and cytosol could be detected after short exposure (5 min) of myoblasts to 1,25(OH)2D3, DOG and TPA. In conclusion, the data indicate the operation in myoblasts of PKC signal transduction pathways mediated by the Ca(2+)-dependent PKCs alpha and beta and the Ca(2+)-independent PKC delta. Moreover, the results suggest that the beta and delta isoforms of PKC could play a role in the regulation of muscle cell metabolism by 1,25(OH)2D3.

Age-related loss of calcitriol stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in rat skeletal muscle

We have examined the effects in vitro of calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3], the hormonal form of vitamin D3, on the breakdown of membrane phosphoinositides in skeletal muscle from young (3 months) and aged (24 months) rats. Calcitriol (10(-9) M) induced a rapid and transient release of IP3/inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol (DAG) from muscle slices/membranes prelabeled with [3H]myo-inositol and [3H]arachidonate, respectively. Inositol phosphate release was maximal at 15 s and then declined. The effects of hormone specificity exhibited as the closely related derivatives of vitamin D3, 25OHD3, 1alphaOHD3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 did not alter muscle inositol phosphate levels. The stimulation of DAG was biphasic, the early phase (15 s) being abolished by neomycin (0.5 mM), an inhibitor of phosphoinositide hydrolysis, similar to IP3 formation and consistent with a role of phospholipase C (PLC) in intracellular signal generation. Neomycin had no effect on the second DAG peak (2 min) induced by calcitriol, suggesting that the late phase of DAG formation is independent from the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides. Higher basal inositol phosphate and DAG levels were detected in muscle from aged rats thereby reducing the effects of the hormone on second messenger generation ( -80 and -60% for IP3 and DAG, respectively). Calcitriol stimulation of PLC was mimicked, in both young and old rats, by GTPgammaS, a non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, while GDPbetaS, a G protein inhibitor, suppressed the effect of the hormone. The early effects of calcitriol and GTPgammaS were not additive. Bordetella pertussis toxin abolished by 85% the effects of calcitriol on inositol phosphate release in young rats but was without effect in aged animals. These results demonstrate that calcitriol activates phosphoinositide-PLC in rat skeletal muscle by a mechanism which involves a pertussis-sensitive G protein and that the effects of the hormone are altered with ageing.

Influence of age on 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 activation of protein kinase C in rat duodenum

We have studied age-related changes in the non-genomic regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and their role in 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent calcium uptake in the rat duodenum. Treatment of duodenal mucosae from 3 month-old (young) rats with hormone physiological concentrations (0.1 nM) induced an acute and transient stimulation of total tissue PKC activity which was maximal at 1 min (+80%). The responses were evidenced up to 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3. The duodenum from 22 to 24 month old (aged) rats exhibited higher basal PKC activity which was not significantly modified after addition of the hormone. In the young duodenum PKC activation by 1,25(OH)2D3 was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ influx as it could be abolished to a great extent by EGTA and the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil. In addition, the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 elicited a marked stimulation of duodenal mucosae PKC in young rats but was without effects in aged animals. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the influx of 45Ca2+ in duodenal mucosae of young rats in a dose-(0.1-1 nM) and time-(1-10 min) dependent fashion. This response to the hormone was impaired in aged animals. Similarly as 1,25(OH)2D3, the PKC activator dioctanoylglycerol (DOG) rapidly (1-5 min) increased [45Ca2+] influx in duodena from young rats whereas the response to DOG was blunted in senescent animals. Furthermore, PKC inhibitors (bisindolylmaleimide, staurosporine and compound H7) abolished 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulation of Ca2+ uptake in the young duodenum. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates PKC activity in the mammalian duodenum by a non-genomic mechanism which involves the rapid influx of extracellular Ca2+, and that activation of PKC, in turn, mediates hormone stimulation of intestinal Ca2+ uptake. The data also indicates that 1,25(OH)2D3 regulation of Ca2+ transport through the PKC messenger system is impaired with aging.

Dual effect of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on hsp28 and PKC beta gene expression in phorbol ester-resistant human myeloid HL-525 leukemic cells

We investigated the effect of 1 alpha-25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] on the expression of the 28-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp28) and the protein kinase C beta gene (PKC beta) in the human myeloid HL-60 leukemic cell variant HL-525, which is resistant to phorbol ester-induced macrophage differentiation. Northern and western blot analysis showed little or no hsp28 gene expression in the HL-60 cell variant, HL-205, which is susceptible to such differentiation, while a relatively high basal level of hsp28 gene expression was observed in the HL-525 cells. However, both cell lines demonstrated heat shock-induced expression of this gene. During treatment with 50-300 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3, a marked reduction of hsp28 gene expression along with an induction of PKC beta gene expression was observed in HL-525 cells. A gel mobility-shift assay demonstrated that the 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced alteration of hsp28 gene expression was associated with decreased binding activity to the vitamin D3 receptor-vitamin D3 response element (VDR-VDRE), whereas binding to the heat shock transcription factor-heat shock element (HSF-HSE) was not altered. Our results suggest that the dual effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on hsp28 and PKC beta gene expression is due to the different sequence composition of the vitamin D response element in the promoter region as well as an accessory factor for each gene or that 1,25-(OH)2D3 increases PKC beta gene expression, which, in turn, negatively regulates the expression of the hsp28 gene or vice versa.

Involvement of protein kinase C in the modulation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3-induced 45Ca2+ uptake in rat and chick cultured myoblasts

The calciotropic hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has been shown to stimulate both rat and chick myoblast 45Ca2+ uptake via modulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channels through phosphorylation by the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. We further investigated the involvement of protein kinases in 1,25(OH)2D3-signal transduction on cultured myoblasts. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was found to rapidly stimulate myoblast 45Ca2+ uptake, mimicking 1,25(OH)2D3. The effects of PMA were time- (1-5 min) and dose (50-100 nM)-dependent, were mimicked by 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DOG) and were specific, since the inactive analogue 4alpha-phorbol was without effect. Analogously to the hormone, PMA-enhanced 45Ca2+ uptake was suppressed by the Ca2+-channel blocker nifedipine (5 microM). 1-(5-isoquinolynsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), a PKC inhibitor, and down-regulation of PKC by prolonged exposure to PMA (1 microM, 24 h), abolished both PMA and hormone effects on rat and chick cells. As in chick myoblasts, 1,25(OH)2D3 activated PKC in rat myoblasts, with translocation of activity from the cytosol to the cell membrane. Treatment of myoblasts with PMA (100 nM) plus 1,25(OH)2D3 (1 nM) greatly potentiated 45Ca2+ uptake than either agent alone. PMA also increased myoblast cAMP content. These results suggest the involvement of PKC in the mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 rapidly stimulates calcium uptake in both mammalian and avian myoblasts.