Transcriptional regulation of the human sterol 27-hydroxylase gene (CYP27) and promoter mapping

Up to date on cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in bile acid synthesis

Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1, EC1.14) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the classic bile acid synthesis pathway. Much progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional regulation of CYP7A1 gene expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms of bile acid feedback regulation of CYP7A1 and bile acid synthesis in the last three decades. Discovery of bile acid-activated receptors and their roles in the regulation of lipid, glucose and energy metabolism have been translated to the development of bile acid-based drug therapies for the treatment of liver-related metabolic diseases such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review will provide an update on the advances in our understanding of the molecular biology and mechanistic insights of the regulation of CYP7A1 in bile acid synthesis in the last 40 years.

The influence of biological sex and sex hormones on bile acid synthesis and cholesterol homeostasis

Obesity and elevated serum lipids are associated with a threefold increase in the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition that underlies stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Strategies that aim to reduce serum cholesterol through modulation of liver enzymes have been successful in decreasing the risk of developing atherosclerosis and reducing mortality. Statins, which inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver, are considered among the most successful compounds developed for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, recent debate surrounding their effectiveness and safety prompts consideration of alternative cholesterol-lowering therapies, including increasing cholesterol catabolism through bile acid (BA) synthesis. Targeting the enzymes that convert cholesterol to BAs represents a promising alternative to other cholesterol-lowering approaches that treat atherosclerosis as well as fatty liver diseases and diabetes mellitus. Compounds that modify the activity of these pathways have been developed; however, there remains a lack of consideration of biological sex. This is necessary in light of strong evidence for sexual dimorphisms not only in the incidence and progression of the diseases they influence but also in the expression and activity of the proteins affected and in the manner in which men and women respond to drugs that modify lipid handling in the liver. A thorough understanding of the enzymes involved in cholesterol catabolism and modulation by biological sex is necessary to maximize their therapeutic potential.

Effects of glucocorticoids on vitamin D3-metabolizing 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) in Saos-2 cells and primary human osteoblasts

Vitamin D is essential for bone function and deficiency in active vitamin D hormone can lead to bone disorders. Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids results in osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures. Much remains unclear regarding the effects of these compounds in bone cells. In the current study, human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells and primary human osteoblasts were found to express mRNA for the vitamin D receptor as well as activating and deactivating enzymes in vitamin D₃ metabolism. These bone cells exhibited CYP24A1-mediated 24-hydroxylation which is essential for deactivation of the active vitamin form. However, bioactivating vitamin D₃ hydroxylase activities could not be detected in either of these cells. Several glucocorticoids, including prednisolone, down regulated CYP24A1 mRNA and CYP24A1-mediated 24-hydroxylase activity in both Saos-2 and primary human osteoblasts. Also, prednisolone significantly suppressed a human CYP24A1 promoter-luciferase reporter gene in Saos-2 cells co-transfected with the glucocorticoid receptor. Thus, the results of the present study show suppression by glucocorticoids on CYP24A1 mRNA, CYP24A1-mediated metabolism and CYP24A1 promoter activity in human osteoblast-like cells. As part of this study we examined if glucocorticoids are formed locally in Saos-2 cells. The experiments indicate formation of 11-deoxycortisol, a steroid with glucocorticoid activity, which can bind the glucocorticoid receptor. Our data showing suppression by glucocorticoids on CYP24A1 expression in human osteoblasts suggest a previously unknown mechanism for effects of glucocorticoids in human bone, where these compounds may interfere with regulation of active vitamin D levels.

A reduced protein diet modulates enzymes of vitamin D and cholesterol metabolism in young ruminants

Besides other adverse effects, a low protein diet has been shown to modulate cholesterol and vitamin D metabolism in monogastric species like rats and humans. As ruminants can increase the efficiency of the rumino-hepatic circulation of urea, it is assumed that goats should be able to compensate for a low dietary protein intake better. After a dietary protein restriction (9% vs. 20%) for six weeks, plasma concentrations of urea, albumin, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and calcium were decreased, while plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD₃), and total cholesterol were significantly increased in young goats. Because this was not accompanied by any decrease in expression of CYP24A1 mRNA, we investigated mRNA expression of additional enzymes with known 24- and/or 25-hydroxylase activities (CYP2R1, CYP2J2, CYP3 A24, CYP27A1), receptors involved in their regulation (VDR, PXR, RXRα) and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP). CYP2R1expression was stimulated with the low dietary protein intake, negatively correlated with plasma urea and positively associated with serum 25-OHD₃. The greater plasma concentrations of total cholesterol could be explained with the reduction of CYP2J2 and CYP27A1 expression. None of the receptors investigated were affected by the dietary protein restriction but mRNA expression of VDBP was slightly reduced. Taken together our results show that dietary protein restriction has an impact on vitamin D and cholesterol metabolism in ruminants, too. Therefore, further investigations are needed before dietary interventions aiming at diminishing nitrogen excretion can be implemented.

