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Yao M, Oduro PK, Akintibu AM, Yan H. Modulation of the vitamin D receptor by traditional Chinese medicines and bioactive compounds: potential therapeutic applications in VDR-dependent diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1298181. [PMID: 38318147 PMCID: PMC10839104 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1298181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial nuclear receptor that plays a vital role in various physiological functions. To a larger extent, the genomic effects of VDR maintain general wellbeing, and its modulation holds implications for multiple diseases. Current evidence regarding using vitamin D or its synthetic analogs to treat non-communicable diseases is insufficient, though observational studies suggest potential benefits. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and bioactive compounds derived from natural sources have garnered increasing attention. Interestingly, TCM formulae and TCM-derived bioactive compounds have shown promise in modulating VDR activities. This review explores the intriguing potential of TCM and bioactive compounds in modulating VDR activity. We first emphasize the latest information on the genetic expression, function, and structure of VDR, providing a comprehensive understanding of this crucial receptor. Following this, we review several TCM formulae and herbs known to influence VDR alongside the mechanisms underpinning their action. Similarly, we also discuss TCM-based bioactive compounds that target VDR, offering insights into their roles and modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghe Yao
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Patrick Kwabena Oduro
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ayomide M. Akintibu
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haifeng Yan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Portales-Castillo I, Simic P. PTH, FGF-23, Klotho and Vitamin D as regulators of calcium and phosphorus: Genetics, epigenetics and beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:992666. [PMID: 36246903 PMCID: PMC9558279 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.992666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The actions of several bone-mineral ion regulators, namely PTH, FGF23, Klotho and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), control calcium and phosphate metabolism, and each of these molecules has additional biological effects related to cell signaling, metabolism and ultimately survival. Therefore, these factors are tightly regulated at various levels - genetic, epigenetic, protein secretion and cleavage. We review the main determinants of mineral homeostasis including well-established genetic and post-translational regulators and bring attention to the epigenetic mechanisms that affect the function of PTH, FGF23/Klotho and 1,25(OH)2D. Clinically relevant epigenetic mechanisms include methylation of cytosine at CpG-rich islands, histone deacetylation and micro-RNA interference. For example, sporadic pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B (PHP1B), a disease characterized by resistance to PTH actions due to blunted intracellular cAMP signaling at the PTH/PTHrP receptor, is associated with abnormal methylation at the GNAS locus, thereby leading to reduced expression of the stimulatory G protein α-subunit (Gsα). Post-translational regulation is critical for the function of FGF-23 and such modifications include glycosylation and phosphorylation, which regulate the cleavage of FGF-23 and hence the proportion of available FGF-23 that is biologically active. While there is extensive data on how 1,25(OH)2D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulate other genes, much more needs to be learned about their regulation. Reduced VDR expression or VDR mutations are the cause of rickets and are thought to contribute to different disorders. Epigenetic changes, such as increased methylation of the VDR resulting in decreased expression are associated with several cancers and infections. Genetic and epigenetic determinants play crucial roles in the function of mineral factors and their disorders lead to different diseases related to bone and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Portales-Castillo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Petra Simic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Liu Q, Zhou B, Liao R, Zhou X, Yan X. PIAS4, upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, promotes tumorigenicity and metastasis. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:3372-3381. [PMID: 31943317 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Protein inhibitor of activated STAT4 (PIAS4) protein has been implicated in regulating various biological activities including protein posttranslational modification, such as SUMOylation. In this study, we explored the roles of PIAS4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed the PIAS4 expression in cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues from 38 HCC patients and its correlation with patients' prognosis. In vitro, PIAS4 was overexpressed or knockdowned in Huh-7 and HepG-2 cells. Then Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay were performed to assess cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, SUMOylation of AMPKα and NEMO mediated by PIAS4 was investigated. The results showed that the PIAS4 expression was significantly upregulated in cancer tissues and was correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. PIAS4 silencing blocked the SUMOylation of AMPKα and NEMO, leading to enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, inhibition of AMPKα or NEMO by siRNAs attenuated the effect of PIAS4 silencing on Huh-7 and HepG-2 cells. In summary, our findings suggest that PIAS4 promotes tumorigenicity and metastasis of HCC cells by promoting the SUMOylation of AMPKα and NEMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baoyong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yan YL, Zhang C, Hao J, Wang XL, Ming J, Mi L, Na J, Hu X, Wang Y. DPPA2/4 and SUMO E3 ligase PIAS4 opposingly regulate zygotic transcriptional program. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000324. [PMID: 31226106 PMCID: PMC6608977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism controlling the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in mammals remains poorly understood. The 2-cell (2C)-like cells spontaneously emerging from cultures of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) share some key transcriptional and epigenetic programs with 2C-stage embryos. By studying the transition of ESCs into 2C-like cells, we identified developmental pluripotency associated 2 and 4 (Dppa2/4) as important regulators controlling zygotic transcriptional program through directly up-regulating the expression of double homeobox (Dux). In addition, we found that DPPA2 protein is sumoylated and its activity is negatively regulated by small ubiquitin-like modifier (Sumo) E3 ligase protein inhibitor of activated STAT 4 (PIAS4). PIAS4 is down-regulated during ZGA process and during transitioning of ESCs into 2C-like cells. Depleting Pias4 or overexpressing Dppa2/4 is sufficient to activate 2C-like transcriptional program, whereas depleting Dppa2/4 or forced expression of Pias4 or Sumo2-Dppa2 inhibits 2C-like transcriptional program. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Pias4 or Sumo2-Dppa2 impairs early mouse embryo development. In summary, our study identifies key molecular rivals consisting of transcription factors and a Sumo2 E3 ligase that regulate zygotic transcriptional program upstream of Dux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Long Yan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Hao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Lian Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Ming
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Mi
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Na
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinli Hu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangming Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Zenata O, Vrzal R. Fine tuning of vitamin D receptor (VDR) activity by post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Oncotarget 2018; 8:35390-35402. [PMID: 28427151 PMCID: PMC5471063 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Activated VDR is responsible for maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis, and is required for proper cellular growth, cell differentiation and apoptosis. The expression of both phases I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes is also regulated by VDR, therefore it is clinically important. Post-translational modifications of NRs have been known as an important mechanism modulating the activity of NRs and their ability to drive the expression of target genes. The aim of this mini review is to summarize the current knowledge about post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications of VDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Zenata
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Vrzal
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Bhattacharjee V, Zhou Y, Yen TJ. A synthetic lethal screen identifies the Vitamin D receptor as a novel gemcitabine sensitizer in pancreatic cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:3839-56. [PMID: 25558828 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.967070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Overcoming chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer (PCa) cells should significantly extend patient survival. The current treatment modalities rely on a variety of DNA damaging agents including gemcitabine, FOLFIRINOX, and Abraxane that activate cell cycle checkpoints, which allows cells to survive these drug treaments. Indeed, these treatment regimens have only extended patient survival by a few months. The complex microenvironment of PCa tumors has been shown to complicate drug delivery thus decreasing the sensitivity of PCa tumors to chemotherapy. In this study, a genome-wide siRNA library was used to conduct a synthetic lethal screen of Panc1 cells that was treated with gemcitabine. A sublethal dose (50 nM) of the drug was used to model situations of limiting drug availability to PCa tumors in vivo. Twenty-seven validated sensitizer genes were identified from the screen including the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). Gemcitabine sensitivity was shown to be VDR dependent in multiple PCa cell lines in clonogenic survival assays. Sensitization was not achieved through checkpoint override but rather through disrupting DNA repair. VDR knockdown disrupted the cells' ability to form phospho-γH2AX and Rad51 foci in response to gemcitabine treatment. Disruption of Rad51 foci formation, which compromises homologous recombination, was consistent with increased sensitivity of PCa cells to the PARP inhibitor Rucaparib. Thus inhibition of VDR in PCa cells provides a new way to enhance the efficacy of genotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bhattacharjee
- a Fox Chase Cancer Center ; Institute for Cancer Research ; Philadelphia , PA USA
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Distinct functional modes of SUMOylation for retinoid X receptor alpha. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:195-200. [PMID: 26116533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.06.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated human retinoid X receptor alpha (hRXRα) as a substrate for modification with small ubiquitin like modifier (SUMO) and how members of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) family may impact upon this process. In agreement with a previous study, we validate Ubc9 to facilitate SUMOylation of hRXRα at lysine 108 but note this modification to occur for all isoforms rather than specifically with SUMO1 and to preferentially occur with the unliganded form of hRXRα. SUMOylation of hRXRα is significantly enhanced through PIAS4-mediated activity with lysine 245 identified as a specific SUMO2 acceptor site modified in a PIAS4-dependent fashion. While individual mutations at lysine 108 or 245 modestly increase receptor activity, the combined loss of SUMOylation at both sites significantly potentiates the transcriptional responsiveness of hRXRα suggesting both sites may cooperate in a DNA element-dependent context. Our findings highlight combinatorial effects of SUMOylation may regulate RXRα-directed signalling in a gene-specific fashion.