Sterol Metabolism and Transport in Atherosclerosis and Cancer

Cholesterol is a vital lipid molecule for mammalian cells, regulating fluidity of biological membranes, and serving as an essential constituent of lipid rafts. Mammalian cells acquire cholesterol from extracellular lipoproteins and from de novo synthesis. Cholesterol biosynthesis generates various precursor sterols. Cholesterol undergoes metabolic conversion into oxygenated sterols (oxysterols), bile acids, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol intermediates and metabolites have diverse and important cellular functions. A network of molecular machineries including transcription factors, protein modifiers, sterol transporters/carriers, and sterol sensors regulate sterol homeostasis in mammalian cells and tissues. Dysfunction in metabolism and transport of cholesterol, sterol intermediates, and oxysterols occurs in various pathophysiological settings such as atherosclerosis, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we review the cholesterol, intermediate sterol, and oxysterol regulatory mechanisms and intracellular transport machineries, and discuss the roles of sterols and sterol metabolism in human diseases.

Re-adopting classical nuclear receptors by cholesterol metabolites

Since the first cloning of the human estrogen receptor (ER) α in 1986 and the subsequent cloning of human ERβ, there has been extensive investigation of the role of estrogen/ER. Estrogens/ER play important roles not only in sexual development and reproduction but also in a variety of other functions in multiple tissues. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are ER lignds that act as agonists or antagonists depending on the target genes and tissues, and until recently, only synthetic SERMs have been recognized. However, the discovery of the first endogenous SERM, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), opened a new dimension of ER action in health and disease. In addition to the identification of 27HC as a SERM, oxysterols have been recently demonstrated as indirect modulators of ER through interaction with the nuclear receptor Liver X Receptor (LXR) β. In this review, the recent progress on these novel roles of oxysterols in ER modulation is summarized.

The interaction between metabolism, cancer and cardiovascular disease, connected by 27-hydroxycholesterol

Oxysterols are metabolites of cholesterol that are produced in liver and other peripheral tissues as a means to eliminate cholesterol to bile acid. Recent studies have revealed that the most abundant circulating oxysterol 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) is the first identified endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator. 27HC levels correlate well with that of cholesterol, and also rise progressively with age. 27HC affects estrogen receptor function by the antagonism of estrogen action and also by the direct modulation of the receptor function, and similar to estrogen/estrogen receptors, 27HC has many actions in various tissues. This review article introduces the recent progress in the understanding of the role of 27HC in breast cancer and cardiovascular dysfunction.

Liver disease in infancy caused by oxysterol 7 α-hydroxylase deficiency: successful treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid

A child of consanguineous parents of Pakistani origin developed jaundice at 5 weeks and then, at 3 months, irritability, a prolonged prothrombin time, a low albumin, and episodes of hypoglycaemia. Investigation showed an elevated alanine aminotransferase with a normal γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase. Analysis of urine by electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) showed that the major peaks were m/z 480 (taurine-conjugated 3β-hydroxy-5-cholenoic acid) and m/z 453 (sulphated 3β-hydroxy-5-cholenoic acid). Analysis of plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed increased concentrations of 3β-hydroxy-5-cholenoic acid, 3β-hydroxy-5-cholestenoic acid and 27-hydroxycholesterol, indicating oxysterol 7 α-hydroxylase deficiency. The patient was homozygous for a mutation (c.1249C>T) in CYP7B1 that alters a highly conserved residue in oxysterol 7 α-hydroxylase (p.R417C) - previously reported in a family with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5. On treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), his condition was worsening, but on chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), 15 mg/kg/d, he improved rapidly. A biopsy (after 2 weeks on CDCA), showed a giant cell hepatitis, an evolving micronodular cirrhosis, and steatosis. The improvement in liver function on CDCA was associated with a drop in the plasma concentrations and urinary excretions of the 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 bile acids which are considered hepatotoxic. At age 5 years (on CDCA, 6 mg/kg/d), he was thriving with normal liver function. Neurological development was normal apart from a tendency to trip. Examination revealed pes cavus but no upper motor neuron signs. The findings in this case suggest that CDCA can reduce the activity of cholesterol 27-hydroxylase - the first step in the acidic pathway for bile acid synthesis.

Gastric acid, calcium absorption, and their impact on bone health

Calcium balance is essential for a multitude of physiological processes, ranging from cell signaling to maintenance of bone health. Adequate intestinal absorption of calcium is a major factor for maintaining systemic calcium homeostasis. Recent observations indicate that a reduction of gastric acidity may impair effective calcium uptake through the intestine. This article reviews the physiology of gastric acid secretion, intestinal calcium absorption, and their respective neuroendocrine regulation and explores the physiological basis of a potential link between these individual systems.

Cyclosporin A and atherosclerosis--cellular pathways in atherogenesis

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant drug widely used in organ transplant recipients and people with autoimmune disorders. Long term treatment with CsA is associated with many side effects including hyperlipidemia and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. While its immunosuppressive effects are closely linked to its effects on T cell activation via the inhibition of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway, the precise mechanisms underlying its cardiovascular effects appear to involve multiple pathways additional to those relevant for immunosuppression. These include inhibition of calcineurin activity and intracellular cyclophilin peptidylprolyl isomerase and chaperone activities, inhibition of pro-inflammatory extracellular cyclophilin A, and NFAT-independent transcriptional effects. CsA demonstrates complex effects on lipoprotein metabolism and bile acid production, and affects endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages, all of which are critical to the atherosclerotic process. Interpretation of the available data is hampered as many experimental models are used to study the effects of CsA in vivo and in vitro, leading to diverse and often contradictory findings. In this review we will describe the cellular mechanisms related to CsA-induced hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, with a focus on identifying pro-atherogenic pathways that are distinct from those relevant to its immunosuppressant effects. The potential of CsA analogues to avoid such sequelae will be discussed.

Transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic genes: STARD1, CYP11A1 and HSD3B

Expression of the genes that mediate the first steps in steroidogenesis, the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STARD1), the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (HSD3B), is tightly controlled by a battery of transcription factors in the adrenal cortex, the gonads and the placenta. These genes generally respond to the same hormones that stimulate steroid production through common pathways such as cAMP signaling and common actions on their promoters by proteins such as NR5A and GATA family members. However, there are distinct temporal, tissue and species-specific differences in expression between the genes that are defined by combinatorial regulation and unique promoter elements. This review will provide an overview of the hormonal and transcriptional regulation of the STARD1, CYP11A1 and specific steroidogenic HSD3B genes in the adrenal, testis, ovary and placenta and discuss the current knowledge regarding the key transcriptional factors involved.

Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated upregulation of human CYP27A1, a potential anti-atherogenic enzyme

Sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) is required for the hepatic conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and for production of 27-hydroxycholesterol which affects cholesterol homeostasis in several ways. Dexamethasone increases hepatic bile acid biosynthesis and CYP27A1-mediated enzyme activity in HepG2 cells. This study examines the mechanism of the dexamethasone-induced effect on the human CYP27A1 promoter. Dexamethasone treatment of HepG2 cells overexpressed with glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GRalpha) increased the CYP27A1 promoter activity more than four-fold as compared with untreated cells. The GR-antagonist mifepristone almost completely abolished the dexamethasone-induced effect on the promoter activity. Progressive deletion analysis of the CYP27A1 promoter indicated that sequences involved in GR-mediated induction by dexamethasone are present in a region between -1094 and -792. Several putative GRE sites could be found in this region and EMSA experiments revealed that two of these could bind GR. Site-directed mutagenesis of GR-binding sequences in the CYP27A1 promoter identified a GRE at -824/-819 important for GR-mediated regulation of the transcriptional activity. Endogenous and pharmacological glucocorticoids may have a strong impact on several aspects of cholesterol homeostasis and other processes related to CYP27A1-mediated metabolism. The glucocorticoid-mediated induction of human CYP27A1 transcription is of particular interest due to the anti-atherogenic properties ascribed to this enzyme.