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Lee WP, Jena S, Doherty D, Ventakesh J, Schimdt J, Furmick J, Widener T, Lemau J, Jurutka PW, Thompson PD. Sentrin/SUMO specific proteases as novel tissue-selective modulators of vitamin D receptor-mediated signaling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89506. [PMID: 24586832 PMCID: PMC3930751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a substrate for modification with small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO). To further assess the role of reversible SUMOylation within the vitamin D hormonal response, we evaluated the effects of sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs) that can function to remove small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) from target proteins upon the activities of VDR and related receptors. We report that SENP1 and SENP2 strikingly potentiate ligand-mediated transactivation of VDR and also its heterodimeric partner, retinoid X receptor (RXRα) with depletion of cellular SENP1 significantly diminishing the hormonal responsiveness of the endogenous vitamin D target gene CYP24A1. We find that SENP-directed modulation of VDR activity is cell line-dependent, achieving potent modulatory effects in Caco-2 and HEK-293 cells, while in MCF-7 cells the vitamin D signal is unaffected by any tested SENP. In support of their function as novel modulators of the vitamin D hormonal pathway we demonstrate that both SENP1 and SENP2 can interact with VDR and reverse its modification with SUMO2. In a preliminary analysis we identify lysine 91, a residue known to be critical for formation and DNA binding of the VDR-RXR heterodimer, as a minor SUMO acceptor site within VDR. In combination, our results support a repressor function for SUMOylation of VDR and reveal SENPs as a novel class of VDR/RXR co-regulatory protein that significantly modulate the vitamin D response and which could also have important impact upon the functionality of both RXR-containing homo and heterodimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Ping Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Sarita Jena
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Declan Doherty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Jaganathan Ventakesh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Joachim Schimdt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Furmick
- Divison of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University at the West Campus, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tim Widener
- Divison of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University at the West Campus, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jana Lemau
- Divison of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University at the West Campus, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Peter W. Jurutka
- Divison of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University at the West Campus, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Paul D. Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Doherty D, Dvorkin SA, Rodriguez EP, Thompson PD. Vitamin D receptor agonist EB1089 is a potent regulator of prostatic "intracrine" metabolism. Prostate 2014; 74:273-85. [PMID: 24242708 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A contributing factor to the emergence of castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the ability of the tumor to circumvent low circulating levels of testosterone during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), through the production of "intracrine" tumoral androgens from precursors including cholesterol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). As these processes promote AR signaling and prostate cancer progression their modulation is required for disease prevention and treatment. METHODS We evaluated the involvement of the vitamin D receptor ligand EB1089 in the regulation of genes with a role in androgen metabolism using the androgen dependent cell lines LNCaP and LAPC-4. EB1089 regulation of androgen metabolism was assessed using QRT-PCR, luciferase promoter assays, western blotting, enzyme activity assays, and LC-MS analyses. RESULTS EB1089 induced significant expression of genes involved in androgen metabolism in prostate cancer cells. Real-Time PCR analysis revealed that VDR mediated significant regulation of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A43, AKR1C1-3, UGT2B15/17, and HSD17B2. Data revealed potent regulation of CYP3A4 at the level of mRNA, protein expression and enzymatic activity, with VDR identified as the predominant regulator. Inhibition of CYP3A activity using the specific inhibitor ritonavir resulted in alleviation of the anti-proliferative response of VDR ligands in prostate cancer cells. Mass spectrometry revealed that overexpression of CYP3A protein in prostate cancer cells resulted in a significant increase in the oxidative inactivation of testosterone and DHEA to their 6-β-hydroxy-testosterone and 16-α-hydroxy-DHEA metabolites, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight a potential application of VDR-based therapies for the reduction of growth-promoting androgens within the tumor micro-environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan Doherty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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