Compared Effect of Immunosuppressive Drugs Cyclosporine A and Rapamycin on Cholesterol Homeostasis Key Enzymes CYP27A1 and HMG-CoA Reductase

Hyperlipidaemia, i.e. increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides, is a common side-effect of the immunosuppressive drugs rapamycin (RAPA) and cyclosporine A (CsA), and is probably related to inhibition of the 27-hydroxylation of cholesterol (acid pathway of bile acid biosynthesis). This might be one of the causes for the increase in plasma cholesterol, as 27-hydroxycholesterol is a potent suppressor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), a key enzyme of cholesterol synthesis. As the sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) inhibition by CsA is well known, we evaluated the effect of another immunosuppressive drug, RAPA, on this enzyme in HepG2 mitochondria, which confirmed the dose-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial CYP27A1 by cyclosporine (10-20 microM), while the inhibition by RAPA required a higher dose (50-100 microM). Corresponding K(i) was 10 microM for CsA (non-competitive inhibition) and 110 microM for RAPA (competitive inhibition). Cotreatment with both immunosuppressive drugs showed an additive inhibitory effect on CYP27A1 activity. Later, we analysed the effect of these immunosuppressants on HMGR expression in HepG2 cells, and a dose-dependent up-regulation of HMGR gene expression was observed. The results suggest that RAPA and CsA are both inhibitors of CYP27A1 activity with slightly different mechanisms and that they may accordingly increase HMGR expression.

Regulation of human CYP27A1 by estrogens and androgens in HepG2 and prostate cells

The regulation of the human CYP27A1 gene by estrogens and androgens was studied in human liver-derived HepG2 and prostate cells. Our results show that the promoter activity, enzymatic activity and mRNA levels of CYP27A1 in HepG2 cells are downregulated by estrogen in presence of ERalpha or ERbeta. Similar effects by estrogen were found in RWPE-1 prostate cells. In contrast, estrogen markedly upregulated the transcriptional activity of CYP27A1 in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. 5alpha-Dihydrotestosterone and androgen receptor upregulated the transcriptional activity of CYP27A1 in HepG2 cells. Progressive deletion experiments indicate that the ERbeta-mediated effects in HepG2 and LNCaP cells are conferred to the same region (-451/+42) whereas ERalpha-mediated effects on this promoter are more complex. The results indicate that the stimulating effect of androgen in HepG2 cells is conferred to a region upstream from -792 in the CYP27A1 promoter. In summary, we have identified the human CYP27A1 gene as a target for estrogens and androgens. The results imply that expression of CYP27A1 may be affected by endogenous sex hormones and pharmacological compounds with estrogenic or androgenic effects.

Recent advances in physiological calcium homeostasis

A constant extracellular Ca2+ concentration is required for numerous physiological functions at tissue and cellular levels. This suggests that minor changes in Ca2+ will be corrected by appropriate homeostatic systems. The system regulating Ca2+ homeostasis involves several organs and hormones. The former are mainly the kidneys, skeleton, intestine and the parathyroid glands. The latter comprise, amongst others, the parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin. Progress has recently been made in the identification and characterisation of Ca2+ transport proteins CaT1 and ECaC and this has provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ transport in cells. The G-protein coupled calcium-sensing receptor, responsible for the exquisite ability of the parathyroid gland to respond to small changes in serum Ca2+ concentration was discovered about a decade ago. Research has focussed on the molecular mechanisms determining the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3, and on the transcriptional activity of the vitamin D receptor. The aim of recent work has been to elucidate the mechanisms and the intracellular signalling pathways by which parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin affect Ca2+ homeostasis. This article summarises recent advances in the understanding and the molecular basis of physiological Ca2+ homeostasis.

Could steroids mask the diagnosis of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis?

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of bile acid synthesis, caused by impaired hydroxylation of cholesterol side chains due to deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), leading to accumulation of cholestanol and cholesterol in brain and other tissues. Elevated plasma cholestanol serves as a key marker for the clinical diagnosis of CTX. In the present report we describe a young man with CTX who was on high dose steroids for a misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and had normal level of serum cholestanol. When steroids were discontinued, markedly elevated serum cholestanol was measured concomitant with marked clinical worsening. This observation may imply that steroids can lower plasma cholestanol, possibly by directly inducing residual CYP27A1 activity or by inducing alternative pathways for cholestanol elimination.

Expression and regulation of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) in human macrophages: a role for RXR and PPARgamma ligands

CYP27A1 (sterol 27-hydroxylase) catalyses an important sterol elimination pathway in the human macrophage, and consequently may protect against atherosclerosis. We studied the expression and regulation of CYP27A1 in a human macrophage-like cell-line, THP-1, and primary HMDMs (human monocyte-derived macrophages). In both macrophage cell types, we found that CYP27A1 expression is independent of cellular cholesterol levels and of LXR (liver X receptor)-dependent control of transcription. However, the RXR (retinoid X receptor) ligand, 9-cis-retinoic acid, upregulates CYP27A1 expression. Of the RXR heterodimeric partners tested, PPAR (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor) gamma ligands significantly increased CYP27A1 mRNA levels. Its reversal by a PPARgamma antagonist demonstrated the specificity of this effect. Interestingly, HMDMs express markedly higher levels of CYP27A1 than THP-1 macrophages, and this difference was reflected in both protein levels and enzyme activities between the two cell types. In conclusion, stimulation of CYP27A1 by PPARgamma may represent a key previously unrecognized mechanism by which PPARgamma protects against atherosclerosis.

Regulation of sterol 27-hydroxylase in human monocyte-derived macrophages: up-regulation by transforming growth factor β1

Regulatory mechanisms for human CYP27A1 enzyme have not yet been fully investigated. Our approach was to add different hormones and cytokines to cultured human monocyte-derived macrophages, and assess the effects on the CYP27A1 by measuring the production of 27-hydroxylated cholesterol in the media. Of the different hormones and cytokines tested, only transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) had a clear effect on CYP27A1. Further experiments showed a significant increase in 27-hydroxylated cholesterol products (27-hydroxycholesterol and 3beta-hydroxy-5-cholestenoic acid). A concomitant increase in CYP27A1 mRNA levels was also seen and this positive effect was confirmed using a human CYP27A1 luciferase reporter gene expressed in HepG2 cells. Experiments with progressive deletion/luciferase reporter gene constructs indicated that a TGF-beta1 responsive sequence might be localized in a region about 400 bp upstream of the CYP27A1 translation start. The possibility is discussed that induction of CYP27A1 by TGF-beta1 may be responsible for some of the anti-atherogenic properties of this cytokine.

Gene expression profiling identifies retinoids as potent inducers of macrophage lipid efflux

Vitamin A and its naturally occurring derivatives 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) exert a variety of biological effects including immunomodulation, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis of normal and neoblastic cells. In order to directly study the effects of these retinoids on macrophage gene expression and lipid metabolism, primary human monocytes and in vitro differentiated macrophages were stimulated with beta-carotene, 9-cis RA, and ATRA and global gene expression profiles were analyzed by Affymetrix DNA-microarrays and differentially regulated genes were verified by quantitative TaqMan RT-PCR. Among others, we have identified a strong up-regulation of a cluster of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism including apolipoproteins (apoC-I, apoC-II, apoC-IV, apoE), the scavenger receptor CD36, steroid-27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha), and ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1). Since the CYP27A1 gene displayed the strongest up-regulation on the mRNA level, we cloned various deletion constructs of the promoter region and analyzed the response to retinoids in macrophages. Thereby, a novel retinoic acid-responsive element could be located within 191 bp of the proximal CYP27A1 promoter. To further assess the functional consequences of retinoid receptor action, we carried out phospholipid and cholesterol efflux assays. We observed a strong induction of apoA-I-dependent lipid efflux in stimulated macrophages, implicating an important role for retinoids in cellular functions of macrophages.

Regulation of human sterol 27-hydroxylase gene (CYP27A1) by bile acids and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha)

Mitochondrial sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) catalyses sterol side-chain oxidation of bile acid synthesis from cholesterol, and the first reaction of the acidic bile acid biosynthetic pathway. Hydrophobic bile acids suppress human CYP27A1 gene reporter activity when assayed in human hepatocellular blastoma HepG2 cells. Bile acids also inhibit CYP27A1 reporter activity in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. A putative bile acid response element (BARE) was mapped to a region downstream of nt -147 of the human CYP27A1 gene, within which a binding site for a liver-specific nuclear receptor, HNF4alpha, is identified. HNF4alpha strongly stimulates CYP27A1 gene transcription and mutation of its binding site markedly reduced promoter activity. Results suggest that human CYP27A1 gene transcription is suppressed by bile acids and HNF4alpha plays a pivotal role in transcriptional regulation of this gene.

Hormonal regulation of the human sterol 27-hydroxylase gene CYP27A1

The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper will appear in EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database under the accession number AJ 544720. The mitochondrial sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) is a multifunctional cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyses important hydroxylations in the biosynthesis of bile acids and bioactivation of vitamin D(3). Previous results [Babiker, Andersson, Lund, Xiu, Deeb, Reshef, Leitersdorf, Diczfalusy and Bj örkhem (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 26253-26261] suggest that CYP27A1 plays an important role in cholesterol homoeostasis and affects atherogenesis. In the present study, the regulation of the human CYP27A1 gene by growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), dexamethasone, thyroid hormones and PMA was studied. HepG2 cells were transfected transiently with luciferase reporter gene constructs containing DNA fragments flanking the 5'-region of the human CYP27A1 gene. GH, IGF-1 and dexamethasone increased the promoter activity by 2-3-fold, whereas thyroxine (T(4)) and PMA repressed the activity significantly when measured with luciferase activity expressed in the cells. The endogenous CYP27A1 enzyme activity in the cells was stimulated by GH, IGF-1 and dexamethasone, whereas T(4) and PMA inhibited the activity. Experiments with progressive deletion/luciferase reporter gene constructs indicated that the response elements for GH may be localized in a region upstream to position -1094 bp. The putative response elements for dexamethasone were mapped to positions between -792 and -1095 bp. The -451 bp fragment of the human CYP27A1 gene was found to confer the activation by IGF-1, and the inhibition by T(4) and PMA. Results of the present study suggest that CYP27A1 is regulated in human cells by hormones and signal-transduction pathways.

High sensitivity of rat hepatic vitamin D3-25 hydroxylase CYP27A to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 administration

CYP27A is considered the main vitamin D(3) (D(3))-25 hydroxylase in humans. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of the D(3) nutritional and hormonal status on hepatic CYP27A mRNA, cellular distribution, transcription rate, and enzyme activity. Studies were carried out in normal and in D-depleted rats supplemented with D(3), 25OHD(3), or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). CYP27A exhibited a significant gender difference and was observed throughout the hepatic acinus not only in hepatocytes but also in sinusoidal endothelial, stellate, and Kupffer cells. Neither D(3) nor 25OHD(3) influenced CYP27A mRNA levels. However, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) repletion led to a 60% decrease in CYP27A mRNA, which was accompanied by a 46% decrease in mitochondrial D(3)-25 hydroxylase activity. The effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) was mediated by a significant decrease in CYP27A transcription, whereas its mRNA half-life remained unchanged. Our data indicate that CYP27A is present in hepatic parenchymal and sinusoidal cells and that the gene transcript is not influenced by the D(3) nutritional status but is transcriptionally regulated by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) exposure.

Selective inhibition of CYP27A1 and of chenodeoxycholic acid synthesis in cholestatic hamster liver

The aim of this study was to explore the regulation of serum cholic acid (CA)/chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) ratio in cholestatic hamster induced by ligation of the common bile duct for 48 h. The serum concentration of total bile acids and CA/CDCA ratio were significantly elevated, and the serum proportion of unconjugated bile acids to total bile acids was reduced in the cholestatic hamster similar to that in patients with obstructive jaundice. The hepatic CA/CDCA ratio increased from 3.6 to 11.0 (P<0.05) along with a 2.9-fold elevation in CA concentration (P<0.05) while the CDCA level remained unchanged. The hepatic mRNA and protein level as well as microsomal activity of the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one 12alpha-hydroxylase and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-triol 25-hydroxylase were not significantly affected in cholestatic hamsters. In contrast, the mitochondrial activity and enzyme mass of the sterol 27-hydroxylase were significantly reduced, while its mRNA levels remained normal in bile duct-ligated hamster. In conclusion, bile acid biosynthetic pathway via mitochondrial sterol 27-hydroxylase was preferentially inhibited in bile duct-ligated hamsters. The suppression of CYP27A1 is, at least in part, responsible for the relative decreased production of CDCA and increased CA/CDCA ratio in the liver, bile and serum of cholestatic hamsters.

Mutations in the sterol 27-hydroxylase gene (CYP27A) cause hepatitis of infancy as well as cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis

Follow-up investigations were undertaken on a previously reported patient who had severe familial giant cell hepatitis in infancy associated with substantially increased urinary excretion of bile alcohol glucuronides. By the age of 11 years, he had developed a profile of cholanoids in plasma and urine that closely resembled the pattern seen in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). Sequencing of the sterol 27-hydroxylase gene (CYP27A) showed that he was homozygous for a deletion (525/526delG) that causes a frameshift and a premature stop codon. This genotype has previously been described in an adult female with classical symptoms of CTX (tendon xanthomata, cataracts and deteriorating cognitive function). A review of past medical histories of a group of patients with CTX revealed that prolonged neonatal cholestatic jaundice was common. The family histories also revealed fetal and neonatal deaths among siblings of patients with CTX. We conclude that defective activity of cholesterol 27-hydroxylase can lead to neonatal cholestatic jaundice ('hepatitis of infancy'), which may be self-limiting. After a latent period, however, progressive accumulation of cholesterol and cholestanol can lead to the xanthomata, neurodegeneration, cataracts and atherosclerosis that are typical of CTX.

Differences in the regulation of the classical and the alternative pathway for bile acid synthesis in human liver. No coordinate regulation of CYP7A1 and CYP27A1

It has been reported that there is a coordinate regulation of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in rats. Thus, the levels of the mRNA corresponding to these two enzymes were found to change in the same direction in rat liver and in isolated rat hepatocytes. In contrast, other groups have not seen such regulation of CYP27A1 in rabbit liver or in rat liver when using an activity assay. In the present work, the effect of bile acid treatment on human CYP27A1/luciferase reporter activity was studied in a transient transfection assay in human liver-derived HepG2 cells. Neither the endogenous 27-hydroxylase activity nor the CYP27A1/luciferase reporter activity were down-regulated by treatment of HepG2 cells with chenodeoxycholic acid or taurochenodeoxycholic acid. We also measured CYP27A1 mRNA and CYP7A1 mRNA in liver of humans subjected to treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, hydroxymethylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitor and a combination of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and cholestyramine. There was a 60-fold variation in the levels of CYP7A1 mRNA but only a 5-fold variation in the levels of CYP27A1 mRNA. There was no correlation between the two mRNA species. It is concluded that, in humans, there is little or no coordinate regulation of CYP7A1 and CYP27A1 at the transcriptional level, and that CYP27A1 is not subject to a negative feedback control by bile acids. The results underline that marked species differences may exist in mechanisms for control of synthesis of bile acids and cholesterol homeostasis.

Functional analysis of the promoter of human sterol 27-hydroxylase gene in HepG2 cells

Human sterol 27-hydroxylase catalyses the first step in the alternative pathway of bile acids biosynthesis in hepatocytes. However the gene encoding this enzyme (CYP27 gene) is expressed in every tissue and some evidence suggests that this enzyme plays a role in cholesterol homeostasis. Although modulation of CYP27 expression has been reported, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of this gene in human tissues is still poorly understood. To elucidate the mechanism governing CYP27 expression we cloned a 4.3 kb fragment of the 5' flanking region of the human CYP27 gene and constructed deletion mutants which were transfected into HepG2 cells. Functional assays showed that the -217/-10 nucleotide region from the translation start site (minimal promoter), devoid of TATA and CAAT boxes, contains all the elements for basal transcription. Foot-printing analysis of minimal promoter showed four protected regions (A-D). Regions A, B and D each contain one Sp1 binding site, and region C contains a HNF4 site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that Sp1, Sp3 and HNF4 transcription factors bind these sites. Mutagenesis of any of these sites resulted in the loss of promoter activity. Co-transfection of the minimal promoter with Sp1 and Sp3 expression vectors transactivated CYP27 gene promoter in Drosophila SL2 cells, which lack endogenous Sp proteins. Transactivation of the minimal promoter was also observed in HeLa cells co-transfected with HNF4 expression vector. Therefore, Sp1, Sp3 and HNF4 co-operate in the expression of the human CYP27 gene in HepG2 cells